In light of National School Bus Safety Week the St. Joseph School District is trying to raise awareness to keep students safe.

“It’s really important that when the bus comes to a stop, that you stop,” said School District Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Jake Long.

This year’s national initiative safety week theme is centered around “At my stop, you stop!”

“Just be aware of your surroundings especially whenever you come up on a bus stop,” said Long. “Many times people think they can go ahead and make it through before the bus stops but if you see the flashing lights come on and the stop sign come out come to a stop for the safety of our kids.”

However, bus safety doesn’t stop with other motorists. As we previously reported, last month Apple Bus Company had a driver loose consciousness and crash his bus into a utility pole. No children were on the bus but the driver was transported to the hospital.

“All of our drivers on a yearly basis have to go through a medical and have a physical,” said Long. “Obviously that is something we’re concerned about and we do everything that we can do to prevent anything that’s preventable.”

Long said bus drivers have many training courses they are required to complete to try and keep students safe.

“They have monthly safety meetings, obviously they have training and certifications that they have to go through and it’s an ongoing process,” said Long. “The safety of our students is very important.”