None2Slow
Regular Member
imported post
I read this and thought, hmm there is one way to help solve this. Just wondering what your thoughts are.
Bus operators too often face assaults
By Calvin Studivant
Alternate Vice President, Bus Department
There is no question that more must be done to protect bus operators.
When operating a motor coach -- whether carrying students, commuters,
tourists or the handicapped - whenever we open the door, we are exposed to
assaults.
Just in recent weeks, a driver in Utah was injured by a passenger who
attacked him and caused the bus to crash. In Chicago, a driver was hospitalized
in serious condition after being struck by a customer in a fare dispute.
Almost daily, school bus operators must deal with abusive and unruly
students.
Some employers are installing Plexiglas safety shields to protect drivers,
and video cameras are being installed in buses and in bus terminals to
record unruly behavior and threats.
In New Jersey, the state legislature passed a bill imposing severe
punishment for anyone assaulting a bus operator or rail employee, and the law is
proving to be effective. Coach USA has taken a further step and posted
notices in its buses in New Jersey warning of the severe penalties for
assaulting bus operators.
Our UTU National Legislative Office and many state legislative directors
are working with lawmakers, many of whom are eager to craft legislation
imposing penalties on those who assault drivers, and to require driver training
in how to deal with unruly and abusive riders.
Within the UTU, from the local level to the International, we have
qualified officers and staff working each day to help improve workplace safety.
Each of our bus locals should be working with state legislative directors
to provide examples of the problem and suggestions for solutions, which
should be communicated to lawmakers.
Billy Leazer
W.F.P.T. / H.A.P.T.
Worcester Foreign Power Team.
Hebron Any Power Team.
I read this and thought, hmm there is one way to help solve this. Just wondering what your thoughts are.
Bus operators too often face assaults
By Calvin Studivant
Alternate Vice President, Bus Department
There is no question that more must be done to protect bus operators.
When operating a motor coach -- whether carrying students, commuters,
tourists or the handicapped - whenever we open the door, we are exposed to
assaults.
Just in recent weeks, a driver in Utah was injured by a passenger who
attacked him and caused the bus to crash. In Chicago, a driver was hospitalized
in serious condition after being struck by a customer in a fare dispute.
Almost daily, school bus operators must deal with abusive and unruly
students.
Some employers are installing Plexiglas safety shields to protect drivers,
and video cameras are being installed in buses and in bus terminals to
record unruly behavior and threats.
In New Jersey, the state legislature passed a bill imposing severe
punishment for anyone assaulting a bus operator or rail employee, and the law is
proving to be effective. Coach USA has taken a further step and posted
notices in its buses in New Jersey warning of the severe penalties for
assaulting bus operators.
Our UTU National Legislative Office and many state legislative directors
are working with lawmakers, many of whom are eager to craft legislation
imposing penalties on those who assault drivers, and to require driver training
in how to deal with unruly and abusive riders.
Within the UTU, from the local level to the International, we have
qualified officers and staff working each day to help improve workplace safety.
Each of our bus locals should be working with state legislative directors
to provide examples of the problem and suggestions for solutions, which
should be communicated to lawmakers.
Billy Leazer
W.F.P.T. / H.A.P.T.
Worcester Foreign Power Team.
Hebron Any Power Team.