Illuminating Safety: Changing the Future of School Commutes with First Light Safety Products

November 5, 2024

Partnering for Safety: Shawnee Public Schools and Springdale Public Schools Lead the Way

In a groundbreaking partnership, Shawnee Public Schools and Springdale Public Schools have joined forces with First Light Safety Products to revolutionize the school bus safety. These visionary school divisions have updated their bus fleets with First Light Safety’s cutting-edge technology, recognizing the critical need to protect our children during their daily commutes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Springdale Public Schools and Shawnee Public Schools for their unwavering commitment to student safety.

yellow school bus with first light safety's illuminated safety signs — Photo by Springdale Public Schools First Light Safetys Fully Illuminated Stop Arm and Illuminated School Bus Sign

Kevin Conkin, Director of Transportation at Springdale Public Schools- Springdale ISD, and John Wiles, Transportation Distribution Director at Shawnee Public Schools, are leading the charge. Their mission? To set new standards for student safety by integrating First Light Safety’s innovative, life-saving products- Illuminated School Bus Signs & Fully Illuminated Stop Arms onto every school bus.

Empowering Students: A Safer Journey Ahead

First Light Safety Products takes immense pride in partnering with these pioneering schools. Their determination and enthusiasm for school bus safety are commendable. Beginning in 2024, all new school buses have been equipped with First Light Safety Products, and these enhancements are making a tangible difference in student safety, ensuring safer commutes for our children.

So, how do students benefit from these advancements? Let’s explore:

First Light Safety’s Fully Illuminated Stop Arms and Illuminated School Bus Signs significantly enhance visibility, ensuring motorists and pedestrians can’t miss these luminous warning signals even in challenging weather conditions or low-light scenarios. This technology provides motorists with extended response time, preventing accidents, and protecting young lives. In hot spot accident areas and busy routes, First Light Safety Products are a powerful deterrent, reducing stop arm violations and ensuring the highest degree of student protection.

Together, we illuminate the path toward a safer future for our children.

Springdale Public Schools, Traci Day Assistant TD, Kevin Conkin TD, First Light Safety’s Illuminated School Bus Sign — Photo by Springdale Public Schools Traci Day Assistant TD Kevin Conkin TD First Light Safetys Illuminated School Bus Sign

“Keeping our students safe is the top priority at Springdale Public Schools – Springdale ISD. However, with busy streets and distracted drivers, stop arm violations were becoming a daily anxiety. We tried everything from megaphones to additional training, but nothing seemed to pierce through the distractions effectively.

Then, Rush Bus Arkansas introduced us to First Light’s game-changing Fully Illuminated Stop Arm and Illuminated School Bus Sign. These aren’t just blinking lights; they’re a safety revolution. They practically scream “STOP!” with dazzling LEDs that cut through dawn and dusk like a beacon, leaving no room for confusion.

The results? Incredible. Stop arm violations have drastically plummeted on routes equipped with First Light systems. Our drivers feel a wave of relief knowing our precious cargo is better protected. Students themselves board and exit buses with newfound confidence, and the entire community breathes easier. It’s a tangible difference, a palpable shift in awareness.

But the impact goes beyond stopping drivers. The illuminated signs on the back of the buses are like giant, glowing reminders: precious children are on board. Everyone on the road instantly recognizes this visual cue, prompting them to stop and pay attention. It’s a constant nudge towards cautious driving, a visual safety campaign rolling down every street.”

Kevin Conkin

Director of Transportation

“Our students are still talking about ‘seeing’ the bus from a long distance away. First Light Safety Products help eliminate accidents and possible fatalities by giving motorists the most time to recognize and react to the school bus. We are very proud to have them and receive weekly comments from our staff, students, and the public about the visibility of our buses on city streets. Thanks, First Light Safety, for providing an awesome product to help keep our children safe.”

John Wiles

Director of Transportation