Several PYLUSD Bus Drivers Practice Safe Driving Skills and Win Big at Annual Orange County School Bus Safety Roadeo

On Saturday, April 13, several members of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Transportation Department participated in the 61st Annual Orange County School Bus Safety “Roadeo.” It was held at the Garden Grove Unified School District and hosted by the Orange County Driver Trainer Advisory Council (OCDTAC).

Seventy five drivers competed in the days events, representing 11 districts and contractors from all over California. Each competitor must complete seven events demonstrating safe and skilled driving. These events include left and right turns, student loading escort, and parallel parking, just to name a few. There is also a written test portion, where drivers must show their knowledge of school bus rules and regulations.

“The OCDTAC School Bus Safety Roadeo is more than just a competition; it’s an essential exercise that sharpens the skills of our drivers, ensuring the highest safety standards for our students,” Director of Transportation Richard Jimenez shared. “By participating in this event, our team demonstrates their driving expertise and reinforces our district’s commitment to creating a secure environment for every school route. This focus on continuous improvement in safety practices is integral to the trust placed in us by the families we serve.”

The district’s bus driver competitors—Linda, Danielle, Devon, Jeff, Jorge, and Zack—each worked hard and dedicated much of their free time to preparing for this event and sharpening their skills. In the end, their hard work paid off! Jorge won best score on the California Highway Patrol’s written exam, Linda won best score in the right turn event, and drivers Jeff, Jorge, and Zack won as the first place team overall.

“While it’s great that we took home some wins, it’s even better that we are staying focused on being safe and knowledgeable drivers,” said Driver Instructor Jeff Vogt. “Every driver has to go thru 40+ hours of training just to become a driver, and then maintain all that knowledge on a yearly basis. It’s a lot to take in and stay sharp on, but in the end it’s all worth it to ensure we are safely transporting our students every day.”

Dozens of PYLUSD transportation staff and family members helped to judge the parallel parking event and cheer for the district’s drivers.

Each year, the Transportation Department creates team shirts to commemorate the event. This year, staff members reached out to teacher David Block and the El Dorado High School Design Rescue team for help.

The district’s Transportation Department consists of approximately ninety people dedicated to serving the transportation needs of Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s learners of all ages. The commitment made by each of these individuals is to provide the safest, friendliest, and most efficient transportation services to our students. Way to go, PYLUSD bus drivers!