Bus Drivers from Across the U.S. Compete in Skills Competition in Anne Arundel County

In Anne Arundel County, approximately 100 school bus drivers from across the country participated in the annual School Bus International Safety Competition. At the day long competition, drivers competed in exercises that demonstrated their skills at parallel parking, backing out of alleys, crossing railroad tracks, and picking up students. The contest is in its 41st year and attracts drivers from 37 states, including four participants from Maryland. The drivers compete in three categories: small bus, conventional, and transit style. According to the executive director of the National School Transportation Association, a good bus driver needs a solid attention span and good driving skills. “A lot of it is judgment,” he said.

A driver from Pennsylvania came in first in the conventional category and has won the competition six times before. “It keeps you sharp on the driving skills and new laws,” said the winning competitor, “I don’t do it to win. I do it to have fun. Winning is a bonus.”

Since 2000, 1,386 people have died in school transportation-related crashes. Of those fatalities, eight percent were occupants of the school bus and 20 percent were non-occupants such as pedestrians or bicyclists. The majority, 72 percent, were occupants of the other vehicles involved in the crash.

While most school bus drivers are well trained and very cautious, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, call the car accident lawyers in Baltimore at Alpert Schreyer. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your case and help you receive the compensation you need and deserve. Call 301-932-9997 to get started with one of our experienced attorneys today.