To the Editor:

I noticed in the published public school bus routes for the new school year, that they now note some stops with the word U-Turn. This is scary.

My three daughters are in the Newtown school district and get on buses that do a three point U turn at Webster Place and Shut Road.

The bus comes down Shut Road passes Webster Place, stops, then backs up into Webster place then goes forward and makes a right turn back at Shut Road.

This maneuver looks illegal. It's dangerous and risky. Backing up a bus where children are gathering and playing is dangerous enough, but to turn while backing up into another street?

This practice began just last year. Before the bus continued around the horseshoe Webster Place, picking up children on the way.

With this new method, the question needs to be asked: Is saving time or saving costs really worth endangering our children for?

I urge the Newtown school administration  and the All Star Bus Co. to review this practice ASAP before someone is hurt.

Tod Wassmer

21 Webster Place, Newtown                       August 28, 2013