KINGS PARK — The safety of the children in the Kings Park School District is extremely important to CSEA members who work for the district.
After a 10-year-old boy was hit by an SUV and seriously injured while crossing the street toward a school bus, unit members were inspired to do something to further promote bus safety awareness.
“After the accident, one of the bus drivers in our unit, Peter Scott, looked at the New York State Association of Transportation website and saw the winning drawing from a student bus safety poster contest, run by New York state,” said Unit President Rich Lasnier. “Peter and I started talking about the contest and thought it would be a great thing to do in Kings Park, since the accident with the young boy had just happened.”
For the contest, students from the Williams T. Rogers Middle School and the R.J.O. Intermediate School submitted drawings. Bus drivers on the unit’s newly formed Posters Committee selected first, second and third place winners based on which submissions best represents school bus safety.
The contest winners were awarded certificates and a VISA gift card, both provided by the unit.
The three winners will also have their submissions displayed in the school where they attend.
Unit members have been in full support of the contest since its conception, especially Ardith Evans, who was driving the bus on the day the boy was struck.
“The driver ignored the stop sign and the flashing red lights on the bus and blew right past us,” said Evans. “It was one of the most horrific things I’ve ever seen. I never want it to happen to another child.”
In fact, the unit is so dedicated to their cause that they have allocated money in their unit budget for next year’s contest. Five of the district’s schools will participate next year. Beyond participating in a contest, the district’s children appear to have received the message on the importance of bus safety awareness.
“Something really positive has come from this tragedy,” said Monica Broderick. “Kids are asking a lot more questions about bus safety.”
“This contest has been a great way to further cement students’ relationships with their bus drivers,” said Lasnier.
If there is one message that members want to get out to the public, it’s that they have to follow the rules of the road.
“Everyone has to stop for the red stop sign on a school bus,” said Broderick. “It’s not like an ice cream truck where if it’s safe, then you can pass. You have to stop. It’s not optional.”
— Wendi Bowie
