thekatie
New member
I really struggled with where to put this thread, so if it needs to be moved my feelings aren't going to be hurt!
I know that school buses are safe, in some (many?) ways even safer than the average Joe's little car on the road. The size and color for visibility, the compartmentalization inside the bus, the training most drivers have to go through. I know all that, and have never hesitated to let my oldest on the bus, from when he first asked in 1st grade (he's in 6th grade now).
Since the start of this current school year there have been at least 12 accidents involving school buses for our district. In addition, there have been cases of drivers driving on suspended licenses, and one man was arrested for smoking marijuana on the bus while the kids were at an event.
My friend sent me this picture that she stopped for on the way to work:
This happened today, this morning.
So, all of that to say: I am really torn. My son LOVES the bus, and from a lazy standpoint I like him riding the bus. It's getting cold, I don't want to have to bundle my toddler and myself up to drive, when the toddler naps he is usually asleep around dismissal time, I just don't *want* to drive, I've been spoiled by him riding the bus. It's been such a nonissue with the buses seeming so safe, but now... Would you still continue to let your child ride the bus with so many incidicents happening lately?
On an annoyance but not necessarily safety issue, there also seems to be no rhyme or reason on when he gets home. According to schedule it should be about 4:35, but it's frequently after 5 because a driver didn't show up and buses have to be combined. Or a substitute bus driver who isn't familiar with the route takes longer as well.
I know that school buses are safe, in some (many?) ways even safer than the average Joe's little car on the road. The size and color for visibility, the compartmentalization inside the bus, the training most drivers have to go through. I know all that, and have never hesitated to let my oldest on the bus, from when he first asked in 1st grade (he's in 6th grade now).
Since the start of this current school year there have been at least 12 accidents involving school buses for our district. In addition, there have been cases of drivers driving on suspended licenses, and one man was arrested for smoking marijuana on the bus while the kids were at an event.
My friend sent me this picture that she stopped for on the way to work:
This happened today, this morning.
So, all of that to say: I am really torn. My son LOVES the bus, and from a lazy standpoint I like him riding the bus. It's getting cold, I don't want to have to bundle my toddler and myself up to drive, when the toddler naps he is usually asleep around dismissal time, I just don't *want* to drive, I've been spoiled by him riding the bus. It's been such a nonissue with the buses seeming so safe, but now... Would you still continue to let your child ride the bus with so many incidicents happening lately?
On an annoyance but not necessarily safety issue, there also seems to be no rhyme or reason on when he gets home. According to schedule it should be about 4:35, but it's frequently after 5 because a driver didn't show up and buses have to be combined. Or a substitute bus driver who isn't familiar with the route takes longer as well.