Frederick County Public Schools prioritizes student safety through its comprehensive Bus Safety Action Program. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children at bus stops. The program ensures driver competence and vehicle integrity through rigorous measures.
Driver Training and Vetting
New drivers undergo criminal background checks and the Virginia child abuse/neglect registry searches, followed by extensive training that meets or exceed state requirements. All drivers participate in annual physical examinations, driving record checks, and drug/alcohol testing. Regular in-service training sessions keep drivers updated on best practices.
Vehicle Maintenance and Monitoring
School buses are equipped with video monitoring systems for student safety and are subject to frequent inspections by the State Department of Education and the Transportation Department.
Driver Responsibilities
Bus drivers are held to strict standards, including but not limited to the following:
- Stopping the bus to address emergencies.
- Prohibiting hazardous objects on board.
- Ensuring the bus is in safe operating condition.
- Adhering to all traffic laws, including railroad crossings and speed limits (45 mph on most highways, 60 mph on interstates and highways with speed limits over 55 mph).
- Maintaining discipline and reporting incidents.
- Activating warning systems 200 feet before stops.
- Never passing another school bus moving in the same direction.
- Keeping the bus clean and well-maintained.
For more information, please see the following:
- Virginia Code § 46.2-871
- Virginia Code § 46.2-919.1
- Virginia Administrative Code 8VAC20-70-10 et seq.
- FCPS Policy 702P, Operations and Finance - Pupil Transportation
- FCPS Regulation 702R-A, Operations and Finance - School Bus Safety and Driver Responsibilities
- FCPS Regulation 702R-B, Operations and Finance - Eligible Riders
- FCPS Regulation 703R-C, Operations and Finance - Walk Zones