Thumb School Bus Driver Wins Michigan Safety Championships

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26 -- Hudsonville Schools bus driver Loren Brandt finished first out of 37 competitors in the 26th annual Michigan School Bus Driving Championship in Midland on Wednesday, June 25.

Brandt will represent Michigan in the International School Bus Safety Competition in New York City July 20. The state event is sponsored by AAA Michigan and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT). Brandt bested the other Michigan drivers after both a written skills test and maneuvering a school bus through a closed course at Midland's Best Western Valley Plaza Resort that simulated everyday safety challenges when transporting students to and from school.

"This is the 26th year that AAA Michigan and the MAPT teamed to sponsor this event and we salute Loren and all Michigan school bus drivers," says AAA Michigan Community Safety Services Manager Richard J. Miller.

"Studies show that a school bus is by far the safest way to transport children to and from school. This contest, and continuing education by the state and local school districts, recognizes and prepares these drivers for keeping our youngsters safe," Miller says. Winners and runners-up from 12 regional championships took part.

Brandt and the others demonstrated their skills behind the wheel in several ways. Tested skills include steering a bus through a 12-station closed course including properly completing maneuvers such as turning, backing, safely dropping off and loading students and crossing railroad tracks and maneuvering tight spaces. Before they tackled the course, they also completed a written safety test and a pre-trip inspection of a deliberately "bugged" bus, all counting towards the championship.

Second place went to former state champion and Ubly Schools driver Len Schumacher of Ubly. Third place and Rookie of the Year awards went to Mary Cottrill, a driver for Lake Orion Public Schools.