As students travel to and from school, their lives are most likely in the hands of their bus driver. That’s why even though school starts next week for most, summer is already over for their bus drivers.

Debbie Karkovice has been behind the wheel of a school bus for 28 years. She is one of 1,600 members of the Orange County School District Transportation system.

This week they are training at the Orange County Convention Center. The drivers are learning about this year's new bus routes, how to spot and report suspicious people near bus stops and even how they can help stop bullying.

Orange County Public Schools' William Wen said the drivers and students frequently have a close relationship. 

“The drivers are usually the first person the student sees and the last one they see when they get off the bus,” Wen said.

Drivers will practice their routes throughout the county Thursday and Friday.

This is also the first school year that SunRail is operating. Buses have always been required to stop at train tracks, but school leaders said SunRail is adding a whole other element to our roadways.

“The frequency of trains is obviously going to increase, so the number of railroad crossing gates coming down will be more," Wen said. "So everyone needs to expect that and stop for the crossing arms.”

Come Monday when school starts in Orange County, you will be sharing the road with 900 school buses.

“I would like other drivers to know just to pay attention, to be careful, don’t be in such a hurry," Karkovice said.