INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police troopers are holding school districts accountable for your child's safety and making sure every school bus in the state is safe.
Transportation experts say the school bus is the safest way for kids to get to and from school, but in reality is depends on who's running and taking care of the bus.
"For us its just a matter of pride and making sure that our buses are in that tip top shape," said Gary Clevenger, Washington Township School's transportation director.
State police inspect every school bus at least once a year and buses 12 years and older are inspected at least twice a year.
Over the last three days, the Washington Township School buses have been inspected by state police.
"We don't want just our opinion of it, we want the state's opinion," Clevenger said. "We want the ultimate opinion to tell us hey your buses are in phenomenal shape. They are perfect for transporting our kids on the roadways. That's the validation we are looking for."
This year, 96 percent of the district's buses passed inspection, but five of them needed extra attention.
Two buses were placed out of service -- one due to rust and one due to a brake issued.
"We are looking at everything," ISP Master Trooper and Inspector Jeff Kastenschmidt said. "Checking the tires, the brake lines, major components, frames. Emergency lights, emergency windows and alarms inside the bus. Everything is for the safety of the child or passenger on that bus. "
Wayne Township school buses had a 100 percent passing rate, Pike Township school buses had a 98 percent passing rate, and Lawrence school buses passed had a 99 percent passing rate.
"These yellow vehicles are the safest method of ground transportation on the planet and parents should feel safe knowing that their students are on that type of vehicle and here in Washington Township we are no different," Clevenger said. "We make sure that everything is as safe as it could possibly be, so your kids have the safest ride to school possible."
To view how your child's specific school bus checked out during the inspection, you can visit state police's website.
