Houston County Bus Drivers Test Safety Skills

The Houston County Board of Education hosted its annual “Bus Driver Rodeo” Thursday.

Throughout the safety competition, bus drivers were tested on their ability and knowledge of bus safety while maneuvering a school bus in and out of various obstacles.

“A couple of things I had a little problem with and that’s parallel parking so you have to use your own personal judgement when you do that and get some landmarks on where you need to make your turns,” said second year driver James Peaster.

Jim Flannagan, a bus driver now for two decades, says it’s all about the mirrors.

“It’s accuracy. If you can compete out here when you hit the streets you’re able to better negotiate that bus inbetween traffic.”

The obstacle course is complete with ten events where drivers are judged on parallel parking, the standards for railroad crossings, and docking.

Houston County Board of Education Director of Transportation Frank Scott says the competition helps to build a fellowship.

The top driver of the competition will compete at the state competition June 8th and 9th at the McConnell Talbert Stadium in Warner Robins.