Chester County, Pa. swept the top three awards in this year’s Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Safety Competition, Pa. state Senator Andy Dinniman announced.

“Bus drivers have a vital role in keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school each day,” Dinniman said. “Having all three of the winners come from Krapf School Bus in Chester County shows how much our schools and our drivers emphasize student-first safety. I thank them for their work and service and wish them the best for   safe and happy travels this year.”

The 2019 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Safety Competition, Conventional Bus Division Winners are as follows:

• First Place: Ruth Del Vecchio, Chester County; Krapf School Bus
• Second Place: Shanon O’Brien, Chester County; Krapf School Bus
• Third Place: Joanne Cowan; Chester County; Krapf School Bus

Held each June, the competition tests school bus drivers’ knowledge of safety rules and safe operation of their buses, says a press release. This year, 84 conventional school bus drivers from across Pennsylvania participated in the 43rd Annual competition on June 21 and 22 at Mount Nittany Elementary and Middle Schools in State College.

They were scored on 12 categories, including: Starter/Stop Line/Bus Stop, Offset Alley, Diminishing Clearance, Railroad Crossing, Straight Line, Controlled Right Turn, Backup, Parallel Parking, Curb Line Park, Height Judgement, Physical & Verbal Vehicle Inspection, and a Written Exam.

Dinniman also reminded drivers and motorists that they also play an important role in the safety of children and students traveling to and from school. “We all have a duty to ourselves, our children, our families, and each other when driving on our roadways. That includes, paying attention, being aware of other drivers and pedestrians, and following traffic and safety laws like Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law,” he said.

The Pennsylvania School Bus Association, founded in 1980, consists of over 300 school transportation contractors and industry partners.