#BRAKE4BUSES

New PSA Highlights the Danger of Passing Stopped School Buses

On the same day as yet another incident where a child in North Carolina was hit by a passing motorist (fortunately non-life-threatening injuries), WNCN TV released a new public service announcement (PSA) as part of their #Brake4Buses campaign. The TV station picked up on this issue in August at a press conference held by state superintendent Dr. June Atkinson and set out to make a difference in student safety. The PSA was filmed in Angier with the assistance of the Harnett County Schools Transportation Department. View the PSA HERE.

On Monday, August 25th, 2014 – the first day of school for many students across North Carolina – WNCN TV in Raleigh dedicated over 7 minutes during the evening news to the topic of school bus safety and the danger posed by motorists passing stopped school buses. Here is that story.

The next day WNCN marketing director Robby Thomas contacted DPI Transportation Services with an idea for a public service announcement to get the word out, particularly on social media.

Less than three weeks later – on a two-lane road in the beautiful Harnett County countryside – the video was made.

Harnett County Schools Transportation Director Kevin Griffin arranged for a bus and driver (Nicole Smith, (second picture) with student actress Samantha Rahn) and coordinated traffic control with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Department

The timeline was to take several weeks of production time, but when a Wake County middle school student was hit by a passing motorist on September 30, WNCN was able to finalize the PSA and get it on the air to once again remind motorists to BRAKE4BUSES.

HERE is the press release announcing the release of the PSA.

Pictures on left are some scenes during production.

 

 

	Sample video clips of the production
		Video Clip 1
		Video Clip 2
		Video Clip 3