Idle Reduction at Schoolsbreathe clean...
Limiting idling saves you money and keeps the air cleaner.
Schools buses are the safest way to travel to school. However, like any vehicle they produce emissions. Idling a school bus increases the amount of diesel pollution in a specific location. It can increase the amount of diesel fumes inside the bus, particularly if several buses are parked and idling close to one another. If the bus is idling at a school, the diesel pollution could be drawn into the school via the air vents and doors. This increases children and school staff exposure to diesel pollution. Diesel pollution has been known to cause health issues such as asthma and heart disease.
Aside from health issues, idling just doesn’t make monetary sense. It increases the wear and tear on the vehicle and increases the maintenance cost for each vehicle. It also burns more fuel which increases the amount of fuel a school system must purchase for the year. EPD encourages schools to provide comfortable places for drivers to wait until school children are ready to board the bus.
Parents are encouraged to do your part as well. Whenever feasible, it is best to have your child ride the bus. This reduces the traffic around the schools. If you choose to take your child to school, turn off your engine while waiting in the carpool line. This will reduce your fuel use and reduce the maintenance needed for your car. It also reduces air pollution.
The Georgia Department of Education has developed an idling
policy for Georgia school systems. Click to view the policy.
GA School Systems
