Putting Student Safety First

The safety and security of the students we transport is our core value. All employees of our company are committed to the highest level of safety in all our workplace and operational activities. Safety, security and reliability are at the heart of all the services we provide, and we place special emphasis on driver training, vehicle maintenance and fleet replacement.

Here are some examples:

Safety Principles guide all of our employees in the safe performance of all activities. All employees are trained in these principles. The key safety principle all employees are trained to adhere to is: "If you cannot do it safely, don't do it."

Driver Background Checks are conducted on all employees. We have the most extensive background check process in the industry.

The Smith System Advanced Driver Training provides the critical advanced driving strategies our drivers utilize to prevent collisions and safely transport our passengers in today's challenging traffic environments. Smith System training and refreshers are conducted throughout the school year to ensure safe driving practices.

Drug and Alcohol Testing is conducted to ensure all First Student operations are drug-and alcohol-free workplaces. First Student maintains a zero tolerance policy. Even our managers and employees are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Performance & Dexterity Requirements must be met by each First Student driver and attendant. All must pass a physical performance and dexterity test designed to verify physical and dexterity capabilities, which are necessary to meet the physical requirements of routine and emergency situations that may arise.

Driver Qualification on Line is a system that monitors driver qualifications as part of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations regulations.

Sexual Harassment Training is an integral part of our bus driver-training curriculum as well. This training addresses how to recognize and prevent bullying and sexual harassment to ensure children arrive at school ready to learn.

Young and developmentally disabled children have special safety needs as well. Our drivers are trained to care for the needs of these special riders.

Training on Six Types of Security Events and Procedures ensure our drivers and attendants are able to meet the safety of our passengers in specific event situations. In addition, dispatch staff receive special training on security response procedures.

Complete Safety Performance Standards & Standard Operating Procedures are provided to all our drivers and staff people. Guiding the safety-critical areas of our operations, these standards and procedures help to ensure the uniform, safe performance of all our operations.

Injury Prevention Program (IPP) helps us create an injury- and collision-free workplace. Designed for all managers and employees, this program emphasizes the importance of employees reporting safety, security and route hazards, as well as managers providing feedback and coaching to employees on safe behaviors. Every employee carries an IP handbook, which provides a record of safety communications and safety and security guidance.

Child Check Mate^® System is an electronic reminder system with an audible alarm that reminds drivers to check for sleeping children when their routes are complete. If the driver fails to perform this critical safety step and exits the bus, the alarm activates the vehicle horn and interior lights.

Theft-Mate^® Vehicle Intrusion Alarm System utilizes advanced sensors, to detect an intruder boarding a bus. Once detected, the system activates the vehicle interior lights and sounds an audible alarm. These devices are installed on most First Student buses.