50 Car Pile-Up in Sumner County

School bus driver Ricky Graves was honored for his actions to keep students safe as 50-car pileup unfolded.

On December 1st, what seemed like a normal bus route was disrupted by an oncoming truck. When Ricky Graves noticed the headlights shining through the thick fog, he pulled his bus to the right while the car beside him went left. With fourteen students on board, a head-on crash would have been disastrous. Thanks to Grave's fast thinking and quick reflexes, no one on the bus was hurt.

The students and Graves then watched as car after car sped past the bus and into other cars. Which resulted in a fifty-car pile up. As Jeeps were spinning by and other cars were going up in flames, Graves and the students on board sat in an anxious silence. Even as a camper scraped against the bus, Graves kept the students calm and remained in control.

Ricky Graves is truly amazing, and deserves everything he has gotten: a certificate of appreciation. He saved the lives of fourteen people, not including himself. Then he waited for two hours with the children until things settled down and help arrived. Even then he loaded the children safely onto another bus and sent them to school, staying behind to transport people involved in the crash to Sumner County Administration Building--truly spectacular.

If you want to read more about Mr. Graves, then click on this posts title, and the link will bring you to the original story.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Happy Holidays!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, at least that's what all the songs tell us. I know I'm not alone when I say that the holiday season and all of it's glorious chaos puts a smile on my face. I can also admit--with pleasure--that the start of December and seeing all those decked out houses can always brighten my mood!

Being in a Minnesota winter is being guaranteed of having a white holiday. There is nothing I like more than to add a heated blanket to my bed, and a stack of good books to my nightstand. Although playing in the snow can be a great time with your friends, I absolutely despise driving through the slush! It can cause too many little mistakes (turning too fast or suddenly trying to stop). So here are some tips to make driving in our winter wonderland more manageable:

• Have your car examined before you leave.
  Be prepared for a change in course.




• Stay hydrated for the journey.




• Pack a winter safety kit for the car
  



• Make frequent rest stops.
  
  

Use this as a check-off list so you know you are fully prepared! I would also suggest marking on a map where the rest stops are just in case you need to make an emergency stop.

Happy holidays to all, and to all a safe drive!

Thank You,

Haleigh

Fight on LOUISVILLE, Ky school bus

A fight broke out on bus 0110 at about 7:30 am while transporting students to Frost Middle School. The fight was between four middle school girls and the reason for the fight is unknown. The driver was made aware of this fight by another student on board after a kitchen knife and a pair of scissors was brought into the fight. The driver pulled the bus over and contacted the police. There was no one stabbed but some students had bruises.

After the fight, the student's backpacks were searched and two more kitchen knifes were found. The students are not being charged and will receive punishment from the school hand book guidelines. There are no fights or weapons of any kind allowed on Hoglund Transportation buses! If you are caught, you will be written up. Be safe and behave.

Thank You,

Haleigh

Bus in CONEWANGO, N.Y. Hit by Stray Bullet

Just two short days after hunting started, a School bus with 35 students still aboard was hit by a stray bullet. The incident occurred on November 22 at 7:30 am. The round entered above the door and lodged itself between the driver's seat and the first row on the other side of the bus.
Narrowly missing the driver and a seated student.

The Man who shot the gun, one 59 year old William Squire, was hunting from his deer stand. He saw a buck, took aim with his 30.06 riffle, fired...and missed. Causing the bullet to travel roughly 500 yards before crossing state route 241 and connecting with the school bus. William turned himself in and is now facing charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and was cited for a DEC violation of firing across a highway.

I know that when you see that big ten pointer buck your first reaction, (if not yelling "Do you see him!") is to shoot. I'd like to suggest a rearrangement of your reactions and change the first one to thinking about what your going to hit if you miss him. Then proceed with the yelling, and gun firing when you know it's safe.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Know you are all excited to gather your families and race to Grandma's table, but I would just like to remind you that it's winter and the roads are bound to be covered in snow. Remember to take your time if you are leaving home; I'm sure that if you give a Grandma a call she'll make Grandpa wait to carve.

Here are some tips for driving in snow and ice.

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.


• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.


• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.


• Keep your lights and windshield clean.


• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.


• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.


• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Just keep these simple tips in mind whenever you have to drive in less then optimal conditions. Remember, even though Mr. Turkey doesn't seem to mind the snowy weather, you should.

Thank You,

Haleigh

You Know it's Deer Season When...

On November 10th, a deer crashed into a Licking Valley school bus. This happened when the car in front of the bus hit the deer, catapulting it throught the windsheild of the bus, where it landed seven seats back. The school bus has received serious damage, such as the seats being bent. Fortunately the school bus driver only received minor injuries and there were no students on board.

Please take this incident as a reminder to keep an eye out for deer on or along the road. If you would like to read in more detail about this story, click on the link attached to this post's title.

Thank You,
Haleigh

We're Walking Fit!

* * * * * * * * * * * *
* *BRAND NEW* *
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We are starting a new get fit program here at Hoglund Transportation! This one is called Walk Fit. The goal is to take at least 10,000 steps a day, and 35 people are now participating!

Since we had such good success with our Driven Driver Challenge, we decided to give it another go. Just like with our other program, we have journals to record any and all exercise. We rent a pedometer to help track our steps and make sure everything is fair.

Other than walking, we have a converter on our progress site so we can keep track of our other activities as well. We will be doing this program for eight months. With so many people participating I cannot wait to see the outcome! Time to get walking so we can get fit!

Thank You,
Haleigh

Costumes and Candy!

Houglund Transportation would like to wish everyone a Happy (if not haunted) Halloween!!

Here are some safety tips for that night and the days of sugary goodness that follow!

• Children should always go out trick-or-treating accompanied by a responsible adult.




• Some towns set a curfew for trick-or-treating which makes it easier for people to know when they can expect no more visitors.




• Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that they have a cell phone.




• Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff!




• Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.




• Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.




• Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick-or-Treating without an adult.
  

Also this is a reminder to not eat or hand out candy on the school bus. It can be dangerous and distracting! We look forward to seeing everyone in costumes this Monday! If you are interested in more Halloween safety tips or facts, click on the title and follow the link.

Thank You,
Haleigh

All In A Days Work!

In Angole, New York, Lori saved the lives of students just by being aware.

At a routine drop-off, she stopped, checked her surroundings, and after making sure it was safe she opened her door to let the students off. Just before the students left the bus, Lori noticed an oncoming vehicle and pulled her door closed. When the doors shut, an out of control vehicle skidded sideways in front of the door and across three lawns.

Parents who witnessed it were able to give the police a description of the car and a partial license plate. No news on weather or not the vehicle has been located as of yet.

Lori was presented with a certificate for her actions as well as flowers. She later said,
"It was all in a day's work, and I am glad I could be of service."

Well Lori, it was a good call and I'm very impressed! Such a good example on how important it is to always be aware of your surroundings. If you want to learn more about it, click the link connected to the title.

Thank You,
Haleigh

National Walk to School Day!

The above picture shows Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Walking to School.

National Walk to School Day was held on October 5Th this year and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez Joined students on their walks!

This event has a completely positive effect on not only the students but also on the environment! For the students, it helps wake up their minds and prepare them for the school day, while giving them a way to be active and healthy. For the environment, it cuts back on general emissions and traffic congestion.

Did you know that walking and/or biking to school is second place (right behind riding the big yellow bus) in safest way to get to or from school? It is kind of surprising to think of it that way since so many kids either drive themselves or are dropped off by a parent. All those extra vehicles, leads to traffic and people rushing to get to school on time thus creating more opportunities for accident to happen.

School buses are by far the safest way for students to go to school, but when the next National Walk to School Day rolls around...I hope to see many more people on the sidewalk!

Thank You,
Haleigh

Hoglund's Heros Issue 1!!!!

This is a copy of the very first issue of Hoglund's Heros!!!

Hoglund's Heros is a weekly newsletter made by Rachel and it incorporates all things happening in and around Hoglund! There is a calendar section, an employee assignment section, rule of the week and weekly meetings! I know I am a little biased on this, but my favorite part is the exerpt about our blog!

Unfortunately we will only be posting these little pictures of the issues and you will not be able to read the whole thing. The good news is that I will be pulling out the highlights for you!

For this weeks meeting we discussed our idling policy, discipline, pre-trips, our communication forms and how they work, and our time and mileage reports! Not a bad way to kick off our first meeting of the year!

Thank You,
Haleigh

New Kjellberg West Stop!!

To all families who reside within Kjellbergs West: we have changed the bus stop. The new stop is located on the driveway to the east of the office. All students are required to be at the bus stop before the bus arrives! Bikes are to be left against the fence, and parents need to park a safe distance away.

In the transportation industry it is irresponsible to place a stop in the same place just because it has been there for years. New factors can arise at the bus stop, making it unsafe or unreasonable to leave it where it was. Seeing as there have been multiple incidents at the old stop, and adding in other factors, the change was the best choice we could make for everyone.

During drop-off in the afternoon all student are required to stay at the bus stop until the bus has left. That means not going to the bikes, or a parent's car until the bus has left the street. This is all for the child's safety.

The above diagram shows the Kjellbergs stop, which is marked with a red X. At the stop there are yellow lines painted on the road, marking where students are expected to wait for the bus.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Crashes on the decline?

From California and Oregon all the way over to Ohio, school bus accidents are decreasing!

In California we are seeing a 10% decrease in crashes, going from 2,091 to 1,878 school bus crashes. Only five of the crashes resulted in fatalities, none of which were passengers on board the buses. In the same year, school bus activity increased by 5%. Isn't it just amazing how the bus accidents go down as their activity goes up?!

In Oregon, Salem-Keizer’s transportation has reduced their accidents by an overwhelming 25%! This is accredited to their convincing the school to change bell times. All so that the bus while not be involed with as much day to day traffic as it was before.

In Ohio there was also a 25% drop in accidents! They attribute this drop to having better driver training and management practices. Their state director mentions them having summer training indepth perception as a main goal to improve upon for future years!

I would like to congratulate all three states in successfully decreasing their accidents and making school buses even safer!

Thank You,
Haleigh

Man Saves Bus Driver!

On September 15, 2011 one man's good nature saved another man's life. That man is Matt Collins and he noticed a bus that appeared driver less rolling through an intersection.

After approaching the bus and opening the door, he found the driver was slumped over in his seat with two special-needs students on board. The driver did not have a pulse so Matt engaged the parking brakes and, with another bystander, removed the driver from the bus to begin CPR.

The police arrived quickly after receiving a 911 call and were able to restart the 65-year-old man's heart beat. Paramedics arrived to take the driver to the hospital while another driver finished the route. A relative reports that the driver is recovering at the hospital.

What Matt so selflessly did resulted in saving a man's life and quite possible the lifes of the two special-needs students onboard.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Burn'n Buses...

In the photograph, a burned bus is being hauled away.

One 15-year-old boy in Lafayette, Ind., is being charged for purposely setting a fire that destroyed four Tippecanoe School Corp buses. He pled guilty to one count of arson, and three counts of criminal mischief. He will have spent 90-days in a secure detention facility and will be spending several months at a treatment center for children. His choice cost the Tippecanoe School Corp about $ 425,000.00 in damages.

It is a shame that this one bad choice impacts not only his life, but is going to affect everyone who rides to school on Tippecanoe buses. Losing four school buses is a big deal to a school bus company! In our district, ONE bus used on multiple route sessions, could transport 250 students. Multiplied by four, the loss of those buses affects 1,000 students and their families...in fact, an entire community.

Sometimes people don't realise how their choices can affect others. What's worse is that some people don't care.Next time you make a choice, think about it: how is this going to affect others around me? Will what I do be positive or negative? Finally, ask yourself this: should I be doing this?

Thank You,
Haleigh

What's In A Rule????

Part of our student education initiative includes a Rule of the Week Program.

We've taken our ten core rules and created some sort of visual of the rule. A new rule will be posted the first ten Mondays of the school year, and then we restart the cycle.

Each Monday, the week's rule posts on our blog. On Tuesdays, the bus drivers change the poster in their buses. Also on Tuesdays, the school announcements include the week's rule.

We have used this set of rules for many years because they are tried and true; students who follow them tend to have better bus rides than those who fail to follow them.

Thank You,

Hoglund Transportation

Back to School!!

Alright all you drivers, it's that time of year again. Time to pay even closer attention to the roads and start spotting those big, bright yellow school buses! I know they are hard to miss, but you are also looking out for all the thousands of children that are going to be riding around on them.

The beginning of school is one of the busiest times for our company, mainly because there is always so much to do! About a month before school actually starts is when we start all the big projects like: making routes, putting together all the kindergarten packets, and double checking that all of our buses and drivers are ready to go!

During the first to second week of school, some of the bus drivers will learn two or even three variations of the same route to make it quicker, easier, or just because a student stop has changed. So many things impact a route and we ask that if you, or your child's route does get changed that you or your child will help us make sure that route runs smoothly.

Summer is over in Monticello, school is about to begin, and the Hoglund Transportation buses and staff are ready to take you there!

Thank You,
Hoglund Transportation.

Don't Block the Bus!

Most people do not realize what a big deal it is to disrupt a school bus. I'm sure this woman didn't. In Chesterfield, VA a mother was convicted of disorderly conduct for blocking a school bus with her car and yelling at the driver.

She was sentenced to 12 months in jail, has to pay a $1,000.00 fine, and is not allowed within 500 feet of either a parked school bus or a school for the next three years! Being disruptive outside of the bus got this woman into big trouble. Parents, be aware of your actions around a school bus; there are children there, and they are watching your examples.

Students, you can also get into serious trouble on the bus. Sure, we have all seen write-ups and referrals, but that's not what I'm talking about. Disrupting the bus driver is against the law, and you could be charged for it. Just remember that when you're riding: be cool and follow the rules.

Thank You,

Haleigh

Getting Ready for School

School is almost here and that means that our school buses need to be ready. For the last two weeks we have been busy making routes. Today we finished them, put them in envelopes and we are sending them out in the mail within the next two days!!! Yay!

This last month has been so busy. Honestly, it is the most difficult and most exciting time of our year! Well, that's what I think anyway. With so much going on, and with so much that still needs to be done, I am always surprised when the last item on the list has been checked off.

Here is a small portion of what we have been up to:

• Making sure that around 4,000 students have a bus pick up and drop off location


• Introducing new kindergartners and their parents to school buses and the safety measures to take around them


• Making sure all the school buses pass their inspections


• Training the drivers so they are properly certified to drive them.
  

It can get a little crazy sometimes but, we have fun and
enjoy getting ready for a new school year.

I hope everyone is as excited about it as we are!

Thank You,

Haleigh

Class is in Session!

Here at Hoglund Transportation we are starting classes for new drivers!!! The first class was held on Monday, August 8th at 9:00 am. This class is for Hoglund employees or people who are in training to get their School bus driving license!

During the class, future drivers received the guide manual, a sample of possible test questions, and some study guilds for the real test. The class is taught by a hoglund employee who has already had her license for ten years. She went over the manual with the attendees for two and a half hours, two days in a row, gave them the practice test, and reviewed the answers with them.

They were also taught about the different types of buses we have here at Hoglund Transportation. They were shown pictures of the engine compartments that were labeled. Those pictures also showed what they needed to check each part for during the pre-trip inspection.

All in all the class was a big success. We already have new employees with their permits and some even went and got their licenses already. I cannot wait to see what kind of fun things Hoglund Transportation will come up with next!

Thank You,
Haleigh

Paying for the bus?

Why should students have to pay to be transported to school, even if it is an easy way (for the district) to regain some of the money lost over the last few years on budget cuts?

In Hawaii, the children have to ride a public transit bus, and pay $1.25 for a one way trip. To ride all year they pay $270.00 for both ways. For that kind of money to be spent on transportation per child, they should at least be able to feel safe, right? However, the public buses don't have to do background checks on their drivers, they don't specialize in child transportation, and they don't have to make sure no children are on the bus after it leaves the stop nearest the school. Does that sound safe to you?

Anyone who pays can ride that bus, making it harder for the kids to get safely to school. Also, there is no guarantee that the students will have a seat, what do you do then? Most kids who ride the bus have no other way to get the school. You can't ask a first or second grader to walk or bike six miles to school. It's not a reliable way to transport your children.

If you want to know more about this topic, click on this post's title and read the link. Tell me what you think, would you pay for school busing, or public transportation for you or your children to go to school? If I had to pick, I would choose the school bus a hundred times over, not only for its stability, but for its safety.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Ads on the Bus???

Schools everywhere are experiencing budget cuts, some are over a million dollars in the last few years. How do they make up for the lost money? Kids still go to school, and the number of children in school is increasing every year. With less money and more students, how can schools keep up?

Schools in Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and a few others have tried to make up for the loss in a rather out-of-the-box way, by putting district-approved advertisments on school buses. Where and how big the ads are depend on the regulations for each district. Other states allow only interior ads on the buses.


This method has brought in a considerable amount of money for the schools that use it, but is it safe? The reason school buses are yellow is because people notice them and tend to be more careful. If an ad is on the side, then you have drivers getting closer to the bus so they can read it. Instead maybe it's on the back, and other drivers notice the ad but not the brake lights.

Does it really help more than it hurts? The schools need money, but is putting the students at risk really the way to do it? There are no in-depth studies on this topic as of yet and until there is, I have to question whether or not it is okay.

Leave a comment on your thoughts: do you think they should be allowed? For more facts on school bus ads, click on the post's title and read the link.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Illegal Passing is a Problem!!!

When a school bus is stopped, lights are flashing, and the stop arm is extended, you MUST stop as well! There are students leaving the bus, and some will be crossing the road. Keep your eyes open and be aware of what's going on.



Each year students are injured while entering or exiting the school bus. This is a problem that can be very easily fixed. All you need to do is stop and pay attention. Over the last forty years about eleven students are hit a year, on average, by vehicles that ignore the stopped buses. If you ask me, that is eleven too many.

In all seriousness, passing a stopped bus isn't only dangerous, it's illegal. You will be given a ticket. The drivers are told to report any passing vehicle to base when they return from route. We then take the plate numbers and hand them over to the police. We don't like people getting in trouble, but we like it even less when the students are in danger.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Driven Diver Challenge

Noticing the national trend toward higher body weights and less physically active lifestyles in the results of our employees’ regular School Bus Physicals, we tried to think of way to improve health at our company. We created a Biggest Loser-style program.

We used our Driven Driver Challenge (DDC) as a motivator to encourage Hoglund Transportation employees to live healthier lifestyles. Over the span of four months, the participants learned how to live in healthy ways, starting with the basics of eating right and how to exercise. Professionals led weekly sessions in diet and nutrition, and in the gym. After being taught, participants were tested on what they learned, in one way or another. At the end of the four months we hoped to see improvement in each of the participants’ overall lifestyles.

To be a part of the DDC the employees signed a written contract stating the terms of the challenge. Some of those terms included the cost of joining, $20.00 once a month (1/2 the cost of the monthly gym membership), and agreeing to commit to the program. Attendance at weekly nutrition meetings was mandatory. The only people not allowed to participate were those with to poor overall health and people who’d undergone digestion-altering surgeries in the past five years. The contract also listed the award for the winner: a trip for one week to the winner’s choice of destination, a $300.00 voucher for airfare, and the “pot” of cash collected over the weeks for various activities.

After signing the contract, participants received a journal to document their eating and exercising habits. We used the journal to award points at the weekly meetings. The person with the most points won the weekly prize donated by generous local businesses. Participants earned points for how they ate, the number of times they visited the gym, and for how much weight/overall body weight percentage they lost. Participants who set goals also received points.

During the weekly mandatory meeting, participants weighed in ($1.00). Extra dollars were collected for any pound gained, for missed meetings, and for refusals to weigh. At meetings we listened to a certified nutritionist (Jen) who was always in attendance. Participants could go over meal ideas and discuss what was working-and what wasn’t. Also, we often consulted with one another to gain ideas for new recipes. We kept approved recipe copies on a table in the meeting room throughout the four-month program along with nutrition booklets so participants and other employees had unrestricted access to them. During our meetings, participants asked any questions of the nutritionist and received quick and clear answers. The participants used the information obtained at these meetings to help lead them toward improved health.

At The Rink participants went over all the basics of exercising with Eddie. He taught us about how good nutrition increases our workout productivity. He offered constant examples of good eating habits for before and after workouts. He taught the proper way to use each of the many exercise machines available at The Rink. Participants learned about exercises that would push them, but not overwork them. Eddie taught us how to rotate our focus area each day so as to not overwork the muscles and cause damage. On Sundays at noon Eddie would host a “Boot Camp” for one hour, during which he created a variety of stations for the participants, each time showing us new ways to get active either alone or with a partner. The sessions were open to anyone, and it only cost $10.00 each time.

Our DDC resulted in not one, but two winners and our winners are Melissa and Shelley. Melissa says she learned two major things from this program: it’s not just about how much she eats, it’s about what she eats, and that exercising is more than losing weight, it’s about getting stronger, healthier and enjoying life. Overall she lost 40 lbs, meeting her initial goal.

Shelley said, “The best thing I learned is I don’t have to starve myself to lose weight.” She stated she was very happy to learn she could eat good fats like peanut butter and almonds that she wouldn’t eat before. Overall, she lost 17.6 lbs. Both winners won the grand prize.

Our consolation winner is Rachel who said, “My favorite part about this was Jen. Her information every week has been so valuable and helpful.” She also said she really liked learning how to put together a meal plan, and how she plans to continue using all she learned even after the program ends. Overall she lost 26.3 lbs. in total, and in the end won a make-over, a haircut, and $40 from the pot.

Our actual food plan looks like this:
Breakfast: 2 grains, 1 dairy, 1 fruit
3 Hours Later: 1 grain, 1 fruit
Lunch: 2 grains, 1 dairy, 1 fruit, 1-2 vegetable, 3 oz. protein
3 Hours Later: pick 2 groups, about 200 calories
Supper: 2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 vegetable, 3 oz. protein
















Each person wrote a statement about what most mattered to him or her during the four-month program. Some of what they wrote is exceptional:

• “…I’m very proud of EVERYONE involved in this…”
• “…I can teach my new habits to my family and keep them healthy…”
• “…learning to eat more natural versus using so many substitutes or fat frees…”
• “…eat more fiber bread rather than low-calorie bread…”
• “…her motivation is just astonishing and makes me just want to follow along…”
• “…I’m playing with my children, not just watching…”
• “…it has helped improved my mental health and self-esteem…”
• “…even at my age I can do a lot of things to be strong and healthy…”
• “…these ‘food rules’ work to create a healthy body…”

Because of DDC we were not only able to learn how to lose weight, but how to live a healthier lifestyle. Considering that was our initial goal, DDC was a very successful program. Learning how to live in a healthy way has benefitted each participant in a different way, all of which are positive. More than a challenge to get into shape, this was a challenge to change our lives for the better. In the end this program has made a big difference in the participants’ lives, and like Jen said, “Once you know this stuff, you can never unlearn it. It’ll stay with you a lifetime!” We think she’s right.

Bullies on the Bus

When a School bus driver looks in their mirror, they see the most important reason to drive safe, the students. Driving a vehicle that is on average 30-40 feet long and 7-8 feet across is a tremendous responsibility; even more so when it is transporting approximately 70 children.

Now, imagine sitting in the driver's seat of a bus. You hear shouting coming from behind you, so you look in your mirror. You see two children, one is hitting and the other being hit. The first thing you think to do is say, "Stop!" but they can't hear you over the noise of the other students. Bringing your eyes back to the road you see a red light, and you nearly drove through it. The potential to make mistakes when your attention is pulled away from the road exists.

Bullying on a school bus is more than dangerous, it can be deadly. The above scenario is from a movie on bullying called "Tears on the Highway." In the movie, the bus actually goes through the red light and is hit by another vehicle causing severe injuries for many students. Things happen in the bus, just like they happen in every neighborhood and in every lunchroom. Some of what happens is actually bullying. Every year, students are bullied and every year the bullying gets worse. At Hoglund Transportation, we try our best to make sure that all of the students are taken care of and feel safe on the bus. Our drivers take an active part in preventing bullying by reporting any and every incident to base. By doing this and other things, we plan to avoid a situation like the one described above.

There are many students on the bus each and every day, so not all incidents are witnessed by the school bus driver. If you or your child are having a problem, you need to let us know so we can try to fix it. If we don't know about it, we can't help.

Thank You,
Haleigh

In the Danger Zone

In the image above is an overview of the danger zone surrounding a school bus.

The danger zone is an area where either the bus driver is unable to clearly see the student or where the student is not clearly visible to a passing vehicle. This area is to be avoided as much as possible. The name "Danger Zone" is used just to make people aware of the possible risks
and to remind people to be careful.

One woman, school bus driver Gloria Buley, thought that she could lessen the risk of the danger zone by adding an extra mirror to buses. This mirror allows the drivers to see roughly fifteen ft more in the danger zone! Also, to deter other motor vehicles from passing on the right, there is a stop sign on the back of the mirror. This mirror folds out when the school bus door is opened, and has a quick release for emergency situations.

If you would like to learn more about this item, you can click on this post's title and follow the link to their web page. The deviced appears in the July 2011 vol. 57 no.6 issue of the School Bus Fleet magazine.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Do You Know Basic Bus Safety?

Being safe on and around a school bus is very important! That is why we have rules on the buses, to keep the children and the driver safe at all times.

Over the past few weeks I have immersed myself in online articles involving school buses. I am very sad to say that I found a disturbing amount of articles related to school bus accidents. Finally I found a website related to safety on buses. While I was searching through the site I happened upon a link to a short quiz that is all about bus safety! When I took the quiz I scored a 940 out of 1000. I would really like to see how everyone else does.

To take the quiz (only 10 questions) just click on this post's title; I have a link set up to take you there. Afterward, please return to this post and place a comment with your score in it!

Thank You,
Haleigh

What Time is the Bus Coming?

For some people the hardest thing about the start of school, is knowing how their kids are going to get there. Here at Hoglund Transportation, we send out their information multiple times.

It starts with a letter sometime during the summer, then twice via their homeroom teachers or Magic Minutes advisors. In certain cases, like when there is a change after the cards are sent out, we will call the parents and let them know. (Which is why it is very important for us to have a working phone number, for every student, all year round.)

If you have any concerns about your child's school transportation needs, we are happy to answer your questions. The phone number is (763)-295-3604. If we are not able to answer your call, please leave us a message and we will call you.
Thank You,
Haleigh

Do You Wave?

When I was in elementary school, the first thing I did after boarding the bus, was turn around and wave goodbye, knowing that someone would always be there to wave back. Over the years, I stopped waving, and eventually I stopped looking back altogether. When I saw this father's story, it reminded me of when I used to look forward to seeing someone wave at me on the bus. It also made me smile and want to share it with the readers of this blog.

In the Image is Dale Price, day 2 of waving at the bus...

Dale Price, spent this last school year waving at his 10th-grade son as he rides by on the bus. It started as a joke, just to embarrass his son. After he saw how people reacted, he was encouraged to keep going, and he did. The next day, Dale stood on the porch in a Chargers' helmet and jersey, just to wave at his son's bus. After that, he would get up early, and put on a different costume each time to wave as the bus drove by his home. This went on all year, 170 days! I am very impressed by this father's effort to both amuse and embarrass his son. After awhile he started to get more attention, was in the news, on a radio show, and now his story is nationwide! There is a blog with pictures of all his costumes, waveatthebus.blogspot.com.

I very strongly suggest that you check out this man's story, and their family's blog. I put a link in the title of this post to a story about him.

Thank You,
Haleigh

Heros on the Bus!

Over the last few years, certain people's courage is still inspiring, and they deserve to be recognized for it.

-Kim Dahl:  she was the driver of the school bus that teetered on the edge of the bridge back in 2007. She stayed alone on the bus, holding it in place while all the student and chaperons exited the bus. That included her then ten-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, who exited just before their mother, and after everyone else had. From that incident she received a broken back; still she saved everyone on that bus, and she lived to see another day too.

-Susan Swartwood:  she was driving the bus when a student alerted her that another student was having a seizure. Being a registered nurse, she then went back and instructed a junior to help lower the girl onto the floor. The driver put a pillow under the girl's head and told the student that had alerted her to use the radio to contact the bus garage. The student provided the location, updates on the girl's condition and asked for an ambulance. While this was going on another student was directing traffic from inside the back of the bus.

-Sherman:  she was driving her bus on a two-lane road while a truck hauling timber on the other side of the road was getting closer. She noticed the log shift just as the truck was bout to pass. The log then fell off the trailer and crashed through the bus windshield, striking Sherman in the face and breaking her jaw, also causing some spinal damage. Even after that happened she still managed to drive the bus to the side of the road, put on the brake, and wait for a co-worker to arrive before passing out. The first thing she spoke of when she awoke in the hospital were the students, and only one student was slightly injured by the glass.

There are a ton of people who have done some amazing, and selfless things involving a school bus, so if you would like to find some more of them, read through the links attached to this post.

Thank you,
Haleigh

Bus Accident in Sedgefeild, Virginia

A 55-year old man driving a truck with a trailer full of lawn equipment attached, slammed into the bus. This happened around four p.m. on May 26, 2011.

There were around 40 students on the bus and none of them were injured! The school bus driver is the only one who was hurt, with non-life threatening injuries.

No news about the truck driver's condition, only that he will be charged with reckless driving.

Over all, the outcome could have been so much worse, and all those involved were very lucky.

Let us all use this example as a reminder, when we drive it is not only ourselves at risk but all of the people on the rode with us. Make good and safe choices, because if you crash you may not be as lucky as these people were.

Thank you,
Haleigh

A New Reason for Drivers to be Healthy?

We believe that sitting around and doing nothing all day is unhealthy. It just makes sense, but what if I told you it has been proven?

In a recent 14-year study it was found that sitting for long periods of time can raise the mortality rate of a person. This Study started with 53,000 men and 70,000 woman. At the start of the study all the people were disease-free.

Over the span of this study, 11,300 of the men died and 8,000 woman. Isn't that startling? They found that sitting for more that six hours a day will raise the mortality rate of a person. More so for men than for woman.

I found this information to be very interesting. I knew sitting around was bad, but I didn't know just how bad it really was or really could be.

Just thought I would let you know about this study and how sitting may be affecting you.

If you would like to read more click on the title.

Thank you.
Haleigh

Driver Who Hit a School Bus is Charged with a DUI (Moncks Corner, South Carolina)

A bus was struck along with one other vehicle by a truck who was trying to pass on a two-lane road. The truck driver cut quickly back into his lane and hit the two on the side, causing the truck to flip over. The truck driver was flown to a hospital and charged with a DUI. He was also out on bail and had a court-ordered ankle monitor while waiting for his other trial. No details on his official condition were given. The school bus and the other vehicle had no injuries! The children that were aboard were simply taken home on another bus.

Not everyone follows the rules of the road. Those that don't either end up hurting themselves or others. The kids on that bus and the driver of the other vehicle were very lucky today...on the other hand the man driving the truck that hit them wasn't.

We at Hoglund Transportation would like to remind everyone that even though it's you breaking the rules someone else might have to pay for it. Drive safe, and if you would like to know more about the incident click on the title to open the link.

Thank you.
Haleigh

A Car Rear Ended a School Bus in Village of Arlington WI.

At 6:36 am today, a school bus was driving down USH 51-60. While slowing down to make a turn, a car that was also traveling down 51-60 failed to slow down and rear-ended the school bus.

The person driving the car had serious injuries and was transported to the hospital via Med Flight. Luckily the school bus driver and the two remaining children did not receive any injuries. They were very fortunate.

We at Hoglund Transportation implore you to pay attention while driving. Especially if you know there is a school bus in the vicinity. There is too much at risk when people fail to pay attention. If you would like to read more about this story please click on the title and read the link.

Thank you.
Haleigh

In the News...

In the news....

A man in Ohio is pitching in and helping children in his neighborhood. He noticed that the children were waiting for the bus while cars were rushing by. He decided to step up and take action.

Since the bus stops in front of his house, he built a little stop for them. It has a bench and even some landscaping. This setup has had great reviews by the people in his neighborhood.

"People who live in the community should do things for the children" says Collier.

We wanted to recognize this man and use him as an example. He went beyond what was asked of him. He did something for the children and their safety.

If you want to read more about this, you can click on "In the News" and it will bring you to the article.

What can you do for the children in your neighborhood?

Take turns watching the kids at the stop. It is easy and it will reduce any risks that could be present.

Thank you.
Haleigh

Driven Driver Challenge

We started our new fitness program on Thursday, February 10.  Twelve people joined our  Driven Driver Challenge, a sixteen-week motivational program designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.

We've noticed a recent trend.  Commercial drivers are required to pass a physical that remains valid up to two years.  During the most recent twelve-month period, many drivers are presenting physicals that are only good for a year or six months.  In one case, the physical was only good for three months.

Once granted the physical, though, the driver is deemed fit-for-duty by a medical professional.  Our concern is not that unhealthy people are driving our buses.  Our concern is that the medical community seems to be more concerned that health is on some sort of downward spiral and needs to be checked more frequently. 

Combined with a poor attendance record, we felt the need to take action to reverse that downward check, and so we conceived, planned, and implemented our Driven Driver Challenge.

The Driven Driver - the one who wins the challenge - will be able to choose a destination vacation and we will present him or her with a $300 voucher toward the cost of airline tickets, and the "pot" of money collected at the weekly weigh-in. 

Friends of our business have offered special gifts to use in monthly drawings - an amazing workout bra from Sandy Foede (via Essential Body Wear, at 763.878.2548), an hour-long massage from Sylvia Nelson, Massage Therapist (763.262.9622) of Big Lake, a free portrait sitting at Lommel Photography (763.263.6974), and another hour-long massage from Belde Chiropractic.  Nice!

Participants receive a food, exercise, and goal journal, membership at The Rink, and a weekly visit from Jen, a nutritionist from New River Medical Center. 

Each week at weigh-in, we track the percent of body weight lost, journaling activities, exercise time, goals set, and meeting attendance.  Each week participants can earn extra points by completing other tasks (this week's is to bring a healthy recipe and/or a new exercise suggestion).  The point winner will win one of the free prizes.  Participants pay to weigh-in, for weight gained, for missing the meeting, etc., and that money will be presented to the ultimate winner.

We are so, so excited about this program and the opportunity it presents not only for the participants, but for every employee here.  We hope to see the desire to live a healthier lifestyle spread from person to person like a wildfire! 

Thanks to former employee and friend, Stacie Pribyl Hennen, for the name of our program, the Driven Driver!  Special thanks to Jakob Kounkel, sophmore at Monticello High School, for our program logo.

Watch for updates in the coming weeks.