Honoring School Bus Drivers

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed February 22 as the first-ever statewide School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Statistics show that students are almost eight times safer riding to and from school in a school bus than in cars. Every day Minnesota school bus drivers transport 760,000 students!

In an article published in the Kenyon Leader. Minnesota School Bus Operators Association President Josh Schiffler is quoted as saying "School bus drivers transport parents' most precious cargo - their children - day in and day out, and they do this job humbly and with great pride." Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman adds, "School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is a great way to honor their work and show our appreciation. We can help them every time we get behind the wheel by stopping for red flashing lights or stop arms and paying attention in neighborhoods and school zones."

Here in southeast Minnesota, school bus drivers face special challenges on rural gravel roads, especially in winter months. Extend a huge thank you today to your school bus drivers. They deserve it!