Reminders for Safe Transportation in Winter Weather

As winter weather sets in, we are sharing important information about how road and weather conditions can affect school bus travel. 

Buses are large and heavy, which means they require more space and time than a passenger vehicle to safely maneuver and stop.  On icy roads, buses require even more space and can slide or get stuck without adequate traction. 

Our drivers are trained to handle the challenge of icy roads and adverse weather, but sometimes the safest choice is to adjust routes or ask families to assist with a safe pickup. We recognize that changes to a bus route can be inconvenient, and we truly appreciate your flexibility during these times. Please know that every decision we make is guided by our commitment to student and driver safety and well-being.

What Families Can Expect:

As we know, the weather can change very quickly in our region. When a bus driver encounters or knows ahead of time that a road is impassable or unsafe, they will contact impacted families directly to arrange an alternate location for pickup or drop‑off. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize student and driver safety. 

Bus route delays greater than 10 minutes or cancellations will be noted at our website (link). We encourage families to download the FSD App (link) to get push notifications on critical bus route alerts. 

Key Safety Considerations:

• Dress Appropriately: Students are to dress for winter weather, including warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots, as wait times at bus stops may be longer.
• Road Safety: Buses need more time and space to stop or maneuver. On icy or snow‑covered roads, the space needed to stop safely increases.
• Reduced Traction: Ice and packed snow reduce friction between tires and the road. Even heavy vehicles can slide when traction is lost.
• Maneuverability: A bus’s length and size make sharp turns or quick adjustments harder, increasing the risk of skidding.
• Visibility Issues: Blowing snow, fog, and reduced daylight are hazards that all drivers need to take additional care navigating. Additional caution is taken for intersections and bus stops. 
• Access to Rural Stops: Rural roads may not be cleared or sanded as quickly as in‑town routes, making them less safe for travel.  

The safety of every student and driver is our priority. We are grateful for your partnership and understanding as we navigate the challenges of winter weather together.

For additional information about transportation services and safety, please review the Transportation Handbook.