CINCINNATI — With the end of another school year, school days will become just a memory. But for many, those memories still linger.
Most adults, without hesitation can readily recall the name of a favorite elementary school teacher. A surprising 39 percent can also recall the name of their school bus driver. In a recent survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for First Student, Inc., the nation’s largest provider of school bus transportation, 42 percent of women and 35 percent of men who rode a bus to school said they recalled the name of one of their school bus drivers. Baby-boomers had the highest recall, with 47 percent of adults ages 45 to 54 and 42 percent of adults ages 55 to 64 stating they could remember the name of their school bus driver.
When asked to share their most memorable experiences on a school bus, most survey respondents recalled having fun and riding the bus with friends. Many surveyed still remember riding the bus on their first day of school. Other fond memories included singing favorite songs, a bumpy ride in the back of the bus, budding romances, field trips and receiving special holiday and end-of-year treats from bus drivers.
According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, school buses are the safest form of transportation for children traveling to and from school – even safer than the family car. At the conclusion of another school year, First Student congratulates school bus drivers across the country for their professionalism and safe practices, contributing to one of the safest school seasons on record.