School Bus Drivers in Nebraska Could Have Phones Yanked

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Updated: 11:08 PM Jan 6, 2010 School Bus Drivers in Nebraska Could Have Phones Yanked State Sen. Rich Pahls said he was stunned at what he heard: Some bus drivers for a Lincoln school were texting or otherwise using cell phones while transporting children. Posted: 11:06 PM Jan 6, 2010 Reporter: Associated Press Email Address: desk@1011now.com

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State Sen. Rich Pahls said he was stunned at what he heard: Some bus drivers for a Lincoln school were texting or otherwise using cell phones while transporting children.

With the introduction of a legislative bill on Wednesday, the senator from Omaha is trying to ban the practice. Pahls says many schools have policies banning the use of electronic devices by bus drivers but do a poor job of enforcing them.

He says at least 15 states have laws banning the practice.

A social-studies teacher at a Lincoln high school brought the issue to Pahls' attention. A class did a civics project on the issue after seeing bus drivers use cell phones.

Latest Comments

Posted by: wanda Location: louisiana on Jan 11, 2010 at 10:49 AM

I DO NOT THINK THE DRIVERS SHOULD BE USING THEIR CELL PHONES WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING THE BUS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE KIDS ARE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND THEY NEED TO STAY FOCUSED ON THEIR DRIVING.

Posted by: Harry Balzak Location: Underwood on Jan 7, 2010 at 04:38 PM

It's a sad thing that we need to make this a law. Common sense should tell you that talking on a cell phone while driving a bus full of kids is a bad idea. Next we should pass a law making it illegal to use a hair dryer in the shower.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Lincoln on Jan 7, 2010 at 10:51 AM

I was a bus driver for 23 years and NO ONE should be on a cell phone when transporting children. I have seen the drivers for Waverly School District on the phone MANY TIMES. We need to pass this restriction in Nebraska!!Go Senator Pahls.

Posted by: Lincoln Location: Lincoln on Jan 7, 2010 at 09:51 AM

I say terminate the offenders and thae state should yank their license forever banning them from operating anything transporting anyone ever again.

Posted by: Selina Location: McCool on Jan 7, 2010 at 08:27 AM

Okay, I can understand needing phones with a driver. There are radio failures or people not in the office when they radio in. They shouldn't be allowed to use it when driving though, just like when you're driving a car. But then again many students on the bus probably already have a cell phone as well.

Posted by: James Location: Crete on Jan 7, 2010 at 01:35 AM

Bus drivers need to carry a cell phone for use as a back-up in case of an emergency; but they should not be allowed to be on, while bus is in use. There are times of radio failure.

Posted by: Kelly Location: Lincoln on Jan 6, 2010 at 11:45 PM

I can't believe this! Bus drivers would really risk the lives of kids while transporting them on their cells phones? They definitely need both hands to drive a bus, and all their attention! Maybe they need radios in buses for safety/emergency, but this is just crazy! Especially in bad weather, they really need to pay attention! Kids are our future...we are their voice, and when someone is that irresponsible to use a cell phone when transporting kids to and from school, they don't deserve to have that job! They definitely need to monitor this better...either having the kids keep the driver accountable or a para!

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