Cumberland County unveil new safety measures for school buses

CUMBERLAND COUNTY (WTVD) -- We're just days away from the first day of school for many students in the area.

On Thursday, Cumberland County bus drivers were preparing for students by picking up buses and driving their routes as though it were a normal day. This year, bus drivers are taking extra steps to keep children safe.

Mary Smith has been a bus driver with Cumberland County for over 10 years.

"I really enjoy the kids," said Smith. "It's really scary because you're thinking what if a child actually gets hit?"

Smith said it's a job that comes with a lot of responsibility. Her message for drivers this year is to be on high alert.

"Just start paying attention to lights, stop signs, and stop lights," said Smith.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App

It's what she and other bus drivers learned in training just weeks ago. In addition, to some new safety tools that they'll use on the roads.

"Buses with a stop-arm camera," said executive director of transportation Dianne Grumelot. "So, if somebody does run the bus, we get a picture of the motorist, vehicle, and license plate number.

Grumelot said more than 400 school buses carrying children hit Cumberland County roads every day during the school year. New procedures like the extended arms, stop arm cameras, and bus boarding hand signs are forms of added protection for area children.

"Anything we can do to help avoid accidents is what we're trying for," said Grumelot.