SPEAKING OUTLINE School Bus Drivers In-service LESSON: Safe Student Loading and Unloading Slide 1 I. Introduction school bus is the safest

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1 SPEAKING OUTLINE School Bus Drivers In-service LESSON: Safe Student Loading and Unloading Slide 1 I. Introduction school bus is the safest transportation result of.. design, school bus stops most importantly of the daily care of each school bus driver in loading and unloading procedure. highest risk to students on the bus a safety zone Walking to and from Most dangerous getting on or off the school bus. Kansas DOE number of student fatalities and injuries 60% killed by their own bus. regular review critical remind their students of the correct procedures beginning of the school year reminders during year new student, or new stop. Slide 2 The danger zone adjust the mirrors school bus stop locations safely load and unload students students training. Slide 3 II. Presentation A. Danger Zone 10 feet from all sides of the school bus area to the left of the bus Instruction to students about the danger zone Why is it called the danger zone. o restricted vision o Drivers don t expect kids here Slide 4 Point out safe walk area. driver will expect to see kids. Slide 5 driver instruction to students

2 danger zones and the safe walk areas Slide 6 B. Correct Mirror Adjustments vital to the safe operation of the school bus observe the danger zones around the bus and to be able to watch for students, traffic, and other objects always check mirror adjustment obtain maximum viewing area. ask for assistance Slide 7 Left and Right Flat Mirrors left and right front corners used to watch students, monitor traffic, and check clearances. blind spot immediately behind each mirror blind spot behind the bus feet properly adjusted 200 feet behind. Along the sides Slide 8 Left Flat Mirror Correct Adjustment Slide 9 Left Flat Mirror Incorrect Adjustment Slide 10 Right Flat Mirror Correct Adjustment Slide 11 Right Flat Mirror Incorrect Adjustment Slide 12 Left and Right Convex Mirrors usually located just below the flat mirrors wide angle view of students at the side of the bus, traffic, and clearances. view does not accurately reflect size and distance adjust mirrors: side of the bus to mirror mounts. Front of the rear tires area 12 out 32 feet back Slide 13 Left Convex Mirror Slide 14 Right Convex Mirror Slide 15 2

3 Left and Right Cross-view Mirrors left and right front corners used to see the front bumper "danger zone" area not visible by direct vision does not accurately reflect their size and distance adjusted so you can see: ground level to direct vision right and left front tires front of the bus to door. Direct vision - mirror vision overlap. should be viewed in a logical sequence to check the danger zones. Slide 16 Left Cross-view Mirror Slide 17 Right Cross-view Mirror Slide 18 Interior Rearview Mirror monitor passenger activity inside the bus. blind spot area directly behind the driver's seat blind area up to 400 feet behind the bus Slide 19 Proper interior rearview mirror adjustment Slide 20 Incorrect interior rearview mirror adjustment Slide 21 C. School Bus Stop Locations school district has the legal responsibility for routes and stops prior approval by the school district school bus driver should never change a bus stop without approval Slide 22 Requirements for school bus stop locations The first essential safety element Proper placement of the stop is critical serve both sides of the roadway three or more marked lanes Remember that students are not allowed to cross o traffic moving in the opposite direction from the bus is not required to stop. o traffic signal (red, yellow, green type) or an adult crossing guard within 300 feet, to assist the student(s) across the street. 3

4 o age dependent. if they are assigned a new bus stop is wrong? Answer: notify the dispatcher Don t cross the student (Discuss local procedures here.) Slide 23 Requirements for school bus stop locations on a curve or a hill must have at least 500 feet of visibility o a sign placed (School Bus Stop Ahead). o Sometimes, the local traffic engineering department will determine that they will place one sign o Are the visibility conditions at the stop changing o Safe school bus stops take teamwork. Slide 24 Other considerations for school bus stop locations sufficient room well lit, open areas. Ask yourself: would I want to wait there? student behavior problems at a school bus stop: fix the behavior don t just move the stop and relocate the problem Slide 25 Prohibited school bus stop locations Intersections On sidewalks On planting strips On a crosswalk Using the left side of the roadway Slide 26 D. Loading and Unloading Procedures School bus drivers have the primary responsibility for ensuring that students are safe when they are getting on and off the bus. Slide 27 Loading and unloading is a demanding procedure that requires extreme caution and continued attention. That means EACH STOP - EVERY DAY Slide 28 critical: driver understands and follows all state laws and regulations proper use of mirrors, alternating flashing lights, stop signal arm, and crossing control arm. 4

5 Always paying attention to the kids getting on and off the bus never letting other distractions put the kids at risk. At the end of each route, when safe, check for sleeping kids. Slide 29 Loading/Unloading On the Road Student Stops all the different types of loading and unloading procedures. first is on the traveled portion of the roadway. Slide 30 Keep checking mirrors Slide 31 alternating flashing amber warning lights distances mirrors. brake lights mirrors. Slide 32 Stop mirrors parking brake transmission red lights with the switch Slide 33 Mirrors door. District signal Count and Watch for students in the danger areas or go under the bus AM: students in seats before moving PM: Students, wait 10 feet in front of the bus for the signal Count students. Slide 34 students safe door transmission parking brake reds proceed 5

6 Reminder on 3 or more lanes of travel 1. Never cross these students. 2. Make sure they aren t crossing before the bus Slide 35 When NOT to use the 8-light system school property or load off the travelled portion while backing or at railroad crossings. for another school bus control traffic, except when loading and unloading students regardless Slide 36 Loading/Unloading Off the Road Stops only used when NO student crosses the road completely off Slide 37 turn signal Reduce speed pull off the road room for students complete stop. Cancel turn signal Slide 38 parking brake transmission 4 way hazard lights light pressure on service brake Slide 39 door count students all students seated or away from the bus. transmission parking brake Slide 40 hazard lights left turn signal 6

7 ALL OF THEM... Checking for students that may have approached the bus. Merge and proceed Slide 41 State regulation requires the use of the parking brake Slide 42 Loading and Unloading Students in the School Load Zone students always present. One thing for sure, there are kids around. BE CAREFUL and keep checking your mirrors! Slide 43 Approach carefully. no crossing a traffic zone or between vehicles. brakes transmission engine idling, fuel exhaust door Monitor students o pushing and shoving o handrail. Slide 44 AM: walk-through. Minimize engine idling If you are leaving the driver compartment, remove the key Avoid backing in a school load zone Slide 45 Loading and Unloading at Turnaround Stops require specific previous authorization Some include a school bus stop protect students while the bus is backing specific procedures identified in the route sheet Slide 46 least traveled portion of the roadway. AM Stops: loaded before backing. PM Stops: prior to unloading. Slide 47 E. Stop Logistics requires good communication 7

8 the driver is the person out actually at the stop a driver s input is critical. Slide 48 Inclement Weather notify dispatch if the conditions of the roadway have changed Slide 49 Road Construction notify dispatch if scheduled roadway construction notification to parents and students closes a roadway without prior warning, follow district procedures. Do not release students at an unauthorized location. Slide 50 Stop Location and Students notify the dispatcher/supervisor if students have moved into or a safer location Slide 51 Heavy Traffic Stops minimize the impact on traffic AM Stops: students early o wait until students are seated assigned seats PM Stops: o students move forward o be ready to go: put all the books and toys away o students cleared the bus stop before leaving. Slide 52 Courteous Driving Reminder professional manner. pull over and let traffic clear. Follow district policy. Slide 53 F. Student Behavior and the Loading Process training of students. Kids aren t born with an knowledge new student Don t assume kids know or remember all the safety rules. Keep training. You ll be a pain, but they ll be alive some reminders of the student training Slide 54 8

9 Student Instruction walk facing traffic Arrive early Respect private property. orderly behavior. single file - no pushing or shoving. Slide 55 Student Instruction, cont. the driver s signal cross 10 feet in front never assume a car is going to stop. (afternoon) Students should watch for traffic some districts require students to stop at the centerline. Some districts use the horn know and teach district procedures Never cross behind the bus. danger zone. Always use the handrail Slide 56 Student Instruction, cont. Only assigned school bus stop district procedures for other stops Stay seated until complete stop Follow district guidance step off the bus, look both directions Slide 57 Bus Stop Behavior responsibility to report student behavior at school bus stops. limited actions that can be taken Not reporting such behavior can result in formal action against the driver district policy and procedures. way between the school bus stop and home, and at the stop. This is a very gray legal area (example) the driver takes no action, the driver and the school district could be held liable. Slide 58 G. Parents or Unauthorized Individuals on Buses driver should know district procedures Slide 59 Concerned and Insistent Parent 9

10 route schedule student something else. the best approach is: interested in problem and want to talk about concerns. Provide them with a name and phone number for them to call. Emphasize schedule repeat your concern for your schedule Be polite but insistent. If they refuse, follow district procedures warn them of the action you are taking. Slide 60 Unauthorized Individuals Lake Stevens School District.. last fall. man forced his way onto an elementary bus loud, using obscene language kids had drugs in their backpacks and he was going to take the backpacks resident of the neighborhood driver radioed dispatch to call 911 Sheriff responded arrested the individual. deputy indicated the school bus driver took all the correct actions (and no drugs in the kids backpacks) Suggested Steps: Try not to let them on the bus. Try to close door. If on the bus, keep telling them to get off 911. Follow district procedures STAY CALM make notes about the individual: physical appearance, distinguishing marks, color and type of clothing, etc. sooner the better Slide 61 Laws Protecting School Bus Drivers Fortunately, there are specific laws to protect school district employees, The first law is RCW 28A specific protection for school bus drivers against interference by force or violence Slide 62 10

11 The second law is protection against intimidation by threat of force or violence. recent legislation no real protection after the fact Hopefully, you will If you do remember that the most important concern is the safety of everyone involved: you and the kids. Slide 63 III. Summary a lot of material danger zone, mirror adjustment, bus stop locations and behavior. loading and unloading procedures at all kinds of keep training those kids on your bus to KEEP THEM SAFE. School bus drivers have a wonderful record of doing a great job keeping kids safe. It takes constant practice and daily effort. Thank you for doing such a great job! 11