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Every year hundreds of local children and adults with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to attend summer camps and daily educational programs because of the work of The Bridge of Promise, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization based in Carnation, WA. The Bridge of Promise mission is to provide recreational, social and educational opportunities for developmentally disabled children and adults. In doing so, they strive to advocate for individuals and their families while developing a network of community support and resources.
Millions of children will be heading back to school in January and that means school buses will be back on the roads. First Student, the nation's largest provider of student transportation, offers important safety reminders for motorists and students. School buses make frequent stops in mornings and afternoons picking up and dropping off students. Motorists should allow ample time to stop when approaching or following a school bus and follow school bus stop arm laws. Students should stay alert and never run to catch a bus. Stop, look and listen before crossing streets and getting on and off a bus.

 

As children head back to school in January after winter break, First Student, Inc., North America’s largest provider of school bus transportation, reminds motorists and students to use extra precaution when snow and ice are on the roads and sidewalks.

Motorists should allow ample room to stop when approaching or following a school bus, especially during winter weather conditions. Buses make frequent stops loading and unloading students during morning and afternoon hours. Laws in all states require motorists to stop when the school bus stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest way to get to and from school; as much as 13 times safer than traveling in a passenger vehicle and nearly 10 times safer than walking to school. First Student buses are designed to provide maximum safety every day, even in extreme weather conditions. Each First Student bus undergoes a monthly maintenance review and yearly examination to ensure it is functioning at optimal safety and service standards. First Student school bus drivers conduct a pre-trip bus inspection every day before they begin their routes. Drivers also participate in a comprehensive training program which includes preparation for driving in inclement weather and adverse conditions like the recent wintery weather.