KENOWA HILLS, Mich. -- Bus drivers are getting ready to make this year extra special for your children while putting safety first.
Julie Peck Sypniewski, a bus driver with Kenowa Hills Public Schools, has been driving for the district for14 years. She says the students are the main reason so many people pursue a career as a bus driver.
“I’m the first they see in the morning and the last they see when they get off, and that leaves a huge impression on my kids,” Peck Sypniewski said. "I hope it does anyway."
The district's bus system was contracted to Durham Transportation about five years ago. Despite this change, drivers say your student’s safety has only become more precious to drivers with the implementation of on board cameras and a new light/alert system, after two Coopersville teens died when they crashed into the back of a school bus in 2011.
Bus drivers agree that it’s important for the public to know when to stop for students, saying it’s a crime to pass a bus whenever pickup-up or dropping off a child. “Yellow lights below, pass real slow. Yellow lights on top, prepare to stop,” said Diane Schwaiger, office manager at Kenowa Hills bus garage.
Fines vary depending on where offenders get caught passing a bus, and it’s an automatic three points on your license.
“A lot of times I’ll holler back to the kids, 'Hey, get that license plate number for me!” said Theresa Boos, a bus driver of 15 years. “That could be your grandkid or neighbor’s kid. If you see the ‘yellows’ coming down, that means we’re going to stop.”
Drivers with the district drive about 325,000 miles each year, hoping every mile driven is safe and enjoyable for your loved ones.
