COLUMBUS, Ohio — State officials unveiled the outcomes of the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group this week. Established by Governor DeWine in August following a tragic incident involving a Northwestern Local School District student, the working group has issued over two dozen recommendations aimed at bolstering the safety of school bus travel in the state.
The recommendations encompass various facets of school bus safety, including bus driver recruitment and retention, training and education, safety features, road and traffic safety, emergency response, and commercial bus services. Notable proposals include the development of a uniform curriculum for bus driver training, a regional advanced training program, and improved support for the well-being of bus drivers.
While the report refrains from mandating seat belts for all school buses, it underscores the importance of allowing school districts the flexibility to choose safety measures based on their unique needs. The working group proposed a grant program to offset the costs associated with school bus safety upgrades.
Governor DeWine, responding to the report, has directed the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Ohio Department of Transportation to address non-legislative recommendations at the state level. “When a tragedy like this occurs, we owe it to parents and the public to determine if more can be done to prevent it from happening again,” said Governor DeWine. “While studies consistently show that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for students, the working group found that there are things we all can do to make school bus travel safer.”
Additionally, he expressed his intent to engage in discussions with the Ohio General Assembly concerning enhanced penalties for bus-related traffic violations and potential funding mechanisms for school bus safety equipment and advanced bus driver training. The recommendations highlight a collective effort to prioritize the safety and well-being of students during school bus travel in Ohio.