Transportation director urges drivers to 'stop' for buses as Fremont students return to school

Mr. Warren, the district transportation representative, told the Fremont City Schools board the most dangerous moments for student riders are pickup and drop-off and urged the public to obey school-bus signals. He opened with a video from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office and said the district uses equipment such as LED lights, extended stop arms and stop-arm cameras on about 13 buses to improve visibility and enforcement. "Stop means stop for school buses," Warren said.

Warren cited a national safety statistic and the importance of driver awareness, saying students are "about 70 times more likely to get to school safely on a bus as opposed to a car." He described how stop-arm camera footage can capture clear license-plate information to pursue enforcement and told parents to review safety rules with children, wear lighter clothing on darker mornings and be ready at the bus stop.

Board members responded with praise and practical suggestions. One member noted the value of community education, another thanked drivers for their work on daily routes and for extra duties such as field trips and athletic transportation, and several members urged continuing the public reminders. The superintendent also noted a local heat advisory and said coaches and principals are coordinating to protect students during high temperatures.

The presentation was informational; the board offered thanks and no formal action, votes or policy changes were recorded in response to the briefing. The district said it will continue community outreach and to deploy available safety equipment as routes and routines evolve.