Bus Driver Concerns

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As the debate continues over whether it's safe to have children back in classrooms during this pandemic...the virus has created another dilemma...how to get them there.

Data from a-a-r-p suggests that nationally...75- percent of bus drivers are over age 55...which is the vulnerable age group for the virus....but unlike teachers....they can't do their jobs remotely to protect themselves from the virus.

Abc 36's christy bollinger talked to a driver about his concerns and what his school district is doing to keep him and his precious cargo...safe.

Bus drivers are dedicated to their district and the precious cargo they're responsible for...but because of the pandemic...there are limits.

"we are saying we're gonna stick to our guns and when we're called to school we're gonna show up but not at the risk of our health."

For floyd county bus driver daniel thomas, it's not himself he's worried about.

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"we've had some dedicated drivers that have been driving since the 70s."

He also has at-risk family members at home.

"that have some very grave underlying health conditions that would ya know certainly cause death."

Thomas says if positive cases surged, he would have to resign to protect his family.

"we have had a few drivers retire mostly because of their underlying health issues."

Safety is always on the minds of drivers in floyd county because of its history.

"floyd county was the site of one of the worst school bus disasters in the history of the nation.

When it comes to safety it is a 135% on the forefront of your brain that's what we strive for."

Bus rides will look different because of the pandemic.

There will be strict seating assignments, no two kids will sit in the same seat unless they're siblings, rows will be skipped or staggered to keep kids apart... masks will be worn and the seats closest to the driver will stay empty.

"we're gonna have a sanitizing station installed as soon as the children get on the school bus.

So right from the beginning we're gonna have an added level of protection."

The driver will keep track of seating assignments and attendance... to help if contract tracing is necessary.

Christy bollinger, abc 36 news.

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