SCHOOL BUS OPERATION
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Year Published: 1955
Creator: defrenes-co-u-s-department-of-education
Description: Made in 1955 by DeFrenes & Co. for the U.S. Department of Education, "School Bus Operation" is one of a series of school bus driver training films. This one focuses on "passengers, driving hazards and safety". Filmed in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania and featuring what appear to be Dodge WF Series school buses, the film highlights the crucial role school buses and their drivers play in modern education, particularly in rural and suburban areas. It contrasts the challenges faced by earlier generations with the improved access to education today, thanks to reliable school transportation. Emphasizing safety, the film outlines the responsibilities of bus drivers—not just as drivers, but as caretakers akin to teachers—responsible for children's welfare from pickup to drop-off. It stresses the importance of vehicle maintenance, clear communication with school authorities and parents, and the value of bus safety patrols. Drivers are urged to avoid risky driving behaviors, follow safety protocols at railroad crossings and road crossings, and ensure every child is accounted for. The overall message underscores that school bus drivers are a vital part of the educational system, with a duty to prioritize safety, discipline, and trust every day. 0:00 –School buses are introduced as a key part of rural and suburban education, reaching nearly 5 million children. 0:45 – School buses follow fixed routes and schedules, picking up children to bring them to centralized, modern schools. 1:13 – A comparison between past and present: children now have easier access to better schools, unlike their parents who had to walk to small country schools. 2:19 – Emphasis on the advantages of modern schools and school buses. 3:04 – The school bus journey marks the beginning of the school day; driver responsibility is emphasized. 3:51 – Children depend on the driver for safety, welfare, and comfort. 4:07 – Bus drivers are likened to teachers in terms of responsibility for children during the ride. 4:27 – Parents view drivers as caretakers; trust and communication with parents is essential. 5:08 – Drivers should use tools like the bus safety patrol to help maintain order and safety. 5:53 – Bus maintenance is critical. Necessary repairs should be made promptly. 6:10 – An example of a driver requesting brake repair, highlighting the importance of functioning equipment. 6:40 – Drivers must report unusual conditions (like road hazards) to supervisors. 7:09 – A driver reports a washed-out road and a detour; the supervisor plans to notify parents and authorities. 8:01 – Reporting issues helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures student safety. 8:20 – It's equally important to get children home safely and on time. 8:33 – Bus safety patrol assists in loading and ensuring all children are accounted for before leaving. 9:09 – Drivers should manage seating to prevent bullying and maintain order. 9:33 – Emphasis on cautious driving: no risks, no passing on hills or curves. 10:26 – Railroad crossing safety: stop, wait for patrol signal, do not shift gears while crossing. 11:06 – If children must cross the road after exiting, drivers must ensure it’s safe and assist them. 11:46 – End-of-day bus ride: children return home, appreciating their driver. 12:21 – Final review: Driver responsibilities to students, parents, equipment, and school authorities. 12:48 – Closing safety reminders: drive carefully, use the patrol, prioritize children’s welfare.
Complete Record: Made in 1955 by DeFrenes & Co. for the U.S. Department of Education, "School Bus Operation" is one of a series of school bus driver training films. This one focuses on "passengers, driving hazards and safety". Filmed in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania and featuring what appear to be Dodge WF Series school buses, the film highlights the crucial role school buses and their drivers play in modern education, particularly in rural and suburban areas. It contrasts the challenges faced by earlier generations with the improved access to education today, thanks to reliable school transportation. Emphasizing safety, the film outlines the responsibilities of bus drivers—not just as drivers, but as caretakers akin to teachers—responsible for children's welfare from pickup to drop-off. It stresses the importance of vehicle maintenance, clear communication with school authorities and parents, and the value of bus safety patrols. Drivers are urged to avoid risky driving behaviors, follow safety protocols at railroad crossings and road crossings, and ensure every child is accounted for. The overall message underscores that school bus drivers are a vital part of the educational system, with a duty to prioritize safety, discipline, and trust every day. 0:00 –School buses are introduced as a key part of rural and suburban education, reaching nearly 5 million children. 0:45 – School buses follow fixed routes and schedules, picking up children to bring them to centralized, modern schools. 1:13 – A comparison between past and present: children now have easier access to better schools, unlike their parents who had to walk to small country schools. 2:19 – Emphasis on the advantages of modern schools and school buses. 3:04 – The school bus journey marks the beginning of the school day; driver responsibility is emphasized. 3:51 – Children depend on the driver for safety, welfare, and comfort. 4:07 – Bus drivers are likened to teachers in terms of responsibility for children during the ride. 4:27 – Parents view drivers as caretakers; trust and communication with parents is essential. 5:08 – Drivers should use tools like the bus safety patrol to help maintain order and safety. 5:53 – Bus maintenance is critical. Necessary repairs should be made promptly. 6:10 – An example of a driver requesting brake repair, highlighting the importance of functioning equipment. 6:40 – Drivers must report unusual conditions (like road hazards) to supervisors. 7:09 – A driver reports a washed-out road and a detour; the supervisor plans to notify parents and authorities. 8:01 – Reporting issues helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures student safety. 8:20 – It's equally important to get children home safely and on time. 8:33 – Bus safety patrol assists in loading and ensuring all children are accounted for before leaving. 9:09 – Drivers should manage seating to prevent bullying and maintain order. 9:33 – Emphasis on cautious driving: no risks, no passing on hills or curves. 10:26 – Railroad crossing safety: stop, wait for patrol signal, do not shift gears while crossing. 11:06 – If children must cross the road after exiting, drivers must ensure it’s safe and assist them. 11:46 – End-of-day bus ride: children return home, appreciating their driver. 12:21 – Final review: Driver responsibilities to students, parents, equipment, and school authorities. 12:48 – Closing safety reminders: drive carefully, use the patrol, prioritize children’s welfare.
Transcription
[Music] school buses. reaching out into every corner of rural and suburban areas have brought into being a new kind of education for nearly 5 million children. In thousands of areas such as this throughout the country, school buses operate every school day over fixed routes and keep definite schedules, stopping at arranged meeting places to pick up children so as to bring them all together in modern enlightened community schools. A few years ago, John and Mary might not have had the opportunity to attend a school like this. But today, you children have it a lot easier than when I was a little girl. There were no school buses then. I had to walk to school. >> Was the school very far away, mother? >> Yes, it was. Or at least it seemed so in those days. Mom, can you fix this? I bet the school you went to wasn't as nice or as large as our school. You're right, John. It was just a two room country school. You're fortunate to have such a good modern school with a bus to take you there and back. You'll have to hurry. It's nearly time for the bus. And don't waste any time getting out to this road. >> I hope you both have a good day. >> I hope so. Well, goodbye. We'll hurry up. >> Bye. Goodbye. For many children today, going to school is quite a different thing than it was for their parents. Now, school is as near as the bus stop. But how safe and comfortable the trip to school will be depends on the bus and the driver. You must be a good driver and be able to command the children's respect and cooperation. Actually, the school day begins for these children when they board the bus, for they are then under the school supervision. These children are totally dependent on you for their comfort, their welfare, their transportation, and their safety. You who drive the school buses are just as responsible for the children in your bus as if you were a teacher and all the children were members of your class inside the school building. To the parents, you are much more than just a good bus driver. You are responsible for their children until they reach the school. You must have their confidence and trust. In cases where a child requires special care or consideration because of age or physical condition, your individual responsibility to the parents of such a child is increased. As a school bus driver, you should take full advantage of anything that will help to make your job easier and safer. The children themselves can help if you have a bus safety patrol. The bus safety patrol members help you to load and unload, help keep order, and help to make every trip a safe trip. Patrol members help both you and the children in many ways and through their effort provide safer school bus transportation. Your bus must always be kept in a safe operating condition. Be sure that necessary repairs are made when required. Oh, Bill. How is everything? Fine, Tom. Except the brakes could stand a little tightening. I'm fussy about my brakes. When I step on them, I like them to hold. Do you think you could tighten them up a little before I take it out this afternoon? Sure, it won't take long. I don't blame you for being particular. I wouldn't want to drive a school bus with bad brakes. Okay, Tom. I'll see you later. I'll have it ready for you, Bill. Goodbye. >> Keep your superintendent or whoever handles the school bus supervision informed if anything unusual arises. >> Good morning, Bill. I was just wondering where you were. >> Morning, Miss Jones. I am a little late this morning. Can I see Mr. Johnson? >> Yes, he's in the office. Go right in. >> Thank you. Morning, Mr. Johnson. >> Good morning, Bill. Anything wrong? >> No, sir. Just wanted to tell you there was a wash out on the highway this side of Middletown. I was afraid to risk it, so I made a slight detour and arrived at school a few minutes behind schedule. Here's where the wash out is. I cut over here down 63 and back to the main highway here. >> I'm glad you reported this so promptly, Bill. I'll inform the parents of those children who are affected by the rerouting and ask the highway commission to make repairs as soon as possible. Will you let me know when you can use the road again? >> All right, Mr. Johnson. I'll keep you informed. Bye. By taking a few minutes to report this unusual condition, Bill may have avoided inconvenience to the children and misunderstandings between the school and the parents. It is just as important to get the children home on time as it is to get them to school in the morning. In helping the driver to load the bus when school is over and in seating the children, the members of the bus safety patrol give valuable assistance. Before the bus leaves the school on the homeward trip, it is the responsibility of the driver to see that each child that rides his bus is present or accounted for. In groups of mixed age children, there's sometimes a tendency to pick on a smaller child. Things like this will not happen if the children are properly seated. So have the child placed in another seat. With a bus full of children, you can't afford to take any driving chances. It's annoying to get stuck on a hill. But it could be worse if you try to pull around this truck. Passing on a hill is dangerous. A similar danger prevails on a curve. Passing on a blind curve or swinging over on the wrong side often leads to trouble. Remember, you can't see around every curve, so assume something is coming. Never take a chance. Here is another danger spot where you must take all safety precautions. This is very good advice for you to follow. Come to a full stop 100 ft from the track. Wait for the all clear signal from your patrol. Then drive slowly across. Do not change gears during the crossing. A railroad track is no place to stall. If children leaving your bus must cross the road, you should see them safely across before you drive on. Be sure the road is clear in both directions. Then signal the children to cross. Helping your children to cross the road in safety may take a little extra effort and a little more time on your part, but failure to do it just once might result in a serious accident. Another run nearly completed as John and Mary leave the bus for the short walk home. I wish I was a school bus driver like Mr. Brown. He's a good driver and a nice man to ride with. I like him. >> He takes good care of all of us. I like him, too. To review, remember you have a very definite responsibility to your children, to their parents, to your equipment, and to the school authorities. Drive safely at all times. Don't take chances. Make full use of the bus safety patrol. Make the children's welfare and safety your first concern.
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