DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. - You'll soon be seeing a lot more school buses on the road, but first, bus drivers in Duplin County got a lesson in safety before taking it to the road.
The annual school bus safety meeting was on Monday, and it was mandatory for the more than 120 drivers to get a refresher course on the rules on the road.
"Our bus drivers are one of the best in the state. Safety is number one and everyone here agrees to that,” said Jeff Thigpen, transportation director for Duplin County Schools.
The drivers heard from school resource officers and the North Carolina Highway Patrol about things like helping kids cross the street, not using cell phones on the bus, and how to report drivers who pass a stopped bus.
But this year's meeting also featured a new topic. For these drivers it's more than just keeping your eyes on the road they also have to pay attention to what's going on inside the bus.
Recent reports show bullying on buses is becoming an increasing problem, so these drivers learned how to identify signs of bullying and how to handle it on their bus.
"It’s not just driving them too and from school, it's making sure they're safe and they're in a safe environment as well,” explained Addie Hall.
Hall has been driving a bus for over 25 years and says she's glad they added the new session this year.
"You're like their safety blanket. The parents and the children rely on you to get them to school and back home safely,” Hall said.
But, she hopes she won't have to deal with any bullying on her bus.
"I’m looking forward to it and I'm hoping and praying we have a good school year if not better than last year,” said Hall.
At least these bus drivers will be prepared.
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