October 19, 2007  

LANSING – School districts throughout Michigan will celebrate Michigan School Bus Safety Week from October 22-26, 2007 .

Each school day, over 17,000 Michigan school bus drivers transport more than 850,000 students, traveling over 184 million miles annually.  Overall, the yellow school bus continues to be an icon of safe transportation staffed by drivers who take a personal interest in each student.

School bus drivers are the first and last school employee students see each day.  They help begin a productive school day with a smile, and deliver the students back to their parents at the end of the day.  School bus drivers and transportation support staff are an important contributor to each school district’s learning program.  

“The Michigan State Board of Education recognizes that the importance of protecting the safety of Michigan ’s school children extends beyond the classroom walls and the building,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.  “The Board has great respect for the accomplishments of Michigan ’s school bus drivers, mechanics, supervisors, and all school transportation personnel in providing the safest transportation possible for children to and from school and home.”

Michigan School Bus Safety Week serves as a fitting time to recognize everyone who contributes to the successful operation of the state’s school buses and urges all Michigan drivers to become more aware of school bus safety regulations and encourages all citizens to be alert and drive carefully near school buses.