TRAINER NOTES FOR LESSON PLAN 2012 13 School Bus Drivers Inservice TITLE OF LESSON: LOADING & UNLOADING STUDENTS SAFELY Length of Lesson: 45 minutes TRAINER NOTES: This lesson plan is to be used as a review of loading and unloading procedures with school bus drivers. It s also an opportune time to discuss any school district specific procedures that are used or expected. 2012 13 Trainer Notes 1
2012 13 School Bus Drivers Inservice TITLE OF LESSON: LOADING AND UNLOADING STUDENTS SAFELY Objectives of Lesson: At the end of this lesson, the school bus driver will be able to: SLIDE 1 Describe the procedures and techniques that school bus drivers can and must use to ensure the safety of students as they enter or depart the bus. Name the six danger zones around a school bus. Explain the procedure for the proper use of: a. The four-light system b. The eight-light system c. Hazard warning lights State the three important rules for bus drivers before leaving a stop. Explain where school bus injuries and fatalities occur. Equipment for Lesson: Laptop and projector Power point presentation Lesson plan Introduction: SLIDE 2 Statistics show most school bus related student accidents and injuries occur in the loading and unloading area at school bus stops. o The school bus driver can add to the safety of this situation by remaining diligent. o The driver must approach the stop carefully, load and unload with caution, and carefully observe everything that is happening during this process. o These cautionary skills require that the driver demonstrate the legal crossing procedures and is at all times aware of where students are and what other vehicle are doing outside and around the bus. When a driver runs your stop paddle, have a procedure in place to keep your students safe. What can you do to observe and remember critical information for the stop paddle violation form? 2012 13 Lesson Plan 1
School bus drivers play a very important role as the people on the front line. You are the people that law enforcement officers depend on for accurate information. The bus ride to and from school can offer one more instructional setting to teach skills and expectations to positively impact student behavior and safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility. o As always, review and use your district policy concerning loading and unloading practices and procedures. The fact is that you, as a School Bus Driver in Washington State, do an excellent job. Education, Alertness, and Awareness are the keys to promoting school bus safety and continuing to keep our students safe. Presentation: SLIDE 3 I. Presentation Overview Today, we will review loading and unloading procedures using the eightlight and four-light systems as well as off road loading and unloading using the hazard warning lights. We will also discuss how to properly fill out the stop paddle violation form. Remember, any time students must cross the roadway, the bus must stop on the traveled portion of the roadway, and control traffic with the stop arm and the overhead flashing lights. In addition, whenever students do not have to cross the road, and the bus cannot be pulled completely of the roadway the bus must stay in the traffic lane and control traffic with the stop arm and overhead flashing lights. The traveled portion of the roadway is defined as that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or shoulder, even though such sidewalk or shoulder is used by persons riding bicycles. (RCW 46.04.500) II. Approaching the Bus Stop SLIDE 4 A. Loading/Unloading Students using the Four-Light System 2012 13 Lesson Plan 2
1. Check traffic ahead and to the rear of bus. 2. Begin to brake gradually a. 35 mph may require 300 to 400 feet b. 20 mph may require about 200 feet 3. Stay in traffic lane to provide best protection for students. Apply foot brake and check traffic to see if they are stopping or preparing to stop. Stop 6'-8' short of students whenever possible to keep them in your vision. 4. Activate stop paddle. 5. Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading passengers. When it is possible, maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers. Check traffic again and open door. The red lights must never be controlled by use of the door switch. B. At the Bus Stop SLIDE 5 1. If you have children crossing, make sure they have been trained to wait until you signal to cross. Do not pull in your stop paddle or release brake until all students are seated and you have done one more complete mirror check for late students. 2. When unloading students, remember to count them as they exit the bus, and then count them again before pulling away from the stop. 3. During the unloading procedure, be particularly aware of backpacks, drawstrings, and other articles that may become entangled in the step well area. III. Loading/Unloading Students using the Eight Light System SLIDE 6 A. Check traffic ahead and to the rear of bus. B. Prior to stopping the bus for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, activate the alternating amber flashing warning lamps: 2012 13 Lesson Plan 3
1. No less than 100 feet and no more than 300 feet from the bus stop where posted speed limit is 35 mph or less, or 2. No less than 300 feet and no more than 500 feet from the bus stop where posted speed limit is 35 mph or more C. At the same time the ambers are activated, begin to brake gradually. 1. 35 mph may require 300 to 400 feet 2. 20 mph may require about 200 feet D. Stay in traffic lane so the bus can provide protection for students. E. Apply brakes and check again for traffic to see if they are stopping or preparing to stop. When possible, stop 6-8 feet short of students to keep them in your vision. F. Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading passengers. When it is possible, maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers. G. Check traffic again and open door. The red lights must never be controlled by use of the door switch IV. At the Bus Stop SLIDE 7 A. If you have students crossing, make sure they wait for your signal before they cross. B. When unloading students, remember to count them as they exit the bus. C. Be particularly aware of backpacks, drawstrings, and other articles that may become entangled in the step well area. D. Count the students again before pulling away from the stop. 2012 13 Lesson Plan 4
E. Do not pull in your stop paddle or release your brake until all students are seated and you have done one more complete MIRROR CHECK for late students. V. Hazard Warning Lights SLIDE 8 A. A school bus stop may be established off the traveled portion of the roadway only if students do not need to cross the roadway and the bus can be pulled completely off the roadway. In addition, the hazard warning lights must be activated before loading and unloading school children at such stops. B. Check traffic ahead and to the rear, remove foot from accelerator. C. Begin to brake gradually: 1. 35 mph may require 300 to 400 feet 2. 20 mph may require about 200 feet D. 100 feet prior to stop, turn right turn signal. E. Pull off roadway; stop 6-8 feet short of students if possible, to keep them in your vision. Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading passengers. When it is possible, maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers. F. Deactivate your right turn signal and activate your hazard warning lights. G. Check Mirrors SLIDE 9 1. When safe, open doors to load/unload students. a. Shut doors b. Turn off hazard warning lights c. Activate left turn signal d. Release brake e. CHECK MIRRORS f. When safe pull back onto roadway 2012 13 Lesson Plan 5
g. Students are never to cross the roadway in this situation! VI. Keeping Students Safe SLIDE 10 What are some things the driver should be doing during loading and unloading to keep students safe? A. The driver has the responsibility to make sure it is safe for students to cross the roadway. Be aware that the student does not have the visibility that the driver does. Be sure to train students to watch the driver before crossing. 1. Count a. Count the students at the stop and keep track of them until they have all safely boarded the bus. b. Students must cross only in front of the bus. Never allow students to pass behind the bus!! Count students make sure they are all accounted for before proceeding. 2. Eye Contact a. Be sure to maintain eye contact with student until the student is completely crossed. Instruct students to cross far enough in front of bus so that they may have full view of the driver's head and shoulders. b. Use an example such as taking 10 steps forward before crossing. 3. Driver Signal a. Your signal to students to cross must not be mistaken as a signal to go by drivers of waiting cars. b. The system of signaling should be consistent throughout the district so there is no confusion to students or substitute drivers. c. Never signal the driver of a car to pass your stopped school bus. Let them make that decision. d. You should pay attention to what traffic is doing so students may cross safely. 4. Student Behavior a. One of the most important items of loading and unloading is distraction of the driver by students on the bus. 2012 13 Lesson Plan 6
b. Any distraction of the driver is a potential fatality. c. The development of procedure at student stops is good policy. d. The cooperation of students is most important. e. If there is a problem on the bus, the driver should take care of the problem after loading or before unloading students so that the driver's total attention can be given to the loading or unloading procedures. f. Be sure to establish proper bus stop procedure for students waiting for the bus. 5. Emergency vehicles approaching a stop a. We always try to be certain that our procedures are safe. However, occasionally, emergencies do come up, such as a fast approaching vehicle or emergency vehicles. b. Establish a district-wide procedure to eliminate confusion. Honking the horn or using the external P. A. system is a good method. c. Instruct the students what to do. 6. Seating arrangements a. Many students are injured or killed by cars passing a stopped school bus. To lessen the hazard of impatient drivers when you stop traffic, load or unload as quickly as it is safely possible. 1) Load from the back of the bus forward. 2) Save a section up front for a group of students at a last stop. 3) Instruct students on the importance of allowing other students to sit with them. 4) Have an assigned seat for each child on the bus. 5) Seat elementary age students when loading at school. 6) Discuss with students the importance of being seated as quickly as possible. VII. Three Important Rules for School Bus Drivers before Leaving a Stop. SLIDE 11 CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR 2012 13 Lesson Plan 7
VIII. Remember the Six Danger Zones SLIDE 12 The front of the bus 1. The right side of the school bus 2. The rear of the bus 3. The left side of the bus 4. The forward blind area on the left side 5. The right side loading area SLIDE 13 IX. Quick and Safe Methods to Identify Stop Paddle Violators A. Now let's talk about stop paddle violations. You have executed your stopping procedure correctly and a motorist has run your stop paddle. What do you do now? 1. Prepare in advance. What can you do to remember critical information? 2. Prioritize information needed. 3. It should be stressed that your primary objective is the safety of the children getting on your bus, not the description of driver and vehicle running your stop paddle. 4. Enlist the help of your local law enforcement department if it is a constant problem in particular area. The new stop arm camera law allows districts to concentrate on specific areas with large numbers of stop law violations. 2012 13 Lesson Plan 8
SUMMARY: SLIDE 14 Statistics show most school bus related accidents and injuries occur in the loading and unloading area at school bus stops. The school bus driver can add to the safety of this situation by approaching the stop carefully, load and unload with caution, and carefully observe everything that is happening during this process. These cautionary skills require that the driver demonstrate the legal stopping and crossing procedures and is at all times aware of where students are and what other vehicles are doing outside and around the bus. When a driver runs your stop paddle, have a procedure in place to keep your students safe. What can you do to observe and remember critical information? School bus drivers play a very important role as the people on the front line. You are the people that law enforcement officers depend on for accurate information. The bus ride to and from school can offer one more instructional setting to teach skills and expectations to positively impact student behavior and safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility. As always, review and use your district policy concerning loading and unloading practices and procedures. The fact is that you, as a School Bus Driver in Washington State, do an excellent job. Education, Alertness, and Awareness are the keys to promoting school bus safety and continuing to keep our students safe. 2012 13 Lesson Plan 9
Evaluation: SLIDE 15 1. Describe some of the procedures and techniques that school bus drivers can and must use to ensure the safety of students as they enter or depart the bus. 2. Name the six danger zones around a school bus. 3. Explain the procedure for the proper use of: a. The four-light system b. The eight-light system c. Hazard warning lights 4. State the three important rules for bus drivers before leaving a stop. 5. Explain where school bus injuries and fatalities occur. Answers: Question #1 SLIDE 16 1. Correctly use the eight-light system 2. Instruct children on how to cross safely 3. Eye contact 4. Use a crossing signal 5. Count students Question #2 SLIDE 17 1. The front of the bus 2. The right side of the school bus 3. The rear of the bus 4. The left side of the bus 5. The forward blind area on the left side 6. The right side loading area Question #3 SLIDE 18 1. Check traffic ahead and to the rear of bus. Prior to stopping the bus for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, activate the alternating 2012 13 Lesson Plan 10
amber flashing warning lamps if the bus is so equipped. Activate the amber warning lamps: a. No less than 100 feet and no more than 300 feet from the bus stop where posted speed limit is 35 mph or less, and b. No less than 300 feet and no more than 500 feet from the bus stop where posted speed limit is more than 35 mph (WAC 392-145- 030)(5) 2. At the same time the ambers are activated or if bus is SLIDE 19 equipped with a 4 light system, begin to brake gradually. a. 35 mph may require 300 to 400 feet b. 20 mph may require about 200 feet 3. Stay in traffic lane so the bus can provide protection for students. 4. Apply brakes and check again for traffic to see if they SLIDE 20 are stopping or preparing to stop. When possible, stop 6-8 feet short of students to keep them in your vision. 5. When the bus comes to a complete stop, set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading passengers. When it is possible, maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers. 6. If you have students crossing, make sure they wait SLIDE 21 for your signal before they cross. 7. Do not pull in your stop paddle or release your brake until all students are seated and you have done one more complete MIRROR CHECK for late students. 8. Check traffic to the front and rear of the bus, begin SLIDE 22 to brake gradually. 9. 100 feet prior to stop, turn right turn signal. Apply foot brake and check traffic. 10. Pull off roadway; stop 6-8 feet short of students, SLIDE 23 if possible, to keep them in your vision. 11. Come to a complete stop, set your parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading 2012 13 Lesson Plan 11
passengers. When it is possible, the school bus driver shall maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers. 12. Deactivate your right turn signal and activate your hazard warning lights. 13. CHECK MIRRORS. When safe, open doors to SLIDE 24 load/unload students. 14. Shut doors, turn off hazard warning lights and activate left turn signal. 15. Release brake, CHECK MIRRORS, and pull back onto roadway when safe. Question 4 SLIDE 25 Question 5 CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR Statistics show most school bus related student accidents and injuries occur in the loading and unloading area at school bus stops. 2012 13 Lesson Plan 12