New laws in several states that require school bus drivers to pass agility tests, and First Student is holding all of its drivers accountable for staying fit. They either pass, or they don't drive.
The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Ill., describes how the test is affecting 350 local First Student employees who have until Nov. 1 to pass their tests or be grounded. One driver is 70 years old and passed, and drivers who don't can retake it as many times as needed. Writes the Journal-Register:
But not all are happy with the new requirement. Driver unions are crying foul saying the tests violate civil rights. Some users on a online school bus driving forum call some of the tests "stupid" while others agree that drivers must meet certain basic physical requirement because of the important cargo they drive, the children. Others express frustration about additional requirements being placed on their positions but they still receive the same low pay.The point is to make sure the drivers have enough strength and endurance to act quickly in emergencies.
Drivers are expected to drag a 125-pound bag the length of a bus in 30 seconds, run up and down bus steps three times within 30 seconds and run from the front to the back of the bus and scoot down to the ground outside in 20 seconds.
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STN Editors