Before Driving Your Route, Do THIS Simple Self Check

School bus drivers perform a pre-trip inspection before every route. But what if there's another safety check that's just as important? It’s time to look inward! In this episode of The Route, School Bus Fleet Executive Editor Amanda Huggett sits down with emotional intelligence educator and author Kellie Doyle Bailey to discuss the connection between driver well-being, student behavior, and transportation safety. Drawing on her work from a transportation pilot in Maine, Doyle Bailey explains how simple practices like "pre-tripping yourself," emotional regulation, and self-awareness can help drivers navigate stress, build stronger relationships with students, and create calmer rides. Topics include: • Emotional intelligence for transportation professionals • Why bus drivers are often students' first school connection • The "Pre-Trip Yourself" concept • How to practice radical self-care • Managing stress, change, and workplace conflict • Leadership lessons for transportation directors • Practical strategies drivers can use immediately Learn more at this link👉 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Student Transportation: https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/digita... The Route is sponsored by ‪@icbus‬, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class. Visit them online at https://www.icbus.com/ Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your transportation team. 🚌 Subscribe to School Bus Fleet in print or online: https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/pages/... 🚌 Sign up for our newsletters: https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/pages/... Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media: -Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ / school-bus-fleet -Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ / schoolbusfleet -Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet -Follow us on Instagram ➡️ ⁠  / ⁠   🎧 Prefer to listen? Be sure to subscribe to the SCHOOL BUS FLEET podcast! -Spotify ➡ https://open.spotify.com/show/2cC4yel... -Apple ➡ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Amazon Music ➡ https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/985... -Audible ➡ https://www.audible.com/podcast/ITEM_... -iHeartRadio ➡ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 0:00 Intro 2:05 Kellie’s Background and Path to Transportation 8:50 Common Bus Driver Challenges 10:30 Key Terms and Definitions 16:03 Results of a Pilot Project in Maine 21:50 The Concept of “Pre-Trip Yourself” 32:23 Common Mistakes Leaders Make 35:10 Tips for Navigating Change 42:04 Kellie’s Books and Author Journey 44:46 Radical Self-Care 47:07 Final Takeaways