Bus driver training in Harrison County

Even though the heat still feels like summer, for many students and teachers it is time to step out of the pool and into the classroom. Harrison County School District bus drivers have started to gear up and buckle in for their annual training.
School bus drivers across the Coast are revving up for the new school year. An average of 10,000 students ride the bus to and from school every day in Harrison County alone, making the position of bus driver one of the most important jobs in the school district. That’s why veteran bus drivers like Mike Andrews are on board. Andrews has been behind the wheel since the 80s. “I love working with kids and driving so it works out real good.”
School bus drivers for the Harrison County School District are required to take a two day course to make sure that they are up to date on the latest safety measures when it comes to riding a big yellow bus. “We are learning to expect everything, again looking for safety, making sure there are no leaks, cracks, damaged parts on the bus that could affect safety and operations,” said Andrews.
School transportation supervisors say training is key. Transportation Supervisor Tad Shaw said, “We make sure that we train our drivers very well. We talk about loading and unloading our students. We talk about watching for other motorists on the road, defensive driving. We also talk about public relations and dealing with our parents and anybody who may have questions out there as well.”
Shaw and other district leaders know all too well the massive responsibility bus drivers and other motorists hold each day with such precious cargo. “We also ask for parents and the public to be watching out for the bus. Our buses are going to be making frequent stops and we want them to see that stop sign. We want them not to follow to closely and just be observant. Our children are our most precious treasure and that’s our number one priority to make sure they are safe,” said Shaw.