OXFORD – Oxford’s Primary School students had a unique opportunity to learn about bus safety last week. Not only did they review proper conduct and etiquette on one of the district’s school buses, but they were also able to practice what to do in case of an emergency on one specially modified for that purpose.

According to Oxford’s Head Bus Driver Joyce Tefft, the district normally does bus evacuation drills three times a year. In these instances, students exit using the rear and side doors of the bus.

The SAFE bus was designed by the Student Accident Fire Evacuation Committee at the Owego Apalachin Central School District to allow students to safely practice exiting using the emergency windows and roof hatch as well.

“We’ve got a funny looking bus this morning,” said Oxford bus driver Bob Dunholt, when he introduced a group of fourth graders to the SAFE bus on Friday. And it does, indeed, look a little odd. While the front half resembles a traditional bus, the back of the SAFE bus simulates a bus on its side. With seats mounted to the ceiling, students practice exiting through the roof hatch and back of the bus.