Driving safely into the future

Karen Probasko, Bucks IU Van Driver, prepares to start her route for the day with a smile.

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) is getting in gear for National School Bus Safety Week which is spearheaded by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and celebrated the third week of October each year. This year’s awareness effort runs from October 21-25, 2024, with the theme of “Driving Safely into the Future.”

As an educational services agency, the Bucks IU manages a fleet of vans transporting students to educational sites across the region. The students range in age from 3 to 21, with diverse and specialized needs.

Throughout the year, the Bucks IU conducts safety checks and reinforces best practices with their van drivers and aides. “We want to raise awareness about the importance of following safety protocols, securing students properly in their seats and practicing careful driving habits every day,” said Staci Henderson, Bucks IU supervisor of transportation. “Our drivers and aides play a critical role in maintaining safety during daily operations, and this week is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of their attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.”

During the 2023-24 school year, the Bucks IU transportation department served nearly 1,500 students from various school districts, according to Henderson. Bucks IU van drivers are oftentimes a child’s first connection to their school day. Their travel experience being safe, secure and pleasant with a caring and compassionate driver can set the child’s tone for the entire day in the classroom. The same applies to the child’s van ride home for their evening with family, friends or guardians.

“We look for individuals who are patient, compassionate and committed to safety,” said Henderson. “Working with students requires understanding of their diverse needs, so we prioritize candidates with strong communication skills, reliability and the ability to handle unexpected situations with professionalism. Whether it’s supporting students with special needs or ensuring the safety of all passengers, our drivers and aides must be adaptable and dedicated to creating a positive and secure environment for every student.”

Lisa Muller has been a Bucks IU van driver for 10 years, currently transporting high school, elementary and preschool students. Muller said she marvels at how much growth she sees in the students over the course of a school year. “They are a great bunch of kids and my goal is to make the run an easy run, to make it fun,” she stated.

As National School Bus Safety Week approaches from October 21-25, the Bucks IU’s team of van drivers and aides asks everyone to reflect on their roles in promoting safe practices — whether as drivers, parents, or community members — to work together to make sure every child travels to and from school safely.