More than 100 participants representing 33 states and one Canadian province are preparing for the 40th School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in St. Louis, part of the National School Transportation Association's annual meeting and convention.

The teams, which qualified over the past year at their respective state competitions, will compete on July 25 in the conventional, transit and small bus categories. In addition to testing their driving skills in nine areas, participants must complete a general knowledge written exam and a vehicle inspection test, each worth 100 points. There could also be a "surprise event" awaiting the drivers. The total possible points are 775 per person.

The International Safety Competition began in 1971 as the National School Bus Safety Roadeo. Last year's winners were:

• Larry Hannon, Centennial School District, Warminster, Pa. (Conventional)
• Danny Mack Stegall, Liberty Public Schools, Liberty, Mo. (Transit)
• Brandy Ellen Acevedo, Monterey County Office of Education, Salinas, Calif. (Small Bus)

The conference portion of NSTA's convention kicks off on July 24 with a presentation by Kathleen Furneaux, the executive director of the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute, on the continuing problem of school bus drivers leaving students unattended after routes. Her presentation will look at the contributions and complexities of making sure all children who board also get off.

Meeting goers will also hear from Dr. Cal LeMon, a school transportation management consultant and owner of Executive Enrichment. He is scheduled to speak about life rules that have changed over the years. FMCSA Administrator Rose McMurray is scheduled to update attendees on federal commercial vehicle issues. Meanwhile, Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) was also invited to address representatives from NSTA's private bus company members, and lobbyists Becky Weber and Gabe Rozsa of Prime Policy Group in Washington, D.C., will provide an update on legislative matters.