TRAINER NOTES FOR LESSON PLAN School Bus Drivers Inservice TITLE OF LESSON: THE WILD WORLD OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING

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1 TRAINER NOTES FOR LESSON PLAN School Bus Drivers Inservice TITLE OF LESSON: THE WILD WORLD OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING Length of Lesson: This program should take approximately one hour and 30 minutes and will depend largely on the level of class discussion. TRAINER NOTES: This lesson plan is a result of the survey from last year s lesson plan. There were a number of defensive driving topics requested and so the most requested ones were put together in one presentation. This lesson plan focuses on the most challenging areas that bus drivers face. The content in this lesson plan is not intended to go into such basics as how to use your eight-light system or how to stay in your lane of travel. The ASK Questions are to be used to bring out the experiences of your drivers, which will take the pressure off of the instructor to preach to the choir so to speak. Use a welcoming and intentional tone of voice when asking questions so that your drivers are clear that you are asking them to answer. The PowerPoint Presentation should not be printed out as a hand out. There is not enough information for it to be useful that way. Rather, it is intended to get your drivers in the mood to discuss their ideas about defensive driving by visually emphasizing each topic. Using this Lesson Plan Lesson plans are in an outline format so that you can more easily present them. Lesson plans are not meant to be read as an outline, for example, you would not read the A. prior to the statement: There are three factors that contribute to stopping a vehicle. Be familiar with your lesson plan and PowerPoint. Let your PowerPoint slides introduce new topics. The lesson plan is also included in the trainer notes, so check that out and see if that works better for you Trainer Notes 1 The Wild World of

2 School Bus Drivers Inservice TITLE OF LESSON: THE WILD WORLD OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING Objectives of Lesson: At the end of this lesson, the school bus driver will be able to: Identify three distractions inside and outside the bus. Identify three factors that affect stopping distance. Identify three concerns at intersections. Identify three areas of concern around bicyclists. Identify three areas of concern while loading and unloading. Name two responsibilities a bus driver has when an emergency vehicle approaches. Name three obstacles to identify at rail grade crossings. Equipment for Lesson: Laptop LCD Projector and Screen Trainer Note: Distribute H 1 before you start the introduction. Introduction: SLIDE 1 As professional drivers, we use defensive driving skills to save lives, time, and money. We do this in spite of the conditions around us and the actions of others. Today we will identify situations that are very challenging to bus drivers, which include SLIDE 2 Distractions both inside and outside the bus. Stopping distances that are affected by different conditions. Intersections which can hold unexpected surprises. Bicyclists who are vulnerable and sometimes unpredictable. Loading and unloading students Lesson Plan 1 The Wild World of

3 Emergency vehicles approaching suddenly. Rail grade crossing hazards. We ll take some time to identify the factors that contribute to each challenging situation. Then we can discuss the best ways to deal with them. Your involvement in this discussion will be to contribute the lessons you have learned through experience. Presentation: I. Distractions SLIDE 3 There are many types of distractions inside and outside the bus. Let s start with inside the bus. What kinds of distractions have you experienced inside your bus? When is the best time to address student management distractions? A. Inside the bus you may experience sudden student movements such as: 1. Throwing paper 2. Loud students 3. Changing seats 4. Harassment and fights 5. Medical emergencies that require your immediate attention 6. Bees or other creatures that make kids scream Lesson Plan 2 The Wild World of

4 SLIDE 4 What kinds of equipment sounds can cause distractions? 7. Equipment Sounds can interrupt your focus. They include: a. Radio or two-way transmissions b. Fans c. Warning systems i.e. emergency door and low air warnings buzzers etc. SLIDE 5 What kind of distractions have you experienced outside your bus? B. Outside the bus you may experience 1. Unfamiliar Situations which can be distracting. These include: a. Detours b. New routes c. Field trips d. Construction e. Accidents 2. Familiar surroundings can still present surprises. SLIDE 6 3. Pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists can be unpredictable. We will talk about this more in a bit. For now, what are some ways you can be a defensive driver in unfamiliar situations? 1. Being aware of your surroundings takes a lot of attention. To add to distractions, you must always be able to stop in time. II. Stopping Distance SLIDE 7 A. There are three factors that contribute to stopping a vehicle: 1. Perception Lesson Plan 3 The Wild World of

5 2. Reaction and 3. Effective Stopping Distance. The time it takes to react and stop can be affected by road conditions, type of vehicle, load, and speed. SLIDE 8 B. Perception distance is the distance your vehicle travels, in ideal conditions from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it. 1. Mental and physical conditions can affect your perception distance. 2. Stopping can be affected greatly depending on visibility and the hazard itself. 3. The average perception time for an alert driver is about 1 ¾ seconds. 4. At 55 mph, this accounts for 142 feet traveled. SLIDE 9 C. Reaction distance is the distance you will continue to travel before you physically hit the brakes, in response to a hazard seen ahead. 1. The average driver has a reaction time of about ¾ of a second. 2. At 55 mph, reaction distance accounts for 61 feet traveled. SLIDE 10 D. Effective stopping distance is the total minimum distance your vehicle has traveled until you bring your vehicle to a complete stop. In ideal conditions with everything considered, the effective stopping distance includes: 1. Perception distance 2. Reaction distance 3. Braking distance Lesson Plan 4 The Wild World of

6 At 55 mph, your vehicle will travel a minimum of 419 feet. SLIDE 11 What kinds of road conditions affect stopping distance? Class Discussion E. Road Conditions do affect your stopping distance. 1. When the road conditions are slippery, slow down to stop in the same distance you would on a dry road. a. On slick roads, reduce speed by about one third. b. On snow, reduce speed by one half, or more. c. When roads are icy, reduce to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so. F. You can t steer or stop a vehicle unless you have traction. SLIDE 12 How does the weight of your vehicle affect your stopping distance? Class Discussion G. Vehicle weight affects stopping distance. 1. Heavier vehicles require longer distances. 2. Empty vehicles can also require greater stopping distances because an empty vehicle has less traction. SLIDE 13 What is your experience with speed on different kinds of road surfaces? H. Speed affects stopping distance. 1. At 55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, a full stop can take about 216 feet. 2. When you double your speed from 20 to 40 mph the braking distance is four times longer Lesson Plan 5 The Wild World of

7 3. Triple the speed from 20 to 60 and your stopping distance is greater than the length of a football field (300 feet). 4. High speeds greatly increase the severity of crashes and stopping distances. 5. By slowing down, you can reduce braking distance. III. Intersections SLIDE 14 Approaching an intersection requires planning ahead, attention to potential hazards and knowing how you will navigate safely. A. As you approach the intersection, start to assess the situation. 1. A human s eyesight is designed to see at 6 10 ft. per second or walking speed. 2. In a vehicle we are traveling faster than our brain can process all the information. At what distance should you start to assess an intersection? Class Discussion When you approach an intersection what is the first thing you notice? Class Discussion B. When you first view the intersection, you will notice the: 1. Type of intersection for example 4-way 2-way 2. Type of control 3. General congestion What do you notice as you get closer and closer? Class Discussion C. On closer approach, you will consider: SLIDE Lesson Plan 6 The Wild World of

8 1. Signal lights may change. 2. Pedestrians can make sudden movements. 3. Animals do not understand rules of the road. 4. Parked cars may pull out or have occupants exiting. 5. Yield signs may not be followed. 6. Vehicles may pass or maneuver suddenly. 7. Tail swing is outside of your traveling lane. What can happen inside your bus that could affect your attention to intersection details? D. As you travel through the intersection: SLIDE The cross traffic may not always stop. 2. Other drivers may not see you. 3. Think not only of your actions, but of others. E. Now let s talk about left and right hand turns. SLIDE 17 Both have similar rules. 1. Stop before the stop line or cross walk. 2. Check your positioning for the turn. 3. Keep speed low to 10 mph or less 5 7 mph is best. 4. Continue checking your mirrors. What must you remember during a left hand turn? F. The left turn has a great potential for danger. SLIDE Lesson Plan 7 The Wild World of

9 1. Check the crosswalk you are entering for pedestrians. 2. Check your mirrors, and around vision blockers during the entire turn. 3. Check your tail swing on the right. 4. Check rear tires tracking on the left. 5. Keep watching for pedestrians SLIDE 19 What must you remember during a right hand turn? SLIDE 20 G. The right turn can easily be congested with pedestrians and clearances are both big concerns. 1. Check the crosswalk once more for pedestrians. 2. Check for vehicles coming on your right. 3. Check your tail swing on the left. 4. Check for turning traffic. 5. Check your rear tires tracking on the right. SLIDE 21 What are your greatest concerns while going straight through an intersection? H. There is still potential for collision when you are going straight through in an intersection. 1. Scan left-right-left and ROCK & ROLL to look around your vision blockers. 2. Cover the brakes and slow down. 3. Stay in your lane when crossing through an intersection Lesson Plan 8 The Wild World of

10 4. Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk It s the law. Please read silently the pedestrian right of way law RCW in your handout. RCW Pedestrian right of way in crosswalks. (1) The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway. (2) No pedestrian or bicycle shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or otherwise move into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop. (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply under the conditions stated in RCW (2). (4) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle. (5)(a) If a person is found to have committed an infraction under this section within a school, playground, or crosswalk speed zone created under RCW , the person must be assessed a monetary penalty equal to twice the penalty assessed under RCW The penalty may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. (b) Fifty percent of the moneys collected under this subsection must be deposited into the school zone safety account. [2010 c 242 1; 2000 c 85 1; 1993 c 153 1; 1990 c 241 4; 1965 ex.s. c ] H 1 Please tell me in your own words: What does this law mean? Before we go on, are there any questions about this RCW? There is another consideration we have not talked about yet and that is the bicyclist. We will cover that next, because we share the road with bicyclists, too! IV. Bicyclists SLIDE 22 Bicycles are legally considered "vehicles" on Washington s roadways. Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road like drivers of any other vehicle and must be treated as equal users by all other vehicles. A. Be prepared and be aware of bicyclists around you. According to state law: Lesson Plan 9 The Wild World of

11 1. Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles, so treat them as if they were a small vehicle. 2. They ride with the traffic, not against it. SLIDE Bicyclists should not pass on the right. 4. They do not have to wear a helmet unless regulated by city code. 5. Bicyclists are required to signal intent. 6. They may choose the best way to turn left, a. Like an auto: signaling to move into the left turn lane and then turn left or b. Like a pedestrian: riding straight to the far side crosswalk, and walk their bike across. 7. Bicyclists must use a white headlight and a rear reflector or taillight during night conditions. 8. They may use bicycle lanes which include new designs such as waiting boxes and unusual turn lanes. SLIDE They must follow lane markings and use proper lanes for the directions they are traveling. SLIDE 25 C. We talked about bicyclist s rules, signs and road markings, but just like motorists, we must still be prepared for other s mistakes Bicycle signs can also be a bit confusing. How many signs do you recognize? SLIDE At any time a bicyclist might not: a. See or hear you coming from behind, b. Signal intent, c. Make eye contact or d. Stay in their lane. 2. In addition, bicyclists might be: SLIDE 27 a. Affected by road conditions and speed Lesson Plan 10 The Wild World of

12 b. Prone to road hazards such as sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand debris or rail grade tracks. c. Wearing headphones. d. Wearing dark colors or blending in to surroundings. Now please read silently from your handout: RCW Riding on roadways and bicycle paths. RCW Riding on roadways and bicycle paths. (1) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe except as may be appropriate while preparing to make or while making turning movements, or while overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway or highway other than a limited-access highway, which roadway or highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near to the left side of the left through lane as is safe. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway may use the shoulder of the roadway or any specially designated bicycle lane if such exists. (2) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. H 1 Please tell me in your own words: What does this law mean? Before we go on, are there any questions about this RCW? Now that you are busy looking for bicyclists, remember that you must still pay attention to loading and unloading your students. V. Loading and Unloading SLIDE 28 Most student injuries occur in the loading and unloading area. To drive defensively in this situation means to be diligent on approaching the stop carefully. Load and unload with caution and continue on only when it is safe to do so. Have you ever had a close call while approaching a bus stop and what do you do differently now? A. Approach carefully Lesson Plan 11 The Wild World of

13 1. Know where your traffic is. 2. Use your eight-light system properly. 3. Use appropriate lane placement. 4. Stop 10 feet short of students to keep them in your vision. 5. Use the proper loading procedure. What instructions do you give students to wait for the bus? Why are students at risk while getting on and off the bus? B. Load and unload with caution 1. Use your light system properly and secure your bus and continue to check your mirrors. 2. Be certain you are properly placed and either fully in the travel lane or off the road. 3. Check your Danger Zone. SLIDE Students should cross only when you know and they know it is safe. Never cross students if there are three or more lanes of traffic. 5. Count students as they enter or exit the bus, and then count them again before pulling away from the stop. 6. Be particularly aware of backpacks, rings and other articles that may become entangled in the step well area. 7. When students are seated check for late students 8. Check your mirrors again before continuing on While you are looking in your mirrors, did you notice that fast approaching vehicle with a bunch of flashing lights? VI. Emergency Vehicles SLIDE Lesson Plan 12 The Wild World of

14 When an emergency vehicle is approaching, you must respond as quickly as possible to ensure that you are not obstructing them. This can be challenging if you are in the process of loading or unloading. Because of the size of your bus you are limited in the maneuvering space. A defensive driver also needs to be aware of transit busses stopping to load or unload passengers and upon reentering the lane of traffic know who has the right of way. Tell us about a difficult situation you were in which involved approaching emergency vehicles. A. Let s review the law H 1 Please read silently: RCW Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles. This RCW covers the rules for the general public including bus drivers RCW Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles. (1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW , or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. (2) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. H 1 Please tell me in your own words: What does this law mean? Before we go on, are there any questions about this RCW? What this means is: If you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching you are required to pull over. The emergency vehicle driver must drive with due regard. SLIDE 31 Now please read RCW which addresses the requirements of the emergency vehicle driver Lesson Plan 13 The Wild World of

15 RCW Authorized emergency vehicles. (1) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. (2) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: (a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter; (b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; (c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; (d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions. (3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW , except that: (a) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing. (4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others. H 1 Please tell me in your own words: What does this law mean? Before we go on, are there any questions about this RCW? B. School bus drivers have the primary responsibility for the safety of their passengers while riding, loading and unloading. When emergency vehicles approach: 1. Move out of the way to a safe location as quickly as possible. (have a plan) 2. Do not let your students off the bus. 3. Work out a way to warn your students of emergency vehicles if students are loading or unloading. 4. Realize that an emergency vehicle may proceed past your stop sign Lesson Plan 14 The Wild World of

16 VII. Transit Vehicles SLIDE 32 A. Make several stops along highways B. Strict schedules C. Have the right-of-way Please read RCW Transit Vehicles silently. RCW Transit Vehicles. (1) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signaled and is reentering the traffic flow. (2) Nothing in this section shall operate to relieve the driver of a transit vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the roadway. H 1 Please tell me in your own words: What does this law mean? Before we go on, are there any questions about this RCW? Speaking of emergency and transit vehicles having the right of way, how about that train that has no way of swerving out of the way? VIII. Rail Grade Crossings SLIDE 33 It s important to maintain total concentration at rail grade crossings. Whether it is a distraction or visual obstruction, it could mean the difference between a safe crossing and catastrophic disaster. What kinds of obstructions have you experienced at rail grade crossings? SLIDE 34 A. Your view can be obstructed by environmental factors such as: 1. Fog 2. Rain and/or Condensation on windows 3. Sunshine glare 4. Dawn and dusk Lesson Plan 15 The Wild World of

17 SLIDE 35 B. Your line of site may be obstructed by vision blockers such as: 1. Mirrors 2. Support beams. 3. Fans. 4. Power boxes. 5. Trees, bushes and buildings. How do you deal with obstructions at rail grade crossings? Rock and Roll Look, Listen and Live! C. You can also be distracted by noises that do not allow you to hear a train. This includes: SLIDE Noisy students. 2. Fans, heaters, radios. Quiet students and turn off all noise-making devices look and listen before continuing! D. Containment Area SLIDE 37 The containment areas at intersections may not be big enough for school buses to stop on the opposite side of the tracks. 1. Always look ahead when you are stopped at the rail grade crossing to see if there is ample room to clear the tracks. a. The school bus driver should know the length of their vehicle. b. Do not move your bus if you can t drive completely across the tracks. c. The train has a 3-foot overhang Lesson Plan 16 The Wild World of

18 E. Watch out for aggressive drivers Often drivers in other vehicles are not patient, in a hurry, and plain just don t like to be stuck behind a school bus. 1. Watch your mirrors for passing motorist. SLIDE Impatient drivers may cut you off and force you to stop on the tracks. Summary: SLIDE 39 You drive defensively every day to ensure you are a safe and professional driver. The conditions around you and the actions of others can be unpredictable. Your experience helps you to deal with challenging situations. Your challenges include distractions inside and outside the bus, stopping distances, intersections, bicyclists, loading and unloading students, emergency vehicles and rail grade crossings. Continue to identify the factors and concerns in these areas. Each day you drive your bus, you will gain more skills from your own experiences. You will also learn from others as you may have discovered today. Are there any questions? Lesson Plan 17 The Wild World of

19 Evaluation: Questions 1. Identify three distractions inside the bus. SLIDE Identify three distractions outside the bus. 3. Identify three factors that affect stopping distance. 4. Identify three concerns at intersections. SLIDE Identify three areas of concern around bicyclists. 6. Identify three areas of concern while loading and unloading. SLIDE Name two responsibilities a bus driver has when an emergency vehicle approaches. 8. Name three obstacles to identify at RR crossings Lesson Plan 18 The Wild World of

20 Answers: 1. Student noise, sudden movement, bees, violence Two-way radio, pedestrians, traffic. Routes/maps/directions Mechanical 2. Detours, new routes, field trips, construction, accidents, pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists 3. Reaction distance, perception distance and effective distance 4. Obstructions Pedestrians Animals School zones Parked cars Passing vehicles Tail swing hazard 5. Bike lanes and signage, road conditions, prone to road hazards, wearing dark clothing, wearing head phones and see or hear you. Sudden movements Sharing the road (rules) 6. Location of other vehicles Students around the bus including Danger zone Crossing 7. Every driver shall yield the right of way move over Keep students safe 8. Fog, Rain and/or Condensation on windows, Sunshine glare Dawn and dusk, Mirrors, Support beams, Fans. Power boxes Trees, bushes and buildings Lesson Plan 19 The Wild World of

21 WASHINGTON STATE LAW RCW Pedestrian right of way in crosswalks. (1) The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway. (2) No pedestrian or bicycle shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or otherwise move into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop. (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply under the conditions stated in RCW (2). (4) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle. (5)(a) If a person is found to have committed an infraction under this section within a school, playground, or crosswalk speed zone created under RCW , the person must be assessed a monetary penalty equal to twice the penalty assessed under RCW The penalty may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. (b) Fifty percent of the moneys collected under this subsection must be deposited into the school zone safety account. [2010 c 242 1; 2000 c 85 1; 1993 c 153 1; 1990 c 241 4; 1965 ex.s. c ] RCW Riding on roadways and bicycle paths. (1) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe except as may be appropriate while preparing to make or while making turning movements, or while overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway or highway other than a limited-access highway, which roadway or highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near to the left side of the left through lane as is safe. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway may use the shoulder of the roadway or any specially designated bicycle lane if such exists. (2) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. RCW Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles. (1). Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW , or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. (2). This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. RCW Authorized emergency vehicles. (1) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. (2) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: (a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter; (b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; (c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; (d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions. (3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW , except that: Lesson Plan Handout 1 The Wild World of

22 WASHINGTON STATE LAW (a) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing. (4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others. RCW Transit vehicles. (1) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signaled and is reentering the traffic flow. (2) Nothing in this section shall operate to relieve the driver of a transit vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the roadway. H Lesson Plan Handout 2 The Wild World of