School bus drivers prepare for wet roadways, ask other drivers to do the same

As roadways were drenched overnight by pouring rain, the tail end of it is seeing school bus drivers getting ready to hit the road.

Dozens of school bus drivers will haul students to and from school this and every morning, rain or shine.

Some of the drivers will tell you the wet roadways aren’t much of an issue compared to the lack of adjustment other drivers make on the road.

This is especially concerning to bus drivers considering the “precious cargo” they tend to have on board buses in the morning.

“They have all the normal distractions to deal with in every day driving,” says Salinas Union High School District Transportation Manager, Greg Allan. “The bad weather can only complicate things for them.”

The maintenance itself can be stressful for SUHSD employees.

With dozens of drivers comes dozens of school buses needing tire work, new windshield wipers, fuel and proper working lights.

“Most of our buses are fairly new so they have the 8 light system to give advance warning to all the drivers out there,” says Allan.

Allan has one final bit of advice for anyone who thinks rushing through traffic and quickly by bus drivers is a good idea.

“Just be patient and know what to expect when you’re out there. Take your time and be able to anticipate any problems.”