Reckless bus driving should be reported

It's constantly promoted by the media: the importance of obeying laws of school bus safety. Stopping for those flashing red lights on the bus. Watching children cross roads and streets. Driving carefully where children are waiting for the bus, etc.

Having observed what I believe are reckless driving habits of several school bus drivers recently, I wonder what laws are in place and being enforced concerning safety of children once they are actually on the buses.

On a recent morning, while traveling south from Chambersburg on U.S. 11, a Greencastle- Antrim bus pulled from Kauffman Road in front of me without stopping at the stop sign, made a left turn and headed toward Greencastle at a high rate of speed.

I was doing 60. The bus gained a good distance from me in no time.

Upon reaching Walter Avenue, the bus turned left. The turn signal was not used. It "flew" across as the traffic light was turning red.

I called Connie Zimmerman, the Greencastle-Antrim School District transportation manager, and reported the incident.

A few days later at 7:28 in the morning while traveling west on Mason-Dixon Road, another Greencastle-Antrim bus pulled from an I-81 exit in front of me without stopping, traveled a very short distance and made a quick left into the State Line Motel.

Again I called Ms. Zimmerman and reported the incident. I also told her of a second careless situation involving the first bus on another day, when it cut in front of traffic to turn into the Gibble's Potato Chip plant.

I asked Ms. Zimmerman if she had spoken to the driver of the first bus after my first call. I was told it was a personnel matter.

It should be every citizen's concern to observe the driving habits of school bus drivers. If you see reckless behavior, call the school's transportation department and report it.

If you're not satisfied with the response from the manager, call a couple school board directors and tell them. Better yet, go in person to a school board meeting and address the entire board.

The child's life that is saved could be someone near and dear to you.

Let's get the cowboys and cowgirls out from behind the wheel of school buses before there is a needless, tragic traffic accident.

Wade G. Burkholder

Chambersburg