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PennDOT - Pennsylvania School Bus Driver`s Manual

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1. o oococooco eher D 9 Epilepsy xs ose de rmi Nene Peas MU d Rr a aS Da Fare ast p INE D 10 To rette Syndrome eee e Ee y ii RD E CEN a a s D 11 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD oo oocoooccoocccnoo BB D 11 Specific Learning Disability liie RI HR un D 12 Speech or Language Impairment 0 0 00000 nen D 12 Traumatic Brain Injury TBI oocoocccooco RR IIR I3 D 12 Visual Impairments ooo BOS ve ERR x UNE EIER EU E VR MUN EH EHI e rete ius D 13 TRANSPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ooccccccccc eae D 13 General Considerations Toer ered eto eh gere E eg CIA CEP DRIN NER Rt ts D 13 Bus Stop Procedures Vie ree XE Pise Eb d awe ae aa Ee D 14 Identifying Bus StOpS s epe A Dee ER Iq D 14 Loading Procedures o ooooooooo e hr D 14 ASSIGNING Seats cce A let reser epe AUGE caia dia D 15 Onithe M EE D 15 Unloading Procedures oaaae rotieren a a T m n D 15 Modified Vehicles and Special Equipment asnasan aaaea D 15 Modified Vehicles ao ai se sees em Rm A mper tx ir xs ease ea D 15 Special Equipment d wenn AAA A A be AR Seq d D 15 Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Drills llliee I D 17 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 1 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities UNIT D TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES INTRODUCTION There are two significant laws that ensure services to students with disabilities The Individu
2. In the event of a mechanical breakdown know what to do how to do it and when it should be done The following is a suggested procedure 1 Stop the bus as far to the right of the road as possible or on the shoulder of the road 2 Keep the students on the bus However if the location of the bus is unsafe evacuate the students to a safer location see evacuation procedures in the next section 3 Activate hazard warning lights and place warning devices on the highway see the section on using emergency equipment later in this unit 4 Contact the proper school authorities and give the location of the bus and a description of the breakdown and 5 Seethat arrangements are made for all students to be delivered to their destination Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 13 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures EVACUATING THE BUS In certain crash and emergency situations you may need to evacuate the students from the bus You should know when to evacuate the bus and the procedures for evacuating a bus These procedures are practiced in required evacuation drills In any situation requiring evacuation remain calm and take charge of the situation As the bus driver YOU are the leader Review procedures below for guidance in situations where you are incapacitated WHEN TO EVACUATE Usually students remain on the bus during an emergency Four situations however require that you evacuate the bus existing or imm
3. Name and address of custodial parent guardian Nature and extent of injury injuries Nature and extent of neglect Nature and extent of sexual abuse Evidence of previous injuries including nature and extent and Any other pertinent information supporting the reasonable suspicion of abuse neglect or the perpetrator The law protects any person reporting or testifying regarding suspected child abuse and neglect You are immune from any liability resulting from such reporting testimony B 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading UNIT C STUDENT LOADING AND UNLOADING INTRODUCTION 0 e at nux uu Fatalities During Loading and Unloading o oooccocococ eee THE LOADING UNLOADING AREA ooccccc ehh EGUCATIOIN AY th Meech eds et cM nudas tee Lr em cons Aide indt e E M rt ecd rc e EA Physical TO00lS eR mE DRE ER EIER EUER aa EGG xm RIA de ea E eda When Selecting Loading Zones at a Bus Stop Follow These Procedures Carefully o ooooooococoocoor hh hn UNIQUE DANGERS OF LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONES 00 000000 see Don t Deal with On Bus Problems when Loading and Unloading illie seen ENFORCING THE SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW sssesee rn Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading UNIT C STUDENT LOADING AND UNLOADING INTRODUCTION In Pennsylvania and across the nation incident
4. music device handheld game etc may be considered to keep the child engaged in a preferred activity and minimize problem behaviors Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 11 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY Students with learning disabilities are those who have a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using spoken or written language The disorder may show up as trouble with listening thinking speaking reading writing spelling or solving math problems This category does not include students with learning disorders caused by visual hearing or motor disabilities or intellectual emotional cultural economic or environmental disorders The inclusion of students with learning disabilities in general education transportation is common You may find it helpful to contact the classroom teacher to ascertain what is working for the student during the school day SPEECH OR LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT A speech or language impairment means a communication disorder such as stuttering impaired articulation or a speech or language impairment that adversely affects a child s educational performance The inclusion of students with a speech or language impairment in general education transportation is fairly common Students with speech or language impairments may have trouble communicating clearly because they may be difficult to understa
5. AND REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCTION 2n See detti tetti aee ttr dere sd e Ea dei ertt qa A 2 YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES ooccccccccococcr e I n A 3 WHAT DO NEED TO DO TO BECOME A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER IN PENNSYLVANIA ooooccccccocccc hh nn A 7 UNIT B STUDENT MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE INTRODUCTION eR is da Re be Red qub Sand dre pee rie B 2 SCHOOL BUS DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES 0 0 0 0 0 eh B 2 STUDENT RESPONSIBIETIES cuca eet tex dep es b ee x REV B 4 DRIVER STUDENT INTERACTIONS ssssseses ee hs B 5 CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR oocccccoccocccc n B 9 GUIDELINES FOR CONTROLLING STUDENT BEHAVIOR 0 0 0 0 eee B 11 ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE geye 4 itte A Res bsc E oes Sweats B 13 GANG AWARENESS sire iie a d Ra a a a Ord e erra B 15 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT ON THE SCHOOL BUS 0 00 0 2 sh B 16 UNIT C STUDENT LOADING AND UNLOADING INTRODUCTION 2 024 z prp aia xev ias C 2 THE LOADING UNLOADING AREA 0 0 hn C 3 LOADING PROCEDURES ie hk eee RD DR ond Ron OR eger er OUR RC RR gs C 4 UNLOADING PROGEDU RES res bee hr bee tx e RR EU Re AGER LI eas Pa LR Oa C 6 UNIQUE DANGERS OF LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONES 00 0 0 0 000002 eae C 8 ENFORCING THE SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW 0 0 0 eee e C 8 UNIT D TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES INTRODUCTION 066 doe be ee Moolah wen E eere A ier D 2 DRIVER RESPONSIBIE ITLY cocaina ben S Petia ein arden a evel d e
6. All students should participate in evacuation drills unless they have been exempted by authorized medical personnel School bus operators and other personnel should plan to evacuate all students using all available exits with and without the use of the power lift if applicable Refer to Unit H for evacuation procedures BUS STOP PROCEDURES Identifying Bus Stops The bus stop for many students with disabilities especially those with physical disabilities using wheelchairs may be located on the sidewalk or driveway in front of the students homes The bus stop should have level parking smooth approaches from the house and adequate space for placing ramps and loading wheelchairs Bus stops where you must pull your bus over to the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic are prohibited Just as each student requires individual attention each stop requires its own approach Adapt your pickup and drop off procedures for the particular needs of the student and the location Stops for students with disabilities require more time and care than those for typical students Try to find a place where traffic will not be unduly held up if the school bus eight way light system is activated Loading Procedures Follow the procedures outlined in Unit C on loading and unloading for pulling up to the bus stop If you can move your bus completely off of the roadway you do not need to use the school bus eight way light system However you must
7. PUB 117 E 5 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Replace the vent caps and clean up any spills Warning battery fluid is sulfuric acid Do not get any on your skin or clothing If battery fluid does make contact with your skin flush with fresh water immediately Only use distilled water in your battery Anything else will cause the battery to fail Automatic transmission fluid level may require engine to be running and be fully warmed up Be careful around the running engine The fan might come on suddenly and catch any lose clothing or jewelry and may cause serious injury Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag Put the dipstick back in the hole Make sure to push it all the way back in until it seats Pull out the dipstick and ensure the fluid level is between the full and low levels Use a long thin funnel to add transmission fluid through the dipstick hole if required There is more than one type of transmission fluid Only use the type of transmission fluid specified by the mechanic or as shown on the dipstick or engine manual Tightness and excessive wear on belts on the alternator water pump and air compressor Learn how much give the belts should have when adjusted right and check each one Press lightly with your thumb on each belt at the belt s longest part between pulleys In general there should be no more than Y to 1 of movement The belt should not be c
8. Pr pareto Stop a eere eater a oo EE AE A eee sto G 17 Stop the Bliss A A res Rusa ohne as G 17 Look and Letom ia a G 17 No Approaching TraiM oooococoooo m mr G 18 Approaching Traln s beides ara dd Wet wade A bd peg tes G 18 M ltisTrack Crossihgs cuu ba Wee eds ee S ERRORES ERR NK ER M RE Ned da G 18 Other Pointers for Dealing with Railroad Crossings 0ooooccooccoonn eee G 18 CROSSING DRAWBRIDGES ooccccc 0 cette eae G 19 ENTERING AND EXITING THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC 000000 cece n G 20 General see lA Eto tectae t aA gS ND A t A Mh a dt ad A e Se G 20 Entrance and Exit RaMpS o oooooccccroo ee eee Ie G 20 USING LANES AND POSITIONING ON THE HIGHWAY 000 000 e eee eee eee G 21 Generali Naa elt vedete Onin a e E Ep es UNI DA TM dene Pb b REIR GE S G 21 Changing Lanes sauer aras a ar ala aid ab G 21 Being Overtaken and Passed i sisp pari impinad hn G 22 Dornrt Direct TANG eet a A G 22 Overtaking and Passing oo ooccco ehh G 22 MOUNTAIN DRIVING AND STEEP DOWNGRADES o0cccccccc ee en G 23 Before Starting the DOWNgrade oooooococo hn G 23 Using Gears Going DoWMhill ooooooccocoooo RR G 23 Use Lower Gears When Going Downhill illie G 23 Be in the Right Gear Before Starting Downhill 00000 cece eee eee G 23 Be Observant When Going Downhill ooccccccccccco G 23 Proper Braking rita Eu exi iUi Reo PR e nen ur rene G 24 Using Runaway T
9. Supply a copy of the rules to each student and post a copy of the rules so every student is aware of your expectations If any action taken by the school administration does not promote good or safe school bus behavior ask to meet with your supervisor to discuss the matter They can work with administration to emphasize the safety of the entire busload of students is threatened if no action is taken against chronic offenders Maintain close contact with the principal and secure their cooperation B 12 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline DON T DEAL WITH ON BUS PROBLEMS WHEN LOADING AND UNLOADING In order to get students to and from school safely and on time you need to be able to concentrate on the driving task Loading and unloading requires all your concentration especially considering the number of injuries and other incidents that occur during these times Don t take your eyes off of what is happening outside the bus If there is a behavior problem on the bus wait until the students have finished loading or have unloaded to a place of safety If necessary pull the bus over to handle the problem ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE There are many differences between the students of today and the students of past decades and past disciplinary techniques used by school bus drivers and other school officials personnel are no longer as useful as they once were While there are many theories
10. This is openly disrespectful and may induce the individual to prove you have underestimated them 11 Never place rival gang members together 12 Never assume you are safe just because you are encountering a gang member in a school bus 13 Never physically confront a gang member 14 Never underestimate the threat from a young or small gang member 15 Never assume anything BULLYING AND HARASSMENT ON THE SCHOOL BUS While there is a great deal of research in the topics of bullying and harassment in the school setting relatively little has been investigated in these topics on the way to or from school or on the school bus One of the few recent studies that has been completed with high school students found more students reported being fearful of their peers on the school bus than they were during any other time of their school day DeLara 2000 2002 Harassment includes unfair and disrespectful remarks written words or pictures that are unpleasant and offensive Similarly a person is bullied when they are exposed repeatedly over time to the negative actions of one or more other students These actions may range from stares and teasing up to and including physical assault Research has found that two incidents of bullying occur on each bus ride and a full bus and poorly supervised conditions are prime environmental factors for bullying Raskauskas 2005 Sexual harassment in particular appears to be rampant among secondary students w
11. and Continue until whatever was burning has been cooled Absence of smoke or flame does not mean the fire is completely out or cannot restart To operate a fire extinguisher 1 Remove it from the bracket 2 Pull the safety pin by breaking the seal 3 Hold it in an upright position 4 Aim it at the base of the fire 5 Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher and 6 Squeeze and release as necessary to control the fire The extinguisher will only last approximately eight seconds No matter how much you use it you must recharge the fire extinguisher or replace it with a substitute before the next run These instructions are applicable to most fire extinguishers but you should check and be familiar with the instructions for the extinguisher on your bus You should try to have actual hands on use of the fire extinguisher during training H 20 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures LIST OF STUDENT NAMES Every bus must have a list of names for all students who ride the bus and the appropriate pick up and delivery time for each student This list can be used to account for the students in an emergency Although not required a seating chart for students on the bus is strongly recommended It can also be helpful in emergency situations SPARE ELECTRICAL FUSES All buses should carry the proper spare electrical fuses in case a fuse is blown The location of these varies by bus
12. and Severe asthma attack collapse leading to eventual respiratory arrest 2 Care and treatment Call your dispatcher and report the situation Sit the student comfortably upright Be calm and reassuring Assist the student with locating their inhaler and allow them to use inhaler if they are able and Know and follow your school district procedures and guidelines Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 l 9 UNIT I Student Emergencies Bites Bites from other children are one of the most common First Aid problems on a bus For care and treatment 1 Clean bite with antiseptic wipe and place a band aid on the bite and 2 Report biting incident to your supervisor External Bleeding After a serious incident like a crash there are several types of bleeding that can occur External bleeding is associated with wounds caused by cutting perforating or tearing the skin Serious wounds involve damage to blood vessels 1 Types of wounds An incision is the type of wound made by slicing with a sharp knife or sharp piece of metal Alaceration is a deep wound with associated loss of tissue An abrasion is a wound where the skin layers have been scraped off e Puncture sore wounds are perforations and may be due to an object like a pencil and Amputation is the loss of a limb by trauma 2 Care and treatment Make sure you have called your dispatcher and emergency medical personnel for serio
13. stretches of road that have been slippery in the past uphill stops and intersections For buses with manual transmissions do not disengage the clutch until the bus is almost completely stopped Maintain a greater than normal safe following distance from other vehicles and When pulling onto the highway allow for longer acceleration time required for school buses Estimate depth and extent of standing water partially or totally covering the roadway When driving on snow or ice covered highways judge the effect of traffic and temperature on road surface friction by noting whether other vehicles are skidding Remember bridges freeze before the road surface If ice is melting on the highway be alert for ice patches near underpasses tree lined areas buildings or other shaded areas Note spots where direct sunlight may have accelerated melting and look for additional ice patches ahead on the highway You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same distance as on a dry road Wet roads can double the stopping distance of your bus Reduce speed by about one third e g slow from 55 mph to about 35 mph on a wet road On packed snow reduce speed by one half or more If the surface is icy and impassable stop driving as soon as you can safely do so and call for assistance Black Ice Black ice is a thin layer clear enough you can see the road underneath it It makes the road look wet instead of icy Any time the temperature is below freezin
14. there is approximately a half second delay in brake response time from the moment when you press the brake pedal to the point when the brakes engage At 55 mph this translates to 32 feet This braking distance is higher than what you experience in a car The reason for this is a heavy vehicle requires more braking power to stop than a lighter one because the heavier vehicle creates more friction and heat for the brakes to absorb The brakes tires springs and shock absorbers for heavy vehicles are designed to work best when the vehicle is fully loaded F 32 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving Looking at the above figures the total stopping time at 55 mph is at least six and a half seconds under the BEST conditions More significantly the total stopping DISTANCE is about 322 feet at 55 mph Perception Distance 60 feet Reaction Distance 60 feet Braking Distance 170 feet Brake Lag Distance 32 feet Total Stopping Distance 322 feet In other words your bus will easily travel the length of a football field in this time If you double your speed it will take about four times as much distance to stop The vehicle will also have four times the destructive power in a crash By slowing down you can greatly decrease the stopping distance of a school bus and greatly increase the safety of pupil transportation The bottom line is whenever you are driving plan to keep enough space in front of you so you c
15. 14 Existing or Imminent Smoke or Fire Condition 0 0 000 c eee H 14 Presence of Hazardous Materials 0 eee tee H 14 UnsSale POSITION sic adn yikes Pathe xe DES e E oP ba A Sy mae eee eed deta da H 14 Bus Submersion or Immersion auauua 0 cette H 14 Evacuation Drills e ere bean ay ea ee teed MUERE H 15 Front Door Evacuation Drilla rererere a rrari EE A RNE AA E RREO AN RRA H 15 Rear Emergency Door Evacuation Drill 2 2 0 0 0 2 aeaaea H 16 Front and Rear Door Evacuation Dill ssa pia aoa a e a a a a a H 18 Other Emergency Evacuation Procequres o ooooccccoccn H 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 1 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures USE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT 000 00 s hh H 19 Portable Emergency Warning Devices nh H 19 PRY Bar o UR es pts Snags educ oerte du ed ex H 20 Fire EXQUISITA a he H 20 Engine FIESTA R4 H 20 Other Fires hoe oka Lote test LOI ei cy tabi ia as Uim aat ists dod n H 20 To Operate a Fire Extinguisher 20 0 0 cece rh H 20 List of Student Names 0 0 00 cette eee ee H 21 Spare Electrical Fuses 1 2 0 0 00 H 21 Seat Belt Cutter sock LEX Gad tetera eda bee ARN Dark nial S DEG ede cea ee H 21 Optional Equipment 4 ia en tele ERR EGRE BA AE E A EON ube ae hte eee H 21 SCHOOL BUS SECURITY erbe bp non e rese bo RU NE e Eee ty tes H 22 Why School Buses Can be TargetS ooooooccccoc hn H 22 School Bus Drivers eph ear
16. 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving Importance of Scanning Ahead Because stopping or changing lanes can take a lot of distance knowing your vehicle and what traffic is doing on all sides of you is very important You need to look far enough ahead to make sure you have room to maneuver your bus safely Know How Far to Scan You should look 12 to 15 seconds ahead That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds At lower speeds that s about one block at highway speeds it s about a quarter of a mile If you re not looking that far ahead you may have to stop too quickly or make quick lane changes Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn t mean ignoring conditions that are closer You need to shift your attention back and forth near and far Look for Traffic Look for vehicles coming onto the highway coming into your lane or turning Watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles By identifying these conditions far enough ahead you can change your speed or change lanes if necessary to avoid a problem Check Mirrors When using your mirrors while driving on the road check quickly This means about 3 to 5 seconds of scanning time Look back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead Check your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds Don t focus on the mirrors for too long Otherwise you will travel quite a distance without knowing what s happening ahead Refer to Unit E for more inf
17. AS A DRIVER Learning to operate a vehicle the size of a school bus is a difficult task involving knowledge of laws regulations visual and mechanical skills judgments decisions and accurate responses Your performance as a school bus operator is dependent on developing skills acquiring necessary knowledge and maintaining a positive attitude Attitude Learn how to keep a positive attitude and recognize your moods If you are angry do you drive more aggressively Do you still greet the students with a smile Your mood not only affects your driving but those around you Keep a positive attitude You must be mentally prepared to make allowances for the poor attitude and driving of other motorists and not allow the actions of other motorists to cause you to react emotionally and involve you in a crash School bus drivers must be mentally alert at all times They must keep their concentration on what they are doing You Are Important You the professional school bus driver are a very important person with a responsible part to play in the educational system In many instances you are the first representative of the school system to meet the children in the morning and the last to see them at night You are in a position to have a large influence on a child s attitude toward school You Are Responsible Your position as a school bus driver is to safely transport students from one place to another You are responsible for how you drive and f
18. B 15 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline A few summary points when dealing with gang issues 1 Be assertive decisive firm and fair Lenient treatment of gang members is viewed as a weakness and they will take advantage of your weakness 2 Intimidation of gang members usually escalates into a confrontation and seldom creates respect Remember lectures to scare gangsters straight DO NOT WORK 3 When gang graffiti is found report it and remove it as soon as possible It will attract rival gangs and or invite more writing on the wall and vandalism of your bus 4 Prevent conflict whenever possible Experience has proven that an incident no matter how minor today can cause more gang related or motivated acts of vengeance or reprisals as much as two or more years later 5 Never insult or show disrespect for a gang member particularly in front of his or her peers In the gang subculture no insult goes unchallenged 6 Never be critical of gang clothing slang tattoos jewelry hand signs rap music graffiti or other indicators of the gang subculture This would be an obvious form of disrespect Never confront gang status only behavior Never confront a gang member in the company of their gang peers This invites resistance in normal society let alone in the gang subculture 9 Never mimic gang activity by affecting a gang stance or throwing a gang hand sign 10 Never call a gang member a wannabe
19. Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 1 11 UNIT I Student Emergencies Diabetes Diabetes is a condition caused by an imbalance of sugar or glucose in the blood Because all human cells require sugars as food the body takes in complex sugars in a normal diet So the body s cells can use these sugars the body through an organ called the pancreas secretes a protein hormone called insulin which attaches to the sugars This allows the cells to recognize the sugars as food and absorb the necessary glucose Unfortunately this condition is becoming more and more prevalent among school aged children Students with Type 1 diabetes and some students with Type 2 diabetes require insulin to survive It is not expected that you check students blood glucose levels or administer insulin or glucagon but you may be able to recognize students for symptoms of high and low blood glucose and assist the student in an emergency Understand and be aware that although hypoglycemia normally occurs at the end of the day it may happen at the beginning of the day if the student has not eaten breakfast 1 Signs and Symptoms Hot dry skin Grayish skin color Smell of acetone nail polish remover on Hunger the breath Confused or aggressive behavior Drowsiness or change in mood Rapid pulse Unconsciousness progressing to coma May appear drunk Profuse sweating Seizures 2 Care and treatment e f conscious give sweet drink if availabl
20. Drivers cannot maintain discipline and respect if they are too harsh or too lenient Drivers who handle problems fairly and according to the rules get the respect of students parents and administrators Under ordinary loading and unloading circumstances communication between driver and passengers should be encouraged You should help your passengers understand and follow what is considered normal and proper behavior on the school bus Maintain a professional yet friendly relationship with all students Refer to Unit B for additional information on Student Management and Discipline and to Unit C for additional information on Student Loading and Unloading Public Relations Public relations are directly related to the opinion people have of drivers and the school system This opinion is formed by the way you a school bus driver complete your daily responsibilities Careful courteous drivers make good impressions careless thoughtless drivers create harmful impressions For example the school bus driver who weaves in and out of traffic attracts unfavorable attention and more negative comment than one who observes proper lane usage One discourteous irresponsible act reflects poorly on all members of the student transportation team and more significantly can create a safety problem In many school districts the school bus driver is the only contact parents have with school personnel other than teachers Good or bad impressions of the school can
21. F Driving Fundamentals Protection of the Rear Axle Protection of the rear axle is a third good driving habit For long rear axle life never spin the rear wheels on slippery surfaces such as snow or ice or loose surfaces such as sand or gravel If the rear wheels spin for a long time the high speed will throw the lubricant out from between the gears which can damage the differential assembly In more extreme cases the internal gears may seize and break the shaft Also if a spinning wheel suddenly hits dry pavement or solid ground the resultant shock can totally destroy the differential Proper Use of the Transmission Proper use of the transmission can save wear and tear on gears clutch engine and brakes Maintain a constant speed whenever possible to save fuel and reduce wear on drive line components Manual Transmission With a manual transmission always start the vehicle moving in low gear moving at a slow rate of speed This will ensure proper lubrication of internal transmission and rear axle parts and will avoid the possibility of lugging the engine or slipping the clutch As you move faster progressively shift the transmission to the gear that will maintain the desired road speed When driving a vehicle with a manual transmission Always start off in first gear when carrying a heavy load With a four speed transmission use first through fourth gears on level ground With a five speed transmission under light load con
22. FLOW OF TRAFFIC While driving you will frequently leave one traffic stream and become part of another or cross through a second stream of traffic This may occur at intersections or even simply picking up or discharging your students In many cases your vehicle movements will be regulated by traffic signs or signals In other cases the merging points will be controlled by your good judgment GENERAL Observe the following procedures when entering the flow of traffic or fF 0 N 9 Turn on the appropriate turn signal well before the point of entry If appropriate stop just before the point of entry In many cases you will already be stopped If you are on a freeway acceleration lane marked with a yield sign see the next section on ramps Check your mirror to ensure all passengers are seated Ensure no pedestrians are in the path of the bus Look left and right to see if there are any moving vehicles on the road you will enter Check all mirrors for clear space around the bus including behind you If necessary turn your head to check blind spots Yield the right of way to vehicles already on the road Look for a suitable gap in traffic and with reasonable safety accelerate smoothly into the roadway as quickly as possible and Turn off the turn signal after you are safely in your lane Observe the following procedures when exiting the flow of traffic 1 2 Turn on the appropriate turn signal well before the point of
23. Information on License 00 cece hr A 13 Documents Carried While Operating a School Bus 0oococccccco see A 14 Comprehensive Resource as prerana itea ehh heh A 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 1 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements UNIT A THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCTION Transporting students to and from school is a necessary part of a sound education program For a safe efficient and economical transportation program competent school bus drivers and standard bus operation are necessary At present there are approximately 30 000 school buses in operation within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and about 40 000 licensed school bus drivers For detailed Pennsylvania school bus statistics visit the Driver and Vehicle Statistics link under the News Facts and Stats Information Center of PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website www dmv state pa us Before you get behind the wheel of a school bus you need to understand your role as a bus driver and your responsibilities to your passengers your school system your community and your fellow workers These topics are covered in the first part of this Unit The second part describes the requirements for certified school bus drivers in Pennsylvania If you are a new school bus driver in PA you will receive a minimum of 14 hours of classroom training and six hours of one o
24. Stopping DISTANTES 22eah estes ies Da nat ate eo e tog e a te Helen ose etti p alow Be F 32 Speed and Traffic Flow osse x EE ex vele eR PEE ERES See RUE ee F 33 F 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving UNIT F SAFE DRIVING INTRODUCTION The social and economic cost of traffic crashes in the United States is tremendous Over the last few years the country has experienced millions of reportable crashes per year in which thousands of persons have been killed and millions injured These are not just statistics the numbers represent real people who are our families friends and co workers The economic loss is estimated to be in the billions every year One piece of good news is school bus transportation is the safest mode of ground transportation In Pennsylvania for example school bus crashes account for less than a Y percent of the total number of vehicular crashes In striving for the elimination of all crashes involving school buses there needs to be an understanding of what causes them so that we can implement better safer driving techniques as countermeasures One way to understand crashes is to identify three primary contributing factors to crashes The driver The vehicle and The road and its environment According to police crash reports the following diagram represents these factors and the relative frequency of their occurrence Figure F 1 Crash Factors and Relative Freq
25. You to KNOW ooococcccoo nh E 24 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 1 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance UNIT E PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION The life of a school bus and the dependable service it can provide to you as an operator as well as to the pupils you are transporting is directly related to how you care for your bus Central to this is a planned budgeted and proactive preventative maintenance system This system involves such items as service adjustments replacements inspections based on pre determined intervals and tolerances These minimize failures and costs and maximize safe and comfortable operations Most significantly safety is the most important and obvious reason for performing inspections inspecting your vehicle helps you to know your vehicle is safe You should never operate a vehicle that is not running properly is not safe or does not have the proper equipment on board As a school bus operator you have significant responsibility in the preventive maintenance program especially in the proactive component of preventive maintenance Remember with an effective preventive maintenance System service begins with the pre trip inspection With an ineffective preventive maintenance system breakdowns and complaints control the service From an operator s standpoint preventive maintenance includes the following items 1 Pre trip inspection 2 Operational inspection and 3 Post trip
26. about modifying your route School buses are also most often parked by backing into their location When you park try to park so you will be able to pull forward when you leave When you have to back follow these rules 1 Keep Students on the Bus Keep all students on the bus State regulation Section 104 3 d of Title 67 requires that if backing is required at or near a loading or unloading zone all students must be seated on the bus during the backing Never back a bus when students are outside so either back up before drop off or after pick up Be particularly aware of students who may be late and running to catch the bus 2 Back and Turn Toward the Driver s Side Plan your maneuver Whenever possible back toward the driver s side so you can see better Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because you can t see as well If you back and turn toward the driver s side you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window and in the mirror When backing a bus turn the top of the steering wheel toward the direction you want to go This may take practice 3 Look at Your Path Look at your line of travel to be sure you know what is behind you before you begin Don t take chances Sometimes you can t see enough with your mirrors it s much safer to get out and look even if it means walking to the rear of the bus to determine whether the way is clear By SO doing you may prevent a serious incident If you
27. and 2 32 on rear tires E 20 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance GOOD DRIVING HABITS The second part of your on the road preventive maintenance responsibility is operating the vehicle properly through good driving habits Most of the procedures to be covered in this section will have no immediate effect on the vehicle s operation but if practiced regularly they will significantly increase the lifespan of the vehicle components Starting the Bus and Basic Operations When starting your bus don t engage the starter for more than 10 seconds This could cause damage to the flywheel or other parts Never operate a bus with an overheated engine or with low oil pressure This can cause serious engine damage pay attention to your gauges To ensure proper service length for tires and to avoid damage while driving never operate your bus with flat or under inflated tires Driving over curbs objects and into potholes can damage tires quickly as can rubbing tires against curbs Don t idle excessively A diesel bus gets warm by driving it You won t get heat until the bus is operating on the road It will not get warm sitting and idling no matter how long you let it idle Proper Use of the Clutch The clutch is the most abused component in the bus because of frequent use and because many drivers do not understand its function A clutch assembly will give many miles of trouble free operation if you
28. and Texting While Driving lise F 16 VEHICLE CONDITIONS occ F 17 PresTrip Gonditionis yun rd A A a F 17 On The Road Conditions o oooococccoono tte eee F 18 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ROADWAY CONDITIONS ooccoccocccc nen F 18 Scanning Ahead etico oa Deke ne ee A a extis Dae la eee ure F 18 Importance of Scanning Ahead oococccccc tte e eee F 19 Know How Far to SCaN o oooccocco ehh F 19 LS A xp eS PRU EDEN QUE eter de eg F 19 Check MIITOIS corre IE be ARRA aad dara dan Rr ped be ps e F 19 Driving on Slippery Surfaces sreca punisas ii nani hh F 19 Betore Your Trips corru be PRX note ee A o hi Gana F 19 While ori thie Hoad apio saben eae a ede be Ee atime a dates tite us F 20 After Your TDA roe raar ect be iad ete Foe de tied Pett adie Peed eat Foe dit on E IU F 21 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 1 UNIT F Safe Driving Reduced Visibllity 3 2s sia A GRE wat dU F 21 Weather Conditions sian i010 4008 rta A s A A beaded we F 21 Bright Glaring Sunlight ioc sce E ERE e F 21 Night DiViNo 2 t dy ettet thee gt oC ve du BN EE te F 21 Equipment Adjustments a a auauua uaaa rr nh F 22 Heavy Wind a esee eer E ek edere o Det irte leeren eis F 23 Highway Hazards eed ue tu mem quer i Er QUEE RA Bo NUR RR Ee WAR Re RUE aay F 23 Road Geometry iii A eR UD NEC d dens F 23 Intersections and Right of Way o o oocoooccooco n F 24 Unregulated Intersection 00 cee tees F 2
29. and proper color amber at front Front turn signal light is clean operating and proper color amber or white on signals facing forward Left school bus eight way light system is clean and operating Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 15 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Check Left Front Check all items as for right front Check left side stop arm and wing guard The Stop sign should come out with the lights and indicators flashing alternately and Check left front fender rear and crossover mirrors as the right front Check Left Side Left fuel tank s Securely mounted not damaged or leaking Cap s on and secure Battery check Securely mounted Adequate fluid level No leaks Condition of visible parts Transmission not leaking Exhaust system is secure not leaking not touching wires fuel or air lines Frame and cross members have no bends or cracks Airlines and electrical wiring are secured against snagging rubbing and wearing Spare tire carrier or rack is not damaged if equipped lt Spare tire and or wheel is securely mounted in rack and Spare tire and wheel adequate proper size properly inflated Check Left Rear Check left rear tires wheels and rims previously outlined in this unit General condition Hub oil level adequate 2 32 tread depth Make sure there are no obstructions between the dual wheels S
30. as driver for these students may be one of the most demanding and difficult jobs you will ever have but it may also be one of the most rewarding Keep in mind that additional more specialized training may be provided by your employer on these topics including the proper use of wheelchair securement devices and other occupant protection systems D 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY Local policy is the guideline for your role and responsibility as a driver of students with disabilities To ensure smooth pick up and return of students keep in mind Stops will be established by the intermediate unit or school district staff in cooperation with the transportation provider Changes in stops must be approved by the Transportation Department You cannot establish or change bus stops The student s home may be assigned as the pick up and return location If so you may wish to introduce yourself to each student s parent s by telephone or personal visit and tell them approximately what time you will pick up the student each morning and approximately when you will deliver the student home in the afternoon Remind parents to have the student ready for morning pickup at least five minutes before your expected arrival If the student is continually late for pickup notify your supervisor Keep written notes of dates Aresponsible adult should be home
31. at an unregulated intersection at the same time the vehicle on the left always yields right of way to the vehicle on the right Regulated Intersection Yield Control Because of the restricted visibility slow acceleration and length of a school bus you must use extreme caution as you approach a yield sign Approach the intersection where you must yield at a speed reasonable for the existing conditions but slow enough to allow you to stop the bus and yield right of way to another vehicle in the intersection or to avoid a collision Regulated Intersection Stop Control Drivers responsibilities at stop controlled intersections are stated in Section 3323 b of Title 75 The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code This section states Duties at stop signs Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or appropriately attired persons authorized to direct control or regulate traffic every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line or if no stop line is present before entering a crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or if no crosswalk is present then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering If after stopping at a crosswalk or clearly marked stop line a driver does not have a clear view of approaching traffic the driver shall after yielding the right of way to any pedestrian in the crosswalk slowly pul
32. be conveyed by the driver s attitude toward students and their parents You will encounter students and parents with a wide range of attitudes toward you and the school System You should strive to be flexible and treat everyone in a courteous and professional manner Your reputation in the community your courteous treatment of children and their parents and your willingness to better prepare yourself for your position will help parents and children to have confidence in you You should consider all law enforcement officers in the community as well as crossing guards and school patrols as part of the safety team Their job as well as yours is to ensure safety on the highways you travel You should strive to develop good working relations with them their authority and experience may be invaluable to you Building desirable public relations is a continuous process and depends on the attitude you bring to work each day You can add to your system s reputation by showing pride in your work This sustains a good public opinion Good relations within your organization are essential Public relations begins with fellow employees An organization whose members have mutual friendliness interest and respect meets a major requirement of good public relations Appropriate Dress The way you dress and look affects many parts of your job As a school bus driver it is necessary to identify oneself as an adult not a student In order to accomplish this
33. biggest problem confronting school bus drivers and the critical relationship to nurture is the one with school authorities While a school bus driver is not alone when it comes to solving discipline problems he she may be alone when a disturbance occurs You are responsible for the conduct of students on your bus but you must have the backing of the school administration to effectively discharge this responsibility A copy of local school district rules should be posted in a conspicuous place in the bus Always follow written school district policy In cases of continued misconduct report the student to the supervisor or school principal In many school districts the first action taken is a reprimand A withdrawal of bus privileges for a short period of time may occur next If the student s behavior does not improve after returning the privilege to ride the bus for the balance of the school year may be denied or the student may be transferred to another bus Never put a student off of the bus for misconduct you are not empowered to make the decision yourself School officials may take this step after all other measures have failed to improve the situation Keep in mind some districts will discipline a student while in school so as not to interrupt their educational experience Some students will not come to school if they are denied a ride on the bus Remember the following pointers Always follow the local policy adopted by the school board
34. bus is stopped to load or unload students must stop the vehicle at the intersection until the flashing red signal lamps are no longer actuated You as a school bus driver should not be stopping in the middle of an intersection If you are having difficulty at an intersection or drop off location work with your transportation director or supervisor to find a better location C 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading Figure C 4 Drivers Stopping for a School Bus at Intersection ALL TRAFFIC MUST STOP RED LIGHTS ACTIVATED m Emergency vehicles fire engines ambulances and police cars must also obey the red flashing warning lights of a loading or unloading school bus In fact Section 3105 h of Title 75 states the driver of an emergency vehicle shall come to a complete stop when a school bus flashes its red signal lights and activates its side stop signal arms After stopping the driver of the emergency vehicle may pass the school bus only after exercising due diligence and caution for the safety of the students in a manner that will not risk the safety of the students If you see another vehicle disobeying these laws Try your best to warn students before they attempt to cross the highway Note the license plate number color and type of the vehicle time and location of the incident and identity of the driver as much as you can tell You must deliver a signed w
35. clear at all times Books lunch boxes instruments and book bags must be placed under the seat or held on the student s lap DO NOT BLOCK THE AISLE Refrain from loud conversation unnecessary noise and boisterous conduct Use appropriate language e g no profanity permitted 10 Never bring tobacco glass containers weapons drugs alcohol or any other items that could distract the driver on the bus 11 Keep all body parts and other objects inside the school bus The driver will tell students when they may open and close windows 12 Never tamper with or block emergency exits 13 Keep hands and feet off other children and their possessions Throwing materials hitting pushing spitting biting tripping and rough behavior will not be tolerated 14 Never tamper with or destroy the school bus Students can be prosecuted for doing so 15 Remain silent while the school bus is stopped at railroad crossings 16 Be aware that transportation can be ultimately denied to students who act inappropriately 17 Keep the school bus clean Do not leave trash behind As a new school bus driver you will learn the after school route may be more demanding on the driver when compared to the morning route After being in a classroom all day students may have a lot of energy and a desire to release tension You will need to develop a higher tolerance for the students behavior on the after school route without allowing flagrant abuse of the privil
36. date This date identifies the earliest date you are eligible to take your driving test Keep in mind that you MUST pass all applicable knowledge tests before taking your skills test The School Bus Driver Training Course The Pennsylvania school bus driver training course is administered by local school districts contractors or Intermediate Units IU under the supervision of PennDOT and is outlined in Section 71 5 of Title 67 This course is available to all public private and parochial school bus driver applicants To obtain a Pennsylvania School Bus endorsement S you must complete a minimum of 20 hours of instruction including at least 14 hours of classroom instruction and six 6 hours of one on one vehicle familiarity and driving instruction in bus training ALL training must be completed by a certified school bus driver instructor Also note that the in bus portion of the training must be one on one training with a certified instructor This requirement commonly known as the New Driver Training Course can be completed in two ways Complete the full 20 hours of instruction before attempting to pass the skills examination administered by PennDOT or a state certified Third Party Tester This method is recommended by PennDOT A 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements Complete 10 hours of instruction seven 7 hours of classroom training and thr
37. door evacuation are used for students in the front half of the bus and procedures for the rear door evacuation are used for students in the rear half of the bus The only exception to using these procedures as described above would be the command given at the beginning of the drill Front and rear door emergency evacuation drill remain seated In a real emergency this type of evacuation would require the shortest amount of time to get the passengers off of the bus However it is dependent upon both doors being available for safe evacuation This drill should be used for elementary and secondary students Student helpers should be properly instructed on how to assist students out of the rear of the bus Helpers should reach up and lift students down as they exit the rear emergency door Again this drill may be performed as a demonstration only Figure H 5 Front and Rear Door Evacuation Designates Helper a i 3 AN 16 12 10 4 2 pin nd 100 Feet 2 63 63 65 C6 17 68 29 9 fat 2 1 2 08 4 5 6 7 8 e bo 13 Other Emergency Evacuation Procedures In an actual emergency it might be necessary to evacuate students through the bus windows or roof vent Maintain order as much as possible in these situations and work to evacuate all passengers as quickly and safely as possible Before leaving the bus you should always check under all seats to make sure no students are on the floor This applie
38. drive properly and maintain the clutch properly Here are some pointers Don t use the clutch as a brake Many drivers incorrectly use the clutch as a brake For example they will stop on an incline and by feathering the clutch letting the clutch partially out hold the bus from rolling By so doing they force the slipping clutch to hold the entire weight of the bus and passengers This severe friction generates excessive heat which greatly shortens the life of the clutch Don t ride the clutch The throw out bearing is a component of the clutch that does not turn when the clutch pedal is released its normal position during driving Riding the clutch is when the weight of a driver s foot resting on the clutch pedal is enough to move the throw out bearing forward until it makes contact with the pressure plate and spins at the same speed as the engine This serves no purpose except to increase wear and cause premature destruction of the bearing The bearing is engineered to last a certain length of time and is factory packed in enough grease for this usage Excessive use will use up this grease and will burn out the bearing When shifting use the clutch briefly and smoothly to achieve maximum durability Make sure the clutch is adjusted properly Another term you may have heard is toeboard clearance or freeplay This refers to the amount of travel of the clutch pedal between its highest position and the point where you can feel contact being
39. driver has been the victim of harassment If you feel as though you have been harassed report the incident to your supervisor The bus driver should expect all students to travel with dignity and respect and to arrive at school safely and ready to learn In the transportation arena we have an opportunity and obligation to be role models who will display and expect respect is always the order of the day If a student confides in you listen and show understanding and support When you hear unkind and humiliating remarks respond immediately In her exploratory study DeLara 2008 outlined the following strategies developed BY school bus operators FOR school bus operators to help combat bullying and harassment Seat who are susceptible to bullying or being victimized children close to the driver Separate children who are fighting or having difficulty and assign seats Be aware of everything and watch for the moods and signs of troubled kids Talk with bullies about being respectful on the bus af oN Intervene before anything happens and discuss with students Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 17 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline Maintain a good relationship with each child Ask about interests and hobbies Try to engage potential bullies in positive conversations and o oN O Above all talk to students with respect These strategies build on the strengths of aggressive children and distract
40. driver must be able to see both groups of children Students should be instructed to move away from the bus in a direction toward the train but at a right angle to the train This is important since upon impact the bus and debris will be pushed down the track If the bus is stalled on the tracks and no train is in sight the driver should evacuate the children from the front or back of the bus The children should move to a safe place at least 200 feet away from the bus They must not cross the tracks All evacuation procedures need to be cleared by the district personnel CROSSING DRAWBRIDGES School buses are required to stop at drawbridges without a signal light or traffic control attendant at the gate Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge Look to make sure the draw is completely closed before crossing After stopping proceed when it is safe to do so It is recommended you cross in low gear so there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the drawbridge Therefore like railroad crossings do not shift gears while crossing the draw span of any draw bridge You do not need to stop but you must slow down and make sure it s safe when Atraffic light on the bridge is showing green and The bridge has an attendant or traffic officer who controls traffic whenever the bridge opens Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 19 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus ENTERING AND EXITING THE
41. drowsy driving According to research by NHTSA the sleep wake cycle determines when we get tired In spite of individual variations a specific amount of uninterrupted sleep is necessary for each 24 hour period usually about eight hours and subsequent alertness will be compromised without that amount of sleep Additionally sleeping less than four consolidated hours can impair performance for tasks requiring strict vigilance like driving When we begin to get drowsy our reaction time slows and it takes us longer to process information As a result fatigue can result in impaired performance for basic tasks needed for driving and could ultimately lead to a driver veering off of the road or into oncoming traffic Note that because of the body s natural rhythms there are two periods of maximal sleepiness in a 24 hour day one roughly from 3 a m 5 a m and a second less pronounced period from 3 p m 5 p m Warning Signs of Driver Fatigue The National Sleep Foundation warns there are numerous signs of driver fatigue including Your eyes feel heavy You blink and yawn frequently You become less attentive to the road miss your exit don t activate your eight ways when approaching a bus stop etc Your head feels heavy and you have trouble keeping your head up You can t remember the last few miles driven You drift from your lane or hit a rumble strip You experience wandering or disconnected thoughts You have diffic
42. exit Look left and right to see if there are any moving vehicles on the road you will be merging onto especially if it is a deceleration lane Check all mirrors for clear space around the bus including behind you If necessary turn your head to check blind spots Decelerate smoothly and remember school buses will take longer to stop and Turn off the turn signal after you have safely exited ENTRANCE AND EXIT RAMPS Observe the following procedures when driving on entrance or exit ramps A school bus is slower to respond to changes in acceleration and deceleration so you will need to adjust your driving habits accordingly Enter or exit the expressway as safely and quickly as possible while accelerating or decelerating to the flow of traffic as needed 1 3 Check and re check the traffic ahead when entering the driving lane on an entrance ramp Look specifically for vehicles stopped or slowing down When driving on a long entrance ramp with an acceleration lane marked with a yield sign check the traffic ahead and if possible allow the vehicles ahead to leave the acceleration lane before attempting to merge into the roadway Use the acceleration lane to match speed with the main stream of traffic before entering a suitable gap Always use turn signals when merging Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus 4 f you are entering the main roadway from an entrance r
43. from which recovery would be difficult or impossible Instead with no change in steering input gently ease pressure off of the accelerator and engage the clutch This will slow your vehicle and let the wheels turn freely control should then return If braking is unavoidable lightly pump the brakes until hydroplaning has stopped If the rear wheels hydroplane and cause oversteer you should steer in the direction of the skid until the rear tires gain traction and then rapidly steer in the other direction to straighten the bus Do not accelerate again until you regain steering control H 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures Remember on a bus with anti lock brakes ABS don t pump the brakes Apply the brakes as needed allowing the ABS system to automatically pump the brakes If you don t have ABS don t panic and jam on the brakes Don t brake at all or apply only light breaking pressure until you regain steering control On a bus with hydraulic brakes light braking requires you to pump the brakes softly to slow the bus in a controlled manner On a bus with air brakes use no brakes at all in a skid if possible never pump the brakes The brakes may catch or come on too quickly further adding to the problem You should learn what types of brakes your bus has and the proper method of fanning the brakes to gain control TIRE BLOWOUT You must recognize a tire blowout quickly becau
44. indicate the rim is loose on the wheel Rust around lug nuts may also indicate looseness You may need to tighten with a wrench Also the hub oil seals axle seals and wheel bearing seals should not be leaking Look for any other signs of misalignment or missing lug nuts When walking around carry your pry bar or tire buddy and strike each tire the bar should bounce back adequately if properly inflated If you have any indication a tire is not properly inflated check the tire with a tire gauge Also check for tread depth A minimum Figure E 6 ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR PATTERNS depth of 4 32 is required on the front tires and 2 32 on the rear tires as per Section 171 36 of SMOOTH SMOOTH CHEWED Title 67 The valve stem and cap should be in place and undamaged Also there should be no obstructions between the dual wheels Develop the habit of observing tires for abnormal wear patterns which may be a symptom of suspension problems Figure E 6 shows several types of abnormal wear that can cause steering problems shimmy conditions and premature tire wear Do not operate the bus if the tire has such defects as bubbles cracks or significant abnormal tire wear patterns UNDER OUT OF INFLATED INFLATED ALIGNMENT Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 13 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Check Right Front E 14 Right fender mounted mirror previously outlined in this unit Right front tires wheels and rims previ
45. intermediate unit is responsible for identifying locating evaluating and providing services for all students who qualify for special education within its boundaries and placing them into appropriate programs planned uniquely for them Students are required to be included in the least restrictive e g general education environment when appropriate including ordinary transportation to and from school Where this is not possible or appropriate however specialized transportation services are provided often involving different types of vehicles and procedures With this special transportation these students can receive the education therapy and other opportunities they need Although transportation is a privilege for regular education students it is an entitlement for students with special needs Transportation is typically listed as a related service on IEPs If special considerations for transportation are warranted for students they will be addressed within the 504 Service Agreement or Chapter 15 Service Agreement The inclusion of special education and other protected students with disabilities in general education classes and transportation is increasing Consequently bus drivers must have a working knowledge of the guidelines for managing students with disabilities while they are being transported and special transportation procedures used for these students This unit provides information on both of these topics The position you hold
46. it to be picked up by others Expect and encourage discussion and openness with students and you will get it Keep discussions short and simple gu dee eon n Never use profane or obscene language or raise your voice above a level necessary to be heard A word of warning directed to the offender may be enough for a minor infraction Avoid getting into lengthy discussions while the bus is moving CLASS A STUDENT MANAGEMENT MEMORY AID To help you remember important student management techniques learn the rules represented by the letters of the word CLASS By remembering one easy word you will be able to remember five simple rules for student management C Consistent Always be consistent with praise and discipline Whenever a student behavior problem arises follow through with the appropriate consequences L Limits Set limits and make sure the students are aware of them They should be the same for all students A Attitude Have a positive attitude A cheerful smile may change the behavior of a student The attitude of the driver often becomes the attitude of the student S Share Share with the students what is expected of them State the rules and their consequences If the students do not know the rules they cannot be expected to follow them S Support Support other drivers and exchange experiences Other individuals may be able to assist in difficult situations Also by
47. late and be rushing to catch the bus If you proceed without double checking you may miss the location of the approaching child C 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading LOADING PROCEDURES APPROACH AND CHECK 1 When approaching the designated stop start slowing down in preparation for the stop Evaluate the stop as far in advance as possible and approach at a slow rate using extreme caution Look for pedestrians traffic or people who may not belong at the school bus stop Always watch for late arriving students who may be running to the bus stop Use the mirrors to check for students to the rear of the bus When the loading zone is between 150 300 feet away at most the length of a football field activate the amber flashing lights of the school bus eight way light system to warn other vehicles Brake gradually with the transmission in gear while approaching the stop The greater your approach speed the greater the distance away you should activate your amber lights Check all mirrors to see if traffic is clear and it is safe for you to stop Approach students with extreme care giving due consideration to the surface on which you are going to stop a When road and traffic conditions are normal require students to stand at least 10 feet from the edge of the road If students are not complying with this remind them as they board the bus before the next pickup b When roa
48. line is aggressive driving leads to a higher risk of crashing F 12 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving To mitigate this follow these guidelines Plan ahead Allow yourself enough travel time to prevent a time crunch Safety first schedule second Concentrate Don t allow yourself to become distracted by students Do NOT talk on your cell phone eat or drink while driving Relax Drive the posted speed limit Fewer crashes occur when vehicles are travelling at or about the same speed Driving too fast can lead to bottle necking bringing traffic to a standstill and frustrating drivers Be late rather than unsafe Obviously schedule is important but just be late if safety will be compromised Set an example for younger passengers Children are keenly observant Educating them at an early age through your actions will teach them the importance of being courteous While many people associate aggressive driving with road rage they are two different behaviors Road rage which is a criminal offense is often the result of aggressive driving behavior escalating into an assault with a vehicle or other dangerous weapon NEVER take your anger out on someone else on the road Sometimes incidents of road rage are caused by simple misunderstandings between drivers One driver may make a momentary error in judgment that another driver sees as aggressive though none was intended ATT
49. need accurate information on Location Timing vn Sounds and 4 Other descriptive characteristics Write it down pass it on get it fixed Report anything affecting safety or possibly leading to mechanical breakdown The vehicle inspection report tells the vehicle owner about problems that may need to be fixed Keep a copy of your report in the vehicle for one day That way the next driver can learn about any problems you have found Federal regulations outline additional recordkeeping requirements and timeframes Refer to 49 CFR Sections 396 3 and 396 21 FIVE BASIC ITEMS MECHANICS WANT YOU TO KNOW 1 Understand and learn to read your gauges Knowing your voltage meter oil pressure and water temperature readings could save your engine 2 When you first notice any type of repair that needs to be done write it up immediately This could prevent a major repair later and be less costly to fix 3 If you drive a diesel bus remember to let your bus idle as per manufacturer s recommendations in the lot before you turn it off This will cool down the turbocharger and may extend engine life 4 f you have a flat tire in a rear wheel do not drive on it A minor cost can turn into an expensive replacement 5 The glow plug if equipped with one on the dash on a diesel bus will go out when the bus is ready to start E 24 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving UNIT F SAFE DRIVING INTRODU
50. need to walk to the rear of the bus set the parking brake turn off the motor and take the keys with you Walk to the rear of the bus to determine whether the way is clear Also check your clearance to the sides and overhead both in and near the path your vehicle will take Then reenter the vehicle check your mirrors and start backing 4 Back Slowly and Smoothly Always back as slowly as possible so you may make corrections before you get too far off course Go slowly so you can correct any steering errors more easily before you get too far off course Going slowly means you can also stop quickly if necessary Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 11 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus 5 Use a Helper Whenever Possible If possible have an adult not a student stationed on the driver s side rear of the bus so you can see him her at all times in your mirror to warn traffic and act as your guide If a helper is available Agree on hand signals ahead of time especially Stop Position the helper out of the travel path so you can see the helper and the helper can see the path of travel Back slowly and Stop immediately if you lose sight of your helper Verbally communicate with the helper before you begin and while backing 6 If No Adult Helper is Available It may be necessary to use portable emergency warning devices to block off the lane of traffic the vehicle is backing into Use the foll
51. needs may allow for you to communicate with emergency medical personnel in a hostage situation Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 25 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies UNIT I STUDENT EMERGENCIES INTRODUCTION mx RR Ie Rex Rey a DRIED HX Re Ch es erm ues MEDICAL LIABILITY eet A e bte De e eR e a Rs TheGood Samaritan A Cts esaea ahead alain Gee ibe eid tba t ue FIRSTAID PROCEDURES cinta iaa de ped eda ea dae tie aa Da etw Ee xe dees Setting Priorities suas Vee hea a doe E d ae A ed e dus Hazard Controles ai ca ori nexu cen A tora a Specific Hazards in an Emergency oococccoc hh Obtaining Emergency Medical ASSIS anCe ooooococcooccoo nes Use Responsible Helpers oooocoooocorre lh n Treatment Priorities 9 20 isc Se tain a e D enne e EN Performing Trage 4i XE i ee le ee ate EE Gs e ede x E es Treatment Procedures mc RR bade EA a Goede eee CR n eee ie SCIZUIES ia crm Eractures c veg Eee an ed once EYE ERES COS PSP EE dx MN erred oe eee do fog Allergic Reaction Bites and Stings iliis Allergic Reaction Anaphylactic ShOCkK ooooooooccocccoo nh Asthma os oie cali eat dae EE peior Eie egt nb AA ener ae External Bleeding 51i bot ae ca Gee a ee Internal Bleeding 2325 Lk o Site OA ETM Qe ue t esie s CHOKING ave ve Pha het e
52. note it in your mind and remember it for future reference and 5 Remember to do this in your own bus since the point of reference may change from bus to bus depending on the height of the driver s seat and the model of the bus G 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus For example if the distance from your reference point to your front bumper measures 18 feet you will know that whenever you are sitting in the driver s seat the point on the ground you see directly in front of the hood of your bus is 18 feet from the front bumper This will be helpful for determining the proper distance to stop at railroad grade crossings For determining reference points to the side or rear of your bus make sure you are seated comfortably in your seat with seat belt attached Then mark points on the various outside rear view mirrors on either side of your bus To determine the point directly below your rear bumper use a point in your left or right rear view mirror that lines up directly over the bottom of your left rear wheel well and your rear bumper Now measure the distance from this point on the ground to the edge of your rear bumper Remember this distance You should use reference points on both left and right rear mirrors This rear reference point can be helpful when estimating the distance from your rear bumper to some point on the ground and can be especially helpful at a railroad grad
53. of smoke and d Possible electrical fire or sparks 3 Be alert for hazardous materials Check for and identify any possible hazardous materials that present or may present a danger to you and your passengers Evacuate the students if a danger exists from the following hazardous materials a Chemicals b Vapors and c Other toxic substances 4 Assess the students Check for injury to students Keep the students on the bus unless conditions such as the possibility of fire or other dangers warrant their removal This is the easiest way to account for all students Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 11 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures CRASH SCENE PROCEDURES Once you have taken the above procedures your next steps should consider the crash scene 1 Notify authorities Notify state or local police and summon medical aid if required notify school administrators as required by local school policy In most cases you should not leave the bus unattended to go for help Ask several passing motorists or pedestrians to notify the proper authorities if necessary In an emergency always follow local school policy especially in regard to sending students to obtain assistance You should use the Three W s when communicating Who bus number number of students and types of vehicles involved Where location of bus or directions to the scene and What what kind of help is needed and nature of the proble
54. other communication device on your bus know who you should call and how to do so If you do not have any means of communication on the bus you may need to identify a responsible bystander to make a call for assistance Only in EXTREME EMERGENCIES should older responsible students be sent for help Refer to your school district policy and Unit for additional information O Off of the road If you break down try to position the bus completely off of the road and away from other dangers If it is not possible to do this remember to evacuate the students and take them to a safer location W Warning devices Use portable emergency warning devices that satisfy current state regulations at least three portable emergency reflective triangles to warn other motorists of your position on the road H 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures CRASH PROCEDURES The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requires that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice to the nearest office of a duly authorized police department if the accident involves 1 injury to or death of any person or 2 damage to any vehicle involved to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard to the vehicle other traffic elements or the roadway and therefore requires towing With careful d
55. posted speed on open highways Use parking lane for stopping and parking only Where there is more than one lane for traffic in the same direction travel in the right most lane unless you intend to pass or turn left Do not drive in the parking lane and Drive at a safe following distance from other vehicles A discussion of safe following distances can be found earlier in this unit CHANGING LANES When you drive a school bus in an urban suburban area you may have to change lanes frequently Changing lanes with a school bus requires greater concentration and more careful use of mirrors than changing lanes With a car If a lane change is necessary always use extreme care On highways and streets with multiple lanes of traffic in the same direction use these procedures to change lanes When changing lanes always signal your intention to change lanes with your turn signal You must always use your turn signals at least 100 feet before turning if you are driving less than 35 mph If you are driving 35 mph or more you must signal at least 300 feet before turning Look for traffic approaching from behind you in the new lane If your vision in the mirror is obscured by a blind spot move your head and look up and down vertically or back and forth horizontally until you can see around the blind spot If it helps turn your head to view any possible blind spots at your side and rear On multilane roads look for vehicles in your lane
56. procedures and guidelines when using student helpers in emergency situations This is especially important when making the decision to send students to get assistance in an emergency Do so only if local procedures and guidelines permit and the situation warrants it Only in EXTREME EMERGENCIES should older responsible students be sent for help Never send an elementary school student You should also consider sending two students rather than just one This will increase their safety and security they can support each other and the chances of accurate information being passed on are increased Ambulance crews often need the help of bystanders so it is reasonable to think you might need help too Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 l 5 UNIT I Student Emergencies Treatment Priorities Once help has been summoned assess the injuries or illnesses of each student YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES REGARDING RECEIVING FIRST AID TRAINING AND ADMINISTERING FIRST AID ON YOUR SCHOOL BUS Keep in mind provisions of the Good Samaritan Act may not apply if you are not certified through one of the previously mentioned courses You will find two situations where it is necessary to help set treatment priorities When you have one student with more than one injury the injury treated first may be important and When you have more than one student injured you must select the order in w
57. safely when operating your bus and that means not driving too fast for conditions F 30 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving FOLLOWING DISTANCES Knowing the stopping distances required for different road conditions and speeds will help you determine safe following distances when driving You must keep adequate distance between you and the vehicle in front of you A good general rule for determining a safe following distance on the highway is to allow an absolute minimum of four seconds between the bus and the vehicle ahead under normal conditions For each additional adverse condition add another second So add a second if You are traveling over 40 mph You are driving on a wet or loose surface or other poor roadway condition You are following motorcycles or large vehicles You are following another school bus You are driving at night You are driving in adverse weather conditions and You are being tailgated To adequately judge this select a fixed object on the road or roadside ahead When the vehicle ahead of you passes that mark start counting until you reach that same spot If you reach the same spot before your count is complete you are following too closely Also keep in mind that in a large vehicle it s often hard to see whether a vehicle is close behind you You may be tailgated When you are traveling slowly Drivers trapped behind slow vehicles often follow cl
58. sit away from the lift area and away from rear windows near the exhaust Note that changes in temperature also tend to bother these students and Students who may need to sit over wheel wells for additional lower extremity support 3 For evacuations consider e o y Which students can evacuate themselves Which students need help Which students could help others and Which students are in child safety seats i They should not be in emergency exit rows and ii Never seat a student next to a window if there is a child safety seat in the aisle position Consider behavior by thinking about students who are compatible with each other and who aren t Consider supervision for behavior or a medical condition as indicated above Consider the age of the student For example some districts require grade levels to be seated together chronologically from the front to the back of the bus Know and follow your district procedures 7 Consider your ability to observe the student Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Like the school bus driver the student has responsibilities with regard to his her behavior during the transportation process Since poor student behavior on the school bus can be distracting to the driver and contribute to crashes it is important to establish clear rules for the student to follow and for each student to follow them All s
59. slow down Use the center or edge lines on the highway to guide you If the fog is severe stay in your lane use your 4 ways and proceed cautiously and qe cQ IOS a Activate strobe light if equipped Under no circumstances should you park your vehicle on the highway In fog it is especially important to watch for other vehicles that have slowed abruptly or stopped on or near the road Whiteout from Snow If snowfall is creating a condition where your visibility is severely restricted Remove your foot from the accelerator and turn on the wipers While doing so apply the brakes cautiously Look out the side windows to keep sight of the road and A Steer out of the traffic lane to stop if necessary and activate the hazard warning lights OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE PATH OF THE BUS Occasionally objects may suddenly cross your path while you are operating the bus such as a pedestrian vehicle construction barrier bicyclist etc If these are in your direct path you must take evasive action Always remember you are more likely to avoid hitting anything if you have been practicing good scanning patterns anticipating problem areas and mentally practicing taking effective evasive action repeatedly until it becomes completely automatic You must instantly choose between trying to stop in time and selecting an escape route which is free from other more hazardous obstacles Evasive action is simply the exercise of your fundamental drivin
60. students are looking to you as an example Know that 99 percent of all situations are resolved through negotiations Negotiations may take time but remember time is on your side Do not be confrontational Don t be a hero unnecessary harm to you or your passengers may result from your actions Communicate If possible try to make your location and situation known as soon as possible if the hostage taker has not made contact Microphone keyed open Be a good witness Make a mental picture of the hostage taker s and any weapons The driver preferring to stay with their students may not have the choice This information may be vital for the police in determining the next move to help the remaining hostages Attempt to get along You should cooperate with your captor and do as you are told Comply with reasonable demands but the key is not to offer help If the police try to enter the bus Try to avoid giving away police positions or actions by your actions or facial expressions Captors could pickup on them Be prepared for loud noise and follow instructions quickly Help avoid getting caught in a hostage situation Report any suspicious person immediately Do not wait for something to happen or get out of control Call the police This is the best action a driver can do Avoid becoming caught in the situation before it occurs and Know your passengers Knowing your passengers and their needs can be vital in such emergencies Their medical
61. the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels Keep steering wheel movements very small while doing this If you need to make a larger steering adjustment or if the wheels lock release the brakes As soon as the wheels start rolling apply the brakes fully again It can take up to one second for the wheels to start rolling after you release the brakes Re apply the brakes as soon as you can On a bus with anti lock brakes ABS don t pump the brakes Apply the brakes firmly allowing the ABS system to automatically pump the brakes Steering to Avoid Collision Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency When you do not have enough room to stop you may have to steer to avoid a crash In many cases you can turn to miss a hazard faster than you can stop Therefore if it s not instantly obvious you can stop in time you must choose to steer the bus in an alternative path In order to accomplish this you must be able to quickly recognize the best escape route At a glance decide if a possible escape path is free from other more hazardous obstacles You should avoid swerving the bus as sudden swerves can be very dangerous risking your passengers safety Because the bus is so big and heavy it can t swerve sharply to avoid an object or leave the pavement with any great degree of control Swerving risks overturning the bus Steer firmly and as gradually as possible to clear the obstruction and use the brakes when necess
62. the bus and for vehicles making right turns on red lights Be alert for animals that may cross into the path of the bus Animals are much like children in their unpredictable behavior along roads Wherever possible slow down to avoid hitting animals do not swerve to avoid them unless they are working horses pulling a buggy Such action may cause partial or complete loss of control of the bus See Figures F 7 and F 8 VEHICLE HAZARDS In general when sharing the road with other vehicles observe the driving behaviors of the other drivers Scan 360 degrees around your bus for clues to any potentially hazardous conditions Drivers in a Hurry Drivers may feel your school bus is preventing them from getting where they want to go on time Such drivers may pass you without a safe gap in the oncoming traffic cutting too close in front of you Other drivers entering the road may pull in front of you in order to avoid being stuck behind you causing you to brake quickly Be aware of these situations and pay particular attention to drivers who are in a hurry Losing Control Recognize clues indicating another driver may lose control of their vehicle Surface conditions that are slippery or have loose gravel ruts or deep snow might reduce the oncoming driver s control as well as your own Notice movements of the other vehicles For example you notice if an oncoming driver turns too sharply after an off road recovery or a driver approac
63. the same time you use the parking brake so you can adjust the brake pressure and keep the wheels from locking up If your bus has air brakes a warning buzzer will alert you to the loss of air pressure and to the possibility of the rear brakes locking when air pressure drops to approximately 30 psi If locking should occur causing the bus to go into a skid follow skid control procedures Finding an Escape Route on Level Terrain or Upgrades While slowing the bus look for an escape route an open field wide shoulder side street or escape ramp Turning uphill is a good way to slow and stop the bus Make sure the bus does not start rolling backward after you stop Put it in low gear apply the parking brake and if necessary roll back into some obstacle that will stop the bus Finding an Escape Route on Downgrades Runaway Truck Ramps Going slowly enough and braking properly will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades Once the brakes have failed however you are going to have to look outside your bus for something to stop it Figure H 1 Runaway Truck Ramp Your best hope is a runaway truck ramp provided on many highways with dangerous downgrades see Figure H 1 If there is one there will be signs telling you about it Use it Every year hundreds of drivers avoid injury to themselves their passengers and others as well as damage to their vehicles by using these runaway truck ramps Some runaway truck ramps us
64. type and manufacturer If the bus is equipped with circuit breakers this is not necessary Figure H 7 Seat Belt Cutter SEAT BELT CUTTER SS If your school bus is equipped with one the seat belt cutter will be mounted in a visible location in the driver s compartment See Figure H 7 C OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Although not required the following equipment may be carried on every school bus especially those used to transport students with disabilities This is not an all inclusive list Vomit odor absorbent basin or pail water in jug sponge and plastic bags Tissues and paper towels Plastic or other waterproof material for seats Blankets and sheets to use as protection in cold weather Sand or other substance for traction on ice and Clean rags gloves or pads for motor check up en route in case of suspected trouble These all must be securely fastened in the vehicle and not blocking the aisle way Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 21 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures SCHOOL BUS SECURITY WHY SCHOOL BUSES CAN BE TARGETS BND 00 ROO CMS They are relatively unprotected and vulnerable They have predictable routes and schedules They have the potential for a large number of casualties There are schools all over the nation They have unquestioned access to high value destinations They represent an emotional target and The effects of a terrorist attack on school buses wou
65. you have air brakes lt Temperature gauges Pressure gauges Ammeter voltmeter lt Use your senses sight sound smell feel to check for problems Check critical items when you stop Tires wheels and rims Brakes Lights Watch your mirrors f you see hear smell or feel anything that might mean trouble check it out Check Parking Brake Check the parking brake again before pulling out onto the road If your bus is equipped with a ratchet type lever you should feel a distinct clicking of the ratchet pawl and the lever should lock firmly into place when you apply the brake When properly adjusted this brake should be capable of holding the bus on a hill If you detect excessive looseness or lever travel the lever slipping out of locked position the lever binding or the brake not holding the bus on a hill have the parking brake adjusted If the parking brake is an over center type it should not take excessive effort to apply but it should still prevent the vehicle from rolling on a grade or with the transmission in gear If the bus is equipped with air brakes pull out the parking brake control knob to engage the parking brake Put the bus in low gear and pull against the parking brake If the vehicle does not hold with the parking brake knob in the engaged position have the rear brakes adjusted Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 19 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Check
66. you need time to respond to different conditions Reaction time is the time it takes for you to notice a condition decide what to do about it and then act on it The more information you must process or the more complex the decision required the longer it takes you to react This concept is discussed in detail below While a perception reaction time of 2 5 seconds is commonly used in highway design driver response times can range from 1 second for a simple decision like initiating a panic stop to 15 seconds for a complex decision like choosing the correct exit in a convoluted highway interchange Further complicating the task of driving for the bus operator are distractions inside and outside the vehicle Maybe you hear a cell phone ring or students are being unruly on the bus Maybe you get a call on the radio from your dispatcher Perhaps a student is talking to you or pointing out something of interest along the roadside Maybe you are a bit behind schedule and your students are slow to get onto the bus and get seated Maybe the trip must be made during a severe rain or snowstorm Possibly it is just a beautiful day to drive through a scenic area and you are tempted to focus on something other than the road Whatever it is that draws your attention from the road it is clear that driving a school bus requires the operator s full attention This will be discussed later in this unit Better late than never is an old saying that applies to al
67. your mirrors Adjust your seat and Fasten your seat belt REFERENCE POINT DRIVING A reference point is some fixed object or point on your bus that when lined up with points outside the bus will give you consistent reference to judge when to turn move stop line up your bus or judge the amount of space available around your bus Any point on the bus such as the door outside mirrors windshield center post bus hood front and rear bumpers etc can be used as a reference point These points are easily detectable and readily seen by you in the driving position The distance or guidelines outside the bus are then predetermined by direct measurement or observation before you use your bus for the first time Once these points are determined and you are comfortable with the understanding of what each reference point is telling you these points should remain constant Here are a few simple steps for determining reference points on your bus get some help at first if possible Position yourself comfortably in your driver s seat Pick an easily observable point on the hood or windshield of your bus With the help of someone outside your bus if possible on a conventional style bus find the point on the ground where the edge of the hood lines up with the point on the ground directly in front of it For a transit style bus use some point on the windshield to mark your point on the ground in front of the bus Once you determine this point
68. 0 Starting with the right hand seat tap the shoulder of the student nearest the aisle to indicate that those occupants should move out Say Walk don t run Use hand rails At the same time hold your hand before the occupants in the left hand seat in a restraining gesture 11 When the students in the right hand seat have moved far enough to clear the aisle dismiss the occupants of the left hand seat 12 Continue this procedure as described right and left seats alternately until the bus is empty 13 When the last seat is empty walk to the front of the bus and check to be sure everyone is out 14 Leave the bus and take the helper at the front door with you and join the passengers and the other helper 15 Evaluate the evacuation drill pointing out improvements needed and commending students on activities well done 16 Have students return to the bus in an orderly manner to retrieve their belongings before entering the school Have students who are to continue to another school remain on the bus and proceed on your route and 17 Complete any reports as required by local policy Figure H 3 Front Door Evacuation Designates Helper A 100 Feet 1 8 5 7 fe f9 s 2 4 e e o 12 14 16 6 Rear Emergency Door Evacuation Drill The rear emergency door evacuation drill should be practiced as often as possible with elementary and secondary students see Fi
69. 100 125 psi and shut off the engine Turn the key but do not start the engine chock your wheels and release the parking brake Check the air gauge to see if the pressure drops more than two psi in one minute If the air loss is greater check for leaks and fix before driving Then fully apply pressure to the foot brake and hold for one minute Check the air gauge to see if the pressure drops more than three psi If the air loss is greater check for leaks and fix before driving Begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake The low air warning devices buzzer light flag should activate before the pressure drops below 60 psi Continue to fan off the air pressure At approximately 40 psi to 20 psi the parking brake valve should close by popping out Check the air pressure build up rate by starting the engine When the engine is at operating RPM the pressure should build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds in dual air systems If the vehicle has larger than minimum air tanks the build up time can be longer and still be safe Check the manufacturer s specifications Regardless of what type of brake system your school bus is equipped with 1 Release the parking brake 2 Move forward at about five MPH 3 Push brake pedal firmly and 4 Watch for pulling to one side or any unusual brake pedal feel or delayed stopping action These may indicate trouble and you should have the bus serviced Aut
70. 4 Regulated Intersection Yield Control 1 0 0 0 000 60 cece F 24 Regulated Intersection Stop Control 0 0 0 2 0 0 eee F 24 Regulated Intersection Traffic Signals 0 0 00 cette F 25 Circular Intersections 0 0 0 eee F 25 Uniformed Police Officer 5 urraca ras Heth see a a gd vwd we F 26 Private Drive ins cortos pue UE ty ee eisai a ors xe te reed a F 26 Crossing Main Highwaysis o sedsieia wa een pa qe P Rd said ee F 26 Road Surfacen c xe tre t eb e enki E eu e e Diese F 26 Roadside Conditions oooocccocco hh hn F 26 Pedestrian Hazards ar epee ee quete pe Lone ae ee QUE EXE GN TUE RUNE F 27 Vehicle Hazards oes Romse ce m aes a a F 27 Drivers mT a HUT a o e e a a Lene v eae F 27 Losing Control xe ara DI e aaa Iu Ne Dea Dad PENIS MIS F 27 Lack of Communication by Other Drivers 0000 0 cece n F 28 Failure of the Other Driver to ODServe oooococoococ een F 28 Inadequate Adjustment by the Other Driver liliis eh F 28 Aggressive Driving by Other Motorists liliis F 29 Slow moving or Stopped Vehicles llissilseeeelese n F 29 Multiple Vehicle Hazards orase r st LEUR Ca EUER RE ERES MUERE EE F 29 Work Zones LIEU REESE ie aM CER dee F 30 Motorcycles sees teuer ene ua DE See RE tee REF OPQEVEGS de CBE F 30 CONTROLLING SPEED nr pine tre Ete que EH A A Sethe oe qe ea dis F 30 Following Distances 0 A ae ee a e a F 31 STOPPING xe bir ss ds rada as da pa a dd F 32
71. AN INCIDENT OR AT A HOSPITAL You are not expected to be a paramedic however your company or district may require you to take First Aid courses when available Regardless it is your responsibility to check the First Aid Kit and Body Fluid Clean Up Kit on a regular basis to assure it is present and sealed Make sure to familiarize yourself with its contents and how each item is used If you feel the medical emergency is beyond your knowledge immediately call for emergency assistance First Aid is defined by the American National Red Cross as the immediate and temporary care given to the victims of crashes and sudden illness until the services of a physician can be obtained Emergency care is a process involving assessment priority setting and continual reassessment Other important aspects of emergency care include clearly describing what happened and knowing how to use the supplies and equipment used in performing this care Your top priority in the event of a crash or sudden illness is to keep the situation from getting worse until help arrives You must perform only those emergency procedures for which you are properly trained but remember your most important responsibility is to manage the overall scene until help arrives In some situations the time it takes for help to arrive may allow you to maintain the scene and provide emergency care to one or more injured persons However do not become so involved in specific problems you are u
72. Always wear disposable gloves You need to wear disposable gloves whenever you might come in contact with blood or potentially infectious materials If gloves are not available or unanticipated contact occurs hands and other affected areas should be washed with soap and running warm water immediately after contact If not possible wipe your hands thoroughly with the germicidal wipe provided in the Body Fluid Clean Up Kit Small spills can be cleaned with paper towels or tissues After the bodily fluid is removed use clean paper towels soap and water or disinfectant wash to clean the area For larger spills you can use the packet of solution to solidify body fluids in your Body Fluid Clean Up Kit Remove gloves and place into the plastic bag with the waste and other cleaning materials Upon returning to the bus garage remove the plastic bag and dispose in accordance with school district procedures and guidelines The driver must wash their hands with soap and running warm water for at least 30 seconds It is always a good idea to carry hand sanitizer extra gloves and band aids as long as they are properly secured in the bus WHEN HANDLING BODY FLUIDS ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOURSELF Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 1 15 1 16 UNIT I Student Emergencies Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL BUS DRIVER S MANUAL Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Harrisburg PA
73. As you approach get the big picture check traffic control devices visibility of the crossing tracks terrain and roadways on either side of the tracks volume type and position of other traffic sight distance down the tracks and the amount of space on the other side of the track should you have to stop your vehicle shortly after crossing the track and Activate four way hazard lights 100 to 200 feet in advance of the tracks Stop the Bus 1 2 5 Follow stopping procedures described earlier in this unit Stop in a position permitting you to have a clear view of the tracks in both directions The front bumper must be clear of tracks at least 15 feet away and at most 50 feet away from the nearest rail Pull up so you can see the tracks in both directions if needed Remember to allow extra distance at any railroad grade crossing since trains overlap the track by about three feet Apply the parking emergency brake and shift into neutral Look and Listen 1 2 Open service door and driver s window make sure that you do not activate the eight way light system Turn off any AM FM 2 way or CB radios or any other noise emitting devices not necessary for the safe operation of the bus Look and listen through the open door and window and Never leave a bus to check for a train Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 17 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus No Approaching Train
74. BILITIES School bus drivers have a significant responsibility to transport their students safely and efficiently to and from school In order to do this effectively you must create a positive atmosphere for travel by implementing the following points 1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Familiarize yourself with and abide by all rules policies and procedures relating to student transportation Familiarize yourself with all assigned routes and designated school bus stops Maintain your passenger lists so they are up to date These will be critical in an emergency Recognize the importance of establishing solid working relationships with students parents supervisors and school administrators especially when working to ensure proper student conduct Instruct students on proper behavior while on the bus and the consequences of improper behavior Provide and enforce general policies regarding riding the bus and instructions during emergency evacuation drills Conduct yourself in a professional and respectable manner Avoid becoming too closely acquainted with students maintain a friendly but firm adult student relationship You should never put your hands on a student nor should you grab slap hit or shake a student Maintain order and safety on the bus at all times Create an atmosphere where the rights of others are respected on the school bus and at the school bus stop You can do this by Requiring an ord
75. CTION ku mh ee Ree ek AE RR ee DIR das cen hec Eee CRUEL Pe F 3 THEDRIVINGTASK ay aaa hh F 5 Information Lancia a A Ea ete F 5 DECISION Sie iad A A da eS in de qa due MUR eus F 6 ACION AAA A AAA AAA AAA AAA F 6 DRIVER CONDITIONS 2d sd ra ia pr egre A Oe F 7 Knowledge exse pSPiEERERIWAeIAASEReSE da eae dena PIT x ex mee esee F 7 reca d Cm F 8 Skill rote doe drm aro e SON Edu era irs ito et adh ee Uer a Daten e rp e dee F 8 Health oen Rh ie ae Ius ote hls uci em F 8 llin8SS 2d See EE des tere nc D UP Nd tents thes F 8 Drugs and Driving Alcohol s esa ii aae A a a eer hm n F 9 The Truth about Alcohol 00 A AEE ER ep FE S F 9 What isa Drink tpt den ih EUH EXER ERN Ru NE ORE eie M EN A e RR te e RR F 9 How Does Alcohol WOrk soper ee eek Pe a a Y ROV n F 10 What Determines Blood Alcohol Concentration BAC 000 0c e eee eee F 10 How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain 0 eee F 10 How Does Alcohol Affect Driving ssis sorida ti u e p e E F 10 Drugs and Driving Other DrUgS ooocccccoo mh F 11 Concentration and Attitude 0 0 hh F 11 Aggressive Driving ocna sa enia eek A a m ea RR RE E AEA T E e Y Re A E F 11 Attention and Monitoring esasi rra aa R Rr ns F 13 Driver Fatigues iii ee eg et ea a de he aa ee SY ae eed F 15 Warning Signs of Driver Fatigue uaaa cette nn F 15 At Risk Groups c g dey a Pee Beet a artus cd F 15 Avoiding Consequences of Driving While Fatigued liliis F 16 Cell Phones
76. Check all mirrors to see if traffic is clear and it is safe for you to stop STOP 1 Come to a full stop 2 When stopped set the parking emergency brake 3 Place the transmission in neutral 4 Open the service door slightly if physically possible activating the red flashing lights side stop arm crossing arm and automatically deactivating the amber flashing lights of the eight way light System and 5 Checktraffic and open the door completely after traffic stops and ONLY after traffic stops UNLOAD 1 Do not permit students to leave the bus except at regularly assigned stops unless they have written permission from a school administrator Refer to school district policy It is illegal for you to discharge students at places other than designated bus stops as per Section 3345 i of Title 75 2 Have students exit in an orderly fashion counting them as they exit this will let you know if you have dropped off all of the students assigned to that stop Observe students as they step from the bus to see all move promptly away from the danger zone Recount the students as they reach a place of safety outside of the danger zone i e sidewalks curbsides or inside houses for door to door routes a Instruct students who must cross a roadway after getting off of the bus to stand on the side of the roadway far enough in front of the bus to see your face at least 10 feet Be alert for passing motorists so you may warn students The stud
77. Dirty windows posts trees buildings bright sunlight or other objects obscuring or restricting the other driver s view and Other driver s vehicle being detectable to you only by reflection headlight glow or dust cloud Inadequate Adjustment by the Other Driver Look for indications another driver is not adjusting properly to a situation Be aware of hazardous situations arising when another driver fails to adjust for the following Obstructions Surface conditions Pedestrians Other vehicles and Shape of the road Failure to adjust for these conditions may cause another driver to make potentially hazardous maneuvers Know areas of your route where these situations are likely to occur and exercise caution in these places F 28 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving Aggressive Driving by Other Motorists NEVER take it personally when someone cuts you off or pulls in front of you People don t want to be caught behind the school bus so expect people to pull in front of you Just let it go and ignore it If you encounter an aggressive driver here are a few tips Get out of their way and do not challenge them Stay relaxed avoid eye contact and ignore rude gestures Don t block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic Put your pride in the back seat and DO NOT RETALIATE Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold your own in your trav
78. Drivers loo iii A 3 AUS cen Ee bere ederet a diuo potes bett A 3 You Are Impotrtant voe DIM De A a Inde A 3 You Are Responsible axis a ER nie D RR EEL EA REP RI dee de ee A 3 You Are a Member of the Safety TeaM ooooococcccco nh A 3 Your Responsibilities as a Driver 0 0 III A 4 Your Driving Technique yo a Y eee A 4 Your Passengers sica Re ARI SERRE aa da de EE EN A 4 Public Relations aed tete eben ee teet aet gite eae cpu ar Rete Die he iue A 5 Appropriate DFress xica ee estu SFR eX UE RU Bo ETUR EORR ER a a A 5 Your Supervisor and Fellow EMployees ooocooccocooo nh A 6 The Transportation Director Your Supervisor liliis A 6 WHAT DO NEED TO DO TO BECOME A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER IN PENNSYLVANIA A 7 Initial Requirements First Step 2 6 hr A 7 Knowledge Test Authorization and School Bus Learner s Permit Second Step A 8 Training and Skills Testing Requirements Third Step oooocccccccccccc eee A 8 The School Bus Driver Training Course liiis nh A 8 Health and Safety Requirements oooccccococc hh A 10 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers llli sees A 11 Positive Test or Refusing to Take aTest o oooooccoooccoooo eh A 11 Driver Recertification 24 ccce means dee tae rtm t a ss ae ruens dod A 12 Completion of Report Form 1 2 2 000 hh A 13 Annual Physical Examination 0 0 0000 A 13 Change of
79. EDURES AND GUIDELINES REGARDING RECEIVING FIRST AID TRAINING AND ADMINISTERING FIRST AID ON YOUR SCHOOL BUS Seizures Seizures often are a symptom of a variety of central nervous system problems including epilepsy There are several levels of seizure activity but the type of seizure most important to you is when the student becomes unconscious In addition to losing consciousness the muscles of the person experiencing the seizure alternately flex and contract This creates the jerking sometimes violent motion often described as fits Your main concern is to maintain an open airway so the student can breathe and to protect the student from injuring themselves or others around them If a student has a seizure allow it to run its course and perform the following steps 1 Lay the student down if they are not already on the floor 2 Protect them from injury as much as possible by moving any possible objects the student could injure themselves on and cushion their head Monitor their airway and position their body to permit the adequate exchange of air and Do not put fingers or other objects in the student s mouth during a seizure l 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies Most seizures are brief and may only last a minute or two After the seizure is over check their breathing if they are still unconscious When consciousness returns after a seizure the student may be quite confused and dis
80. ENTION AND MONITORING As mentioned earlier there are many things you must be aware of when you are driving a school bus You must be able to divide your attention between the students the road other vehicles and your own bus At each point on your trip you must focus your attention on the most important factor at that time For example you must carefully focus on the students crossing the street at loading and unloading zones First determine what you need to observe inside and outside the bus while driving the bus Inside the bus you must be aware of the students and their behavior the dashboard your inside mirror and the steering wheel Outside the bus you must observe other traffic pedestrians your outside mirrors the road in all directions and the surrounding area Next prioritize your monitoring and attention For example it is critical to monitor student behavior especially when they are misbehaving and before and after student pickup and dropoff as described in detail in Unit C If behavior is taking too much attention away from your driving stop the bus and get control of the students On the dashboard you must check the fuel gauge oil gauge temperature gauge and speedometer It is best to look at the gauges carefully at the start of the trip and occasionally during the trip especially if there seems to be a problem with the bus The speedometer should be monitored throughout the entire trip to maintain a safe
81. For curves to the right move as close to the center line as is safe and use the width of the lane while rounding the curve This will help to smooth out the curve For curves to the left enter the curve from the right edge of your lane and When you reach the midpoint of the curve resume power and accelerate through the remainder of the curve G 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus Making Left and Right Turns The procedures listed below will enable you to prepare for AIM HIGH IN STEERING and make turns and to reenter the traffic pattern while AND SMOOTH OUT maintaining proper lane positions When making either a left or right turn start signaling at least 100 feet before CURVES BUT ALWAYS turning if you are travelling at speeds of 35 mph or less STAY IN YOUR and at 300 feet if you are travelling at speeds over 35 mph OWN LANE See Figures G 2 and G 3 Figure G 1 Stay in Lane WHETHER MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN BE AWARE THAT THE REAR OF YOUR BUS WILL PROJECT OUTWARD AS YOU ARE MAKING THE TURN BE CAREFUL WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN WHEN YOU ARE NEXT TO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OBJECT Keep in mind that Pennsylvania school bus crash statistics show improper turning was indicated as the third most common driver action in crashes when the school bus was the prime unit Data also indicates that 38 percent of school bus prime unit crashes were angle crashes whic
82. G 7 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus There are a few things you can do to help prevent pedal misapplication 1 Become familiar with your vehicle Be sure you practice operating your bus before picking up and dropping off students This will give you familiarity with the location of your accelerator and brake This is especially important if you are operating a bus that is not your regular bus If you are unfamiliar with the pedal configuration of an alternate bus practice first 2 The National Transportation Safety Board NTSB recommends that at locations where you are boarding a large number of students at once like a school start your bus only after loading is complete STEERING AND TURNING YOUR BUS You must know the proper techniques for steering a school bus and must be able to make all turning maneuvers correctly and smoothly STEERING TECHNIQUES Proper steering requires the proper positioning of your hands on the steering wheel Grip the wheel securely with both hands putting your hands on opposite sides of the wheel For example this may mean placing your hands at the ten o clock and two o clock positions One hand on the wheel is less than half as safe Your hands should be on the outside of the steering wheel with your thumbs on the front of the wheel Two steering methods are recommended for school bus drivers In the push pull steering method one hand pulls and the other hand pushes The hand over hand met
83. G AND OPERATING A DIESEL VEHICLE lisse G 6 STEERING AND TURNING YOUR BUS 0 0 e n G 7 BACKING cuore ENIRO eR QURE Cake EUR DER EUER ER G 10 MAKING A TURN AROUND sssssses e m mel G 12 STIOPPINGs a sei UM EM LIN LLL NL G 13 CHECKING OVERHEAD CLEARANCE 0 00 0 e eh G 15 APPROACHING RAILROAD CROSSINGS 0 00 n G 16 UNIT H CRASH AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INTRODUCTION x ara toi ad xy epe che br WERE LEER did vase H 3 EMERGENCY DRIVING TECHNIQUES 0 0 0c rh H 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES iri Reda sede aa APR AS H 10 EVACUATING THE BUS cs ioi dp ERR RR a da Rd RU UE Ad Re H 14 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT re RE eth ea eb Er eR er vmi RR dee tE H 19 SCHOOL BUS SEGCURUITY ick ts ces eR aoe ONG ee Ex e RR LEE EROR ORE EE FOU E QURE E Rn H 22 HOSTAGE AWARENESS 12e e E Re ae o De e Ex RR eR cU ERA en H 24 UNIT I STUDENT EMERGENCIES INTRODUGTION 5s x tte ee i a Rupee deu ede r ts et pa 1 2 MEDICALEIABILIT tad a A Aa a ia 1 3 FIRST AID PROCEDURES sitiada n ai bogs Ed ad a daa ees l 4 REPORTALLINCIDENTS 000009 rs Pe RC Heth Rb aE A ET de l 13 FIRSEAID EQUIPMENT r a ra eU exten xa Redi a di 1 14 iv Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements UNIT A THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCTION 2 a A end A 2 YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES oooccccccccc hh A 3 Your Hole s
84. If you have drinks faster than your body can get rid of them you will have more alcohol in your body and your driving will be more affected The amount of alcohol in your body is commonly measured by the Blood Alcohol Concentration BAC WHAT DETERMINES BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION BAC BAC is determined by the amount of alcohol you drink more alcohol means higher BAC how fast you drink faster drinking means higher BAC and your weight a small person doesn t have to drink as much as a large person to reach the same BAC HOW DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT THE BRAIN Alcohol affects more and more of the brain as BAC builds up The first part of the brain that is affected controls judgment and self control One of the bad things about this is it can keep drinkers from knowing they are getting drunk And of course good judgment and self control are absolutely necessary for safe driving As blood alcohol concentration continues to build up muscle control vision and coordination are affected more and more Eventually a person will pass out Alcohol can increase the effects of other drugs HOW DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT DRIVING All drivers are affected by drinking alcohol Alcohol affects judgment vision coordination and reaction time It causes serious driving errors such as Slower reactions to hazards Driving too fast or too slow Driving in the wrong lane Running over the curb Weaving Straddling lanes Quick jerky s
85. If you see and hear no signs of an approaching train do the following Close service door Put the bus in low gear and release the parking emergency brake Look and listen a second time If clear proceed across the track without shifting gears and af oO NY Deactivate four way hazard lights after clearing the tracks Approaching Train Atrain cannot stop quickly Trains always appear to be moving slower than they actually are Follow these procedures when a train is approaching the crossing 1 Hold bus in position and use the parking emergency brake 2 After the train passes proceed across the tracks as described above Multi Track Crossings At crossings with more than one set of tracks do the following 1 Check the crossbuck for a sign indicating the number of tracks at the crossing if there is more than one Make sure no train is approaching on any of the tracks Only make one stop not one stop per track and After a train passes wait until other tracks become visible before proceeding A second train may be approaching from the opposite direction OTHER POINTERS FOR DEALING WITH RAILROAD CROSSINGS Here are a few additional safety tips to learn when driving over railroad grade crossings 1 Learn about the various types of highway rail grade crossing warning devices Not only are you risking arrest if you fail to respond properly to these devices you are risking your life and the lives of you
86. Information Center on PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website www dmv state pa us A 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline UNIT B STUDENT MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE INTRODUCTION mide fs wal ed een dee gid theese eats des dd Ra c du bx uu ba dad ERE B 2 SCHOOL BUS DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES ooccoccccccco nen B 3 Student Seating Plan Steis bie ge wea eee bs a a ide heh hae e ebd ud B 4 SIUDENT BESPONSIBIETIES i aria pen aise be etse pi os A TUUS Ese B 5 DRIVER STUDENT INTERACTIONS 0000 00 eer B 6 General Guidelines for Interacting with Students 0 0000 cee eee eee B 6 Class A Student Management Memory Aid 0 0 cece teeta B 7 Serious Discipline Problems 0 000 ects B 8 CHARACTERICTICS OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR 0 0 00 cette B 9 Kindergarten and Elementary School Age Students Grades K 5 1 0 2 0 cece eee eee eee B 9 Middle School Age Students Grades 6 8 0 0 0 000 eee B 9 Secondary Age Students Grades 9 12 0 0 0 ccc ete B 10 Summary of Age Level Characteristics 2 asuaan B 10 GUIDELINES FOR CONTROLLING STUDENT BEHAVIOR ooccccccccc res B 11 Keep Discipline Private Whenever Possible llle B 11 Stay Professional elite RIE LEY ble a ain Pad Ng ey ee B 11 Set Discipline Standards 0 0 0 c tet B 12 Work with School Authorities 0 0 0 0 00 ete eee B 12 Don t Deal with O
87. JUSTMENTS Keep headlights clean and make sure your windshield is clean inside and outside Any reduction in the amount of light available to your eyes reduces your night vision Always use low beams on sharp curves and when traffic is approaching Your bright lights can blot out the warning glow of cars coming around the curve toward you Also keep headlights on low beam in cities or towns and in fog or haze Keep your instrument panel lights dim If too bright they produce unnecessary glare and distraction If oncoming drivers fail to dim their lights don t blind them with your high beams This creates a hazard to yourself and your passengers Don t tailgate F 22 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving If itis necessary to stop the bus on the shoulder of an open highway choose a spot visible for at least 500 feet to oncoming and following traffic see Figure F 5 Turn off the headlights but leave parking lights and or hazard warning lights on Figure F 5 Parking on a Hill AT LEAST 500 FT y ULES UE LE HEAVY WIND While loss of traction and limited visibility are the most common roadway and weather related problems you will face you should also be aware of and ready for potential hazards caused by heavy wind Because of the height of a vehicle the side of the bus acts like a sail and a strong crosswind at the top of a hill or at the end of a tunnel or even gusting winds o
88. LIND DEAF BLINDNESS Some students may have hearing and visual impairments the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness If available you should work with a mobility specialist and the student to determine the best methods for assistance sighted guide techniques etc Many intermediate units IUs will have mobility specialists who can work with you Drivers should learn signals for help distress toileting needs illness hunger and any other daily events that may occur on a bus as these signals are the only means by which the student can communicate Consider seating students who are deaf and blind close to the bus door for ease of exit entry and to avoid objects or people who may block movement in the aisle Also avoid seat reassignment for behavior management to ensure a consistent orientation route from the stairwell to their seat DEAFNESS HEARING IMPAIRMENTS Students who have hearing impairments may require special transportation though the inclusion of students with hearing impairments in general education transportation is fairly common Hearing impairments may range from some degree of hearing loss to totally deaf Students who are deaf are taught and communicate through their other senses and therefore rely on visual and tactile information Their greates
89. Pc gue eoo rcs A A gt ZA a O o aK WB DD O Making an illegal u turn Improper careless turning Turning from the wrong lane Proceeding w o clearance after stop Running a stop sign Running red light Failure to respond to other traffic control device Tailgating Sudden slowing stopping Careless passing or lane change Passing in a no passing zone Making improper entrance to a highway Making improper exit from a highway Speeding Driving too fast for conditions and Driver fleeing police Police chase As illustrated by Pennsylvania school bus crash data any of these behaviors is unacceptable when operating a school bus For example Pennsylvania school bus crash data indicated drivers involved in rear end collisions are very likely to be noted as tailgating In fact drivers noted as tailgating were 61 times more likely to be involved in a rear end collision than drivers involved in collisions who were not noted as tailgating Similarly drivers noted as failing to stop were 33 times more likely to be involved in an angle collision than drivers who were not An angle collision occurs when two vehicles approaching from non opposing angular directions collide These typically result from one vehicle failing to either stop or yield right of way from a Stop or Yield sign running a red light or not clearing an intersection when the conflicting movement s signal turned green The
90. Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual T pennsylvania DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PUB 117 5 12 www dmv state pa us FOREWORD The Highway Safety Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under the U S Department of Transportation s Federal Standard 17 requires each state to develop plans to reduce as much as possible the danger of death or injury to school children while being transported to and from school This manual and the associated training course are Pennsylvania s response to this standard This manual is intended as a means for certified instructors to deliver training courses effectively and uniformly to school bus drivers throughout Pennsylvania The course contained in this manual emphasizes fundamental concepts of school bus operation for the new driver and recertification experienced levels This manual provides a basic foundation for new instructors but also provides sufficient flexibility for enhancement and adaptation by the more knowledgeable and experienced instructors Organizations or individuals interested in pupil transportation and safety may freely use the contents of this manual in whole or in part provided the material used is properly cited ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The revision of this manual benefited from the help of many individuals PennDOT s Bureau of Driver Licensing staff Scott Shenk Chris Miller and Laura Krol directed the project s technical aspects and served as le
91. RY Many factors can cause a school bus to go into a skid During a skid the tires lose proper traction with the road surface Normal means of controlling the bus including steering braking and accelerating won t work as usual you must learn specific anti skid techniques Therefore you must be able to detect a loss of traction in time to maintain or regain control of the bus Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 3 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures Loss of traction may include Skids caused when tires fail from under inflation or from a blowout Front wheel skids resulting from faulty brakes slippery road surfaces or driving too fast for conditions Rear wheel skids resulting from faulty brakes driving too fast accelerating too quickly on curves or rough or slippery surfaces A four wheel locked brake skid resulting from jamming too hard on the brakes Hydroplaning resulting from traveling too fast on a water covered highway or from driving in water with under inflated or worn tires or Skidding resulting from oil film wet leaves loose surfaces ice or other slippery conditions Once you lose traction and the bus goes into a skid you must be able to regain directional control Controlling a skid requires controlled steering smooth deceleration and controlled braking If your school bus has lost traction and begins to skid you will need to do the following Keep both hands on the steering wheel S
92. SABILITY IDEIA defines intellectual disability as significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period that adversely affects the child s educational performance In other words these students have impaired intellectual development which seriously reduces their ability to learn In addition they struggle with age appropriate adaptive behavior skills Adaptive behavior refers to the daily living skills that students need to function and includes communication personal care motor skills and social skills Some students will have mild intellectual disability while others will be significantly impaired and so the levels of driver assistance and or specialized equipment may vary As the bus driver you may find it useful to assign specific seats with appropriate seat belts or child safety restraint systems CSRS i e car seat safety vest etc One person per seat is best Consistency in the bus routes personnel and service will help the trip go smoothly Be patient as students with intellectual disability will require more repetition than typical peers to learn procedures D 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities MULTIPLE DISABILITIES A student with multiple disabilities has a combination of disabilities such as intellectual disability and blindness or intellectu
93. Service Brakes Check the service brakes after the parking brake preferably before reaching the highway Test at low speeds by bringing the bus smoothly to a complete stop Your bus should stop in a straight line without skidding swerving pulling to either side grabbing locking or making excessive noise For buses with hydraulic brakes the brakes should not need to be pumped to have braking power and should not need excessive pedal effort to engage If they need either have the brakes adjusted With air brakes the bus should stop as described above but you have an additional check Since air pressure is being used to apply the brakes you will see some loss of pressure as indicated on the air pressure gauge In general a brake adjustment is required if the gauge pressure drops by more than 10 lbs during a single brake application Check the air pressure gauge and vacuum the gauge periodically while on the road Check Transmission Automatic transmissions should not slip or produce harsh jerking shifts With a manual transmission ensure all forward and reverse gears engage smoothly with no unusual metallic clashing noises burning clutch smells or shifting difficulties The clutch should engage easily and smoothly without jerking slipping excessively or chattering Also with a properly adjusted clutch the pedal should move freely for approximately the first 1 to 1 inches Greater or lesser amounts of free clutch travel or
94. Students with Disabilities Plan considerably more time to load students with disabilities especially those with physical impairments Follow your school district policy on wait time and expected boarding time Parents should be instructed to have students at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled time of arrival Remember if a student requires an aide you must never leave him or her unattended Assigning Seats If you are transporting a student with a disability in a large bus with general education students don t automatically assign the student to the front seat Typically front seats are saved for problem students and not many students want to sit near the driver Students with disabilities are like most of your student passengers they would prefer to sit with their friends When assigning a seat to a student with a disability consider such factors as mobility and independence of the student needs of the student ease of emergency evacuation availability of dependable assistance and vulnerability of the student during interactions with other students On The Road While on the road watch for any behaviors that might cause a dangerous situation If aides are available part of their responsibilities should be to make sure all students remain safely seated and secure With or without aides make periodic checks yourself Knowing each student s specific behavior patterns will enable you to avoid potentially dangerou
95. TEP Upon receipt of these forms PennDOT reviews your documents for correctness license suspension and determination of medical competency To see if you meet the physical requirements of the School Bus Driver Regulations Title 67 Chapter 71 of the Pennsylvania Code visit www pacode com A CDL Knowledge Test Authorization and School Bus Learner s Permit are issued If you do not meet the physical qualifications required of school bus drivers your application will be denied The School Bus Learner s Permit is the only document that allows you to operate a school bus You may not use the KTA for driving purposes The KTA and School Bus Learner s Permit are valid for one 1 year During this one year period you will be required to complete all knowledge and skills testing The knowledge examination will consist of Vision Test Knowledge Tests including but not limited to general knowledge Passenger Endorsement P School Bus Endorsement S and if you are going to operate a bus with air brakes removal of the air brake restriction if applicable If you already have a CDL you may just be pursuing the P and S endorsements TRAINING AND SKILLS TESTING REQUIREMENTS THIRD STEP Pennsylvania law requires certain commercial learner s permit holders to wait at least 15 days before taking the examination to upgrade their driving privilege You will need to check the bottom of your learner s permit for your driver test eligibility
96. UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus PROPER BRAKING When going downhill brakes will always heat up They are designed so brake shoes or pads rub against the brake drum or disks to slow the vehicle which creates heat Brakes are designed to take a lot of heat However brakes can be made to fail from excessive heat by attempting to slow down from too high a speed too many times or too quickly Brakes will fade have less stopping power when they get very hot and they can get to the point where they will no longer slow the vehicle The right way to use your brakes for long downhill grades is to go slow enough use your gears that a fairly sparing use of the brakes will keep your speed from increasing If you go slowly enough the brakes will be able to get rid of the heat and they won t get too hot Forceful intermittent braking snubbing is safer than light continued braking Letting up on the brakes from time to time will allow them to cool enough so they don t become overheated Light continued pressure causes hot spotting and in general makes the brakes run hotter leading to increased probability of brake fade Light continued pressure also causes the brakes to wear faster which is both a safety problem and a maintenance problem Therefore select the right gear go slow enough and use forceful intermittent braking snubbing This can be summarized in the following steps Select the right gear Go slow Apply the br
97. a difficult child shows signs of calming down do not hold a grudge rather show encouragement Do not exchange wise cracks and gossip with the students as your actions should aid the educational program of the school district Avoid shouting arguing and obscene or profane language Avoid biases against students Do not prejudge students because of family name background appearance or neighborhood Avoid being overly suspicious but be alert for potential discipline problems Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 11 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline Act in a responsible manner Show the importance of your job in your actions Always be courteous to children Provide compliments whenever possible Keep alert Do not ignore minor incidents they can easily become major problems SET DISCIPLINE STANDARDS Do everything possible to inform students they have important responsibilities in ensuring group safety Settle discipline problems quickly Handle serious discipline problems only when the bus is stopped Seat any troublemakers near you where you can see them and observe their behavior Display smooth driving skills poor driving habits often increase student misbehavior and frighten younger passengers Be firm fair impartial and consistent Never lose your temper Treat students as you would like your child to be treated WORK WITH SCHOOL AUTHORITIES Discipline on school buses is the
98. a us CHANGE OF INFORMATION ON LICENSE A new camera card or photo license will be issued whenever you are adding or deleting an endorsement removing a restriction or upgrading your class of license If you are changing your name or address on your CDL and S endorsement you must complete form DL 80CD Commercial Driver s License Application to Replace Correct and forward it to PennDOT with the appropriate fee The DL 80CD is located under the Forms and Publications link on PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website www dmv state pa us Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 13 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements DOCUMENTS CARRIED WHILE OPERATING A SCHOOL BUS The following current and valid documents must be carried by you at all times while operating a school bus CDL with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements Pennsylvania School Bus Endorsement Card Physical Examination Certificate DL 742 Vehicle registration card for the bus being driven A valid insurance card or proof of financial responsibility for the bus being driven and DOT physical if applicable i e contractors who cross state lines This physical is known as the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver s Fitness Determination and is available at www fmcsa dot gov COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE For a comprehensive resource on virtually all aspects of becoming a school bus operator visit the School Bus
99. ad reviewers Additional support at PennDOT was provided by Troy Roadcap in the Bureau of Driver Licensing and Jacquie Turk in the Bureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering Rebecca Lorah and Matthew Hedge of PennDOT s Bureau of Planning and Research managed the contractual aspects of the project and kept the project on schedule and on budget The project was completed by Pennoni Associates in conjunction with Rod Sams Consulting and Vance and Renz LLC Mark Hood P E Steve Thompson and Rod Sams served as primary authors and were supported by Larry Bankert P E and Rosalind Murray Robert Vance Ph D and Michael Renz led the crash data analysis efforts The Task Force listed below was responsible for the many changes in content and the reorganization of the material in this latest revision of the Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual Burt Blackburn Director of Transportation Radnor Township School District Radnor Pa Maggie Broerman Director of Safety and Training Central Region Student Transportation of America Inc Carnegie Pa George Rick Comer Safety and Training Manager Customer Service Center Manager Durham School Services York Pa Scott Downey Transportation Coordinator Lower Dauphin School District Hummelstown Pa Jane Gerhold Operations Manager Rohrer Bus Service Duncannon Pa Wayne Johnston Director of Transportation School District of Springfield Township Oreland Pa Pennsylva
100. additional regulatory information regarding safety equipment www pacode com Don t forget to check the interior signal pilot and dashboard lights Make sure the headlight dimmer switch is working and check the dome and stepwell lights Lastly activate the school bus eight way light system While itis on the red flashing lights will be activated once you open the service door of the bus Leave all lights on at this point so you can check them from the outside during your walk around inspection 4 INSPECT OUTSIDE OF BUS WALK AROUND INSPECTION Walk around the bus for the next set of checks Leave the engine running with the parking brake set transmission out of gear and lights and signal devices left on To save time it is a good idea to team up with another driver when checking mirrors headlights the red and amber flashing lights of the school bus eight way light system side marker lights brake lights and back up lights Tires Wheels and Rims Tires wheels and rims operate together Tires should be of the same size evenly matched and of the same type radial or bias type The recaps are permitted on rear tires unless they are single wheels but not on the front If using recapped tires they must be stamped as regroovable Refer to Section 171 36 of Title 67 for additional details The tread should not be separating from the tire Rims should not be bent or damaged and should have no welding repairs Look for rust trails which may
101. afe When working through more serious discipline problems never physically move a student In fact be extremely careful about physically touching a child If a change in seating is needed do not direct the student to sit directly behind you but to a seat where you can more closely observe the behavior Also keep in mind you have no legal right to put the student off the bus except at the student s regular bus stop or at school Similarly you cannot deny the student a seat on the bus the next morning Keep in mind there are behavioral approaches to help you with student management However it is most important to consistently follow established school district procedures If the situation escalates or requires additional attention do not try to handle serious discipline cases by yourself Refer all such cases to your supervisor or the school principal Give all the facts in detail and be sure the entire problem is stated clearly Usually the child who causes problems on the bus is also causing problems in the classroom The school administrator has the whole picture of the child while you as a driver know only about his or her bus behavior B 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR As described below kindergarten and elementary students behave differently than middle school and secondary students By learning some of these characteristics yo
102. affect your ability to concentrate however drivers usually will concentrate better on days when the weather is bad Remember the highest rate of injury in Pennsylvania school bus crashes involved crashes where drivers were speeding and distracted or speeding and tailgating Pay attention and monitor your behavior Don t forget to pay careful attention when the weather is good too others will be enjoying the nice weather and may not be paying attention either Surprisingly Pennsylvania school bus crash data reveals head on backing angle and hit fixed object crashes are more likely to occur with no adverse weather conditions and on dry pavement than in adverse weather conditions It appears from this that data drivers may be complacent in better weather It is important to pay attention and be vigilant at all times F 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving DRIVER FATIGUE Illness exhaustion or weariness from hard work or lack of sleep also can rob a driver of the extra edge of alertness is necessary for greatest safety in driving If you feel you are unable to operate the school bus safely do not drive and ask your supervisor for a replacement Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA estimate there are over 100 000 fatigue related crashes each year in the United States In most cases these driving fatigue crashes occur because drivers don t recognize the dangers of
103. after you have passed the exit just before the one you plan to use If you miss your exit just continue around the circle until you reach it again As you exit yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk or are waiting to cross the exit lane Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 25 UNIT F Safe Driving Uniformed Police Officer A uniformed traffic officer always has authority above regular traffic signs and signals You must follow the officer s instructions regardless of the regular traffic devices When an officer is directing traffic there is usually a specific problem or hazard There could be a crash ahead malfunctioning traffic signal or missing sign Always obey the officer s instructions even if the regular traffic devices appear to be functioning properly Private Drive When leaving a driveway you must always yield right of way to the approaching vehicles on the roadway where you are entering Check for approaching traffic and proceed with caution when it s safe to move same as stop sign Whenever possible never back out of a driveway onto a highway Crossing Main Highways Use extreme caution while crossing or entering a major highway When moving from a complete stop a school bus normally requires at least six seconds to cross and clear an average two lane highway Multi lane highways especially divided highways require even more time An automobile traveling at 55 mph can move 485 feet in six seconds B
104. ain stopped until every child has entered the bus when loading or has reached the sidewalk or side of highway when unloading Painted center lines ridged or grooved roadway dividers or a center turning lane do NOT create separate roadways or constitute a physical barrier all traffic must stop on highways with these markings Figure C 2 Drivers Stopping for a School Bus on Undivided Highway ALL TRAFFIC MUST STOP MUST STOP RED LIGHTS ACTIVATED Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 C 9 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading Figure C 3 Drivers Stopping for a School Bus on Undivided Highway RED LIGHTS ALL TRAFFIC MUST STOP ACTIVATED MUST STOP de ETT NL e LI B i Y R i f r a o A ad gt e j j i M gt e All Drivers Must Stop on Roadways with Ridged Grooved Dividers On highways or trafficways separated by a physical barrier traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop as described above Traffic approaching the bus from the opposite direction may proceed with caution A highway with separate roadways is divided into two or more roadways with physical barriers such as concrete median barrier metal median barrier non mountable curb or clearly indicated dividing sections e g concrete mountable curb trees or shrubs rock or boulders stream grass to block traffic between the roadways The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection where a school
105. akes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown PO c When your speed has been reduced to approximately 5 mph below your safe speed release the brakes and 5 When your speed has increased to your safe speed repeat steps 1 and 2 This is also known as snub braking USING RUNAWAY TRUCK RAMPS Runaway truck ramps have been built on many steep mountain grades These ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers Runaway truck ramps use a long bed of loose soft material pea gravel to slow a runaway vehicle sometimes in combination with an upgrade Figure G 6 Runaway Truck Ramp Know runaway truck ramp locations on your route Look for signs indicating where ramps are located and use them if you lose your brakes Also see the section Loss of Brakes in Unit H Crash and Emergency Procedures G 24 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures UNIT H CRASH AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INTRODUCTION xe Rm REED DARLES EK ERR XU ae ae RA eR ee dara H 3 EMERGENCY DRIVING TECHNIQUES oo occccccc ehh H 3 Skid Control and Recovery asar ia ccc lh hr H 3 Hyd roplaning es os Ade ae a he ye ea oe da he es a we ee Eq eK H 4 Titre BIOWOUE 3 eto dioe trues glen od eee ale estt rot tepore diy aula CoU Abt alee PB EUR tect H 5 Secr EEUU H 5 MID MO d oe rM Rot poten e eL ease a foa oL a ee aes H 5 Feel iliied tune XR dd um bag Reed eda p
106. al disability and orthopedic impairment The combination of disabilities causes such severe educational needs that such students cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments Students with multiple disabilities often require specialized transportation especially if one of the impairments is an orthopedic impairment These students are typically severely impaired and may need significant assistance in all areas of functioning It would be important to obtain specific guidance for such severely impaired students from knowledgeable individuals such as the parents teachers and other specialists to include physical therapists speech therapists or mobility specialists ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENTS Students with orthopedic impairments have severe orthopedic issues that adversely affect their educational performance The impairments may be a result of a congenital anomaly disease or other causes Some students may require wheelchairs or other holding devices for mobility while others can walk with crutches or a walker Therefore they may need help in loading and unloading the bus Refer to the later section on special equipment and your local specialized training provided by your employer or IU Whenever possible students with minor physical disabilities are integrated into the regular transportation System but may need some slight assistance Other students may have physical disabilities that might not affect mobil
107. al equipment will be provided as a part of your local training Ramps for Bus or Vans Some vehicles carry ramps to allow aides to manually roll wheelchairs into a van or bus or to allow students who can walk to enter without climbing steps a combination ramp and shallow step may also be available These should be securely stored while the bus is in motion You may also have to secure the ramp in place on the vehicle to use it for loading or unloading You may need to use special techniques to push the wheelchair and the passenger up the ramp and to lower them down without straining yourself or the attendant and without endangering the security of the student Lifts Buses and other vehicles designed or converted to carry students who use wheelchairs are often equipped with a lift In these cases guide the wheelchair onto the lift platform so the wheelchair is facing outside the bus lock the wheelchair s brakes and secure the safety strap Make sure the rider s hands and arms are inside the armrests After you secure the rider stand back from the platform at a position where you can operate the lift controls and safely hold onto the wheelchair with one hand As the lift rises the front kick plate should flip up to secure the front When the wheelchair has been raised to the bus floor level unlock the brakes and push the wheelchair inside the bus as far as you can then secure the brakes again and inform your passenger you are going inside the b
108. ally Substitute drivers or aides must also be made aware and be properly trained to understand and work with each student on the bus Make sure the new driver has explicit written instructions about the route and pick up and drop off times for each student D 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities START A MEMORY AID FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES You will likely carry at least one student with a disability on your bus during your driving career Because a bus operator may not even know he she is transporting a student with a disability all operators should be aware of the special concerns relating to these passengers An easy way to remember these special concerns is with the word START S Special Every student is unique You should get to know each one and learn their individual traits Talk with the student their parents aides and teachers to find out important information Students even those who have similar conditions are different The more you know about their needs the better you can accommodate them Be aware some information is confidential T Treat Equally Students with disabilities want to be treated the same as all other students Although there are many differences whenever possible all students should be required to follow the same rules AzAttention You must pay specific attention to students with d
109. als with Disabilities Education Improvement Act IDEIA is a federal law ensuring special education and related services to children with disabilities throughout the nation IDEIA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention special education and related services including transportation This law mandates that school districts provide transportation services for all eligible students regardless of their disability Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania Code Title 22 provides regulatory guidance in Pennsylvania to ensure compliance with IDEIA and its regulations This chapter can be found at www pacode com A second major law related to students with disabilities is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 This federal law assures other protected students with disabilities receive the accommodations and related services they require in order to access educational programs Students who qualify for Section 504 services do not require specially designed instruction or special education services which would require an IEP however they do require accommodations that may include specialized transportation services The federal requirements of Section 504 are addressed under Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Local school districts are responsible for providing individualized educational programs IEP for the students who qualify for special education services under the IDEIA within their district The school district or
110. always engage your parking brake when your vehicle is not in use DIESEL POWERED MOTOR VEHICLE IDLING ACT ACT 124 OF 2008 Diesel vehicles are a significant source of emissions that contribute to elevated ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Pennsylvania Diesel exhaust from school buses poses a health risk particularly to children and drivers Diesel exhaust contains small particles as well as smog forming and toxic air pollutants Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung damage and respiratory problems and can exacerbate asthma and existing allergies Buses that idle outside schools can pollute the air inside the school building as well as outdoors In 2008 Act 124 Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act was passed which reduces unnecessary idling of the main propulsion engine in diesel powered motor vehicles including trucks and buses Essentially Act 124 prohibits the owners and drivers of any diesel powered motor vehicles with a gross weight of 10 001 pounds or more engaged in commerce from allowing the engine of the vehicle to idle for more than five minutes in any continuous 60 minute period However 35 P S Section 4603 c 10 allows a school bus to idle a total of 15 minutes in a continuous 60 minute period to provide heat or air conditioning to students This section also allows school buses transporting students with special needs to idle for an unlimited amount of time when it is necessary to maintain a safe temperature Ke
111. amination three 3 times your current School Bus Endorsement card must be surrendered to the examiner You must then reapply for the S endorsement learner s permit and complete all training requirements for new drivers outlined in the previous sections Any training taken as a requirement for recertification cannot be counted toward new learner s permit training requirements If the recertification requirements are not completed before the recertification date of the School Bus Endorsement you have one 1 year from that date to complete the training and testing requirements but you cannot drive except to complete in bus training and the skills test If the requirements are not completed within this additional year you must reapply for an S endorsement permit and repeat all training and testing procedures After PennDOT receives your recertification paperwork a new School Bus Endorsement card will be mailed to you If your old School Bus Endorsement card expired before or shortly after the completion of recertification training you are not permitted to operate a school bus until receiving the new School Bus Endorsement from PennDOT Remember you must have the School Bus Endorsement card with you to operate a school bus When taking the examination for recertification you must bring the following documents to the testing site Your valid commercial driver s license Your school bus recertification notice Your valid Physical Exa
112. amp without an acceleration lane or one with a stop control stop before merging Through the side window observe the main stream of traffic and do not proceed until you detect a gap large enough for accelerating and merging safely and smoothly 5 When approaching and entering an exit ramp observe the speed of traffic and adjust your speed appropriately Remember posted speed limits for off ramps and on ramps are for automobiles but may not be safe for larger vehicles Watch for other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line at the end of the exit ramp 6 Be prepared to stop USING LANES AND POSITIONING ON THE HIGHWAY Changing lanes being passed by other vehicles and passing other vehicles are maneuvers you will execute often while driving a school bus The size of a school bus and the safety of your passengers require the use of proper procedures when executing these maneuvers GENERAL Follow these procedures Always drive in the lane of traffic giving you the best maneuverability for your route especially when making turns and allows you the best defensive position for weather traffic and road conditions Stay within one lane for normal driving do not straddle lane markers To maintain proper lane position get the big picture of the road ahead Always aim high in steering don t use white lines or other steering guides too close to the bus Activate your four way hazard warning lights when your speed is below the
113. an stop quickly if necessary If brakes and or tires are not in proper working order the braking distance and thus the stopping distance will be greater Because stopping distance increases as speed increases you must leave more space at faster speeds Adverse weather conditions also increase stopping distance Stopping a vehicle on roads covered with ice or sleet requires a distance at least five times greater than required in dry conditions When driving in bad weather further increase your following distance to compensate for increased stopping distances SPEED AND TRAFFIC FLOW When you re driving in heavy traffic the safest speed is the speed of other vehicles Vehicles going the same direction at the same speed are less likely to run into one another Drive at the speed of the traffic if you can do this without going at an illegal or unsafe speed Keep a safe following distance The main reason drivers exceed speed limits is to save time But anyone trying to drive faster than the speed of traffic will not be able to save much time The risks involved are not worth it Going with the flow of traffic is safer and easier If you go faster than the speed of other traffic You ll have to keep passing other vehicles This increases the chance of a crash t is more tiring Fatigue increases the chance of a crash Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 33 UNIT F Safe Driving THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Pennsy
114. and adjacent lanes about to enter the lane you wish to enter Note their speeds and be sure you can execute your lane change maneuver safely Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 21 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus Continually check your mirrors Remember to disengage your turn signal BEING OVERTAKEN AND PASSED State law Section 3345 of Title 75 the PA Vehicle Code prohibits motor vehicles from passing a school bus when the bus has their red four way flashers activated Refer to Unit C However school buses are often overtaken and passed by other vehicles while operating on a roadway In this situation keep the following in mind When there is no potential hazard stay in right hand lane and maintain your speed Shadow the brake pedal and be prepared to stop quickly if a hazardous situation arises from the passing vehicle When on a narrow road if following traffic builds up and a regular stop is not close by you can consider pulling completely off of the road using the right turn signal and stop Allow vehicles to pass but never signal for them to pass Keep your four way flashers off When traffic has passed and there is a sufficient gap to reenter the flow of traffic use your left turn signal and resume your position on the road If you cannot pull completely off of the highway use this procedure only in legal passing zones DON T DIRECT TRAFFIC Some drivers try to help out others by signal
115. and students at the side of the bus These mirrors present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus Ensure the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts Front of the rear tires touching the ground and At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus Figure E 4 Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CONVEX MIRRORS May use in conjunction with the left and right side standard flat mirrors to obtain the desired visibility E 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Outside Left and Right Side Cross View Mirrors These mirrors are mounted on the left and right front corners of the bus They are used to see the danger zone area directly in front of the bus not visible by direct vision and to view the danger zone areas to the left side and right side of the bus including the service door and front wheel areas The mirror presents a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus The driver must ensure these mirrors are properly adjusted Ensure the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see The entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision is possible Direct vision and mirror view vision should overlap The right and left front tires to
116. and the temperature continually rises causing eventual brain damage Be aware of this on your bus runs in warmer weather especially in the afternoon 1 Signs and symptoms Flushed hot dry skin Staggering The student has stopped sweating e Fatigue Rapid pulse gradually weakening e Visual disturbances headache vomiting and e irrational or aggressive behavior Collapse and seizures 2 Care and treatment Give fluids and water if the person is conscious Cool the student as much as possible Hyperventilation Hyperventilation can be stress related or deliberate over breathing By deliberately over breathing the student causes the blood s carbon dioxide level to fall resulting in distressing symptoms There have been incidents of students hyperventilating on purpose for the rush Be aware of this behavior and put a stop to it 1 Signs and symptoms Rapid respirations Blurred vision Rapid pulse e Tingling in fingers and toes Shortness of breath Hand and finger spasms Pressure tightness or pain across the chest Fainting Anxiety 2 Care and treatment e Reassurance Remove the cause of anxiety if possible Ifthe student has fainted lay the student down with their legs elevated Nose Bleeds When a student s nose bleeds there are some immediate things you can do to stop the bleeding Keep the trunk of the body so it is higher than the heart tilt the head forward and
117. around electrical wiring Look for bare wire spots where the insulation has broken burnt or worn away Don t tug on the wires You might pull them out of the connections and disconnect the wire When the engine compartment inspection is complete carefully lower and secure hood latches or the engine compartment door E 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance 3 INSPECT INSIDE OF BUS Once the engine compartment has been checked inspect the inside of the bus This task can be separated into three areas the driver compartment the passenger entry and the passenger compartment It is recommended you start the vehicle engine and complete this portion with the engine turned on For diesel engines make sure the injector pump is engaged before starting Refer to Unit F for starting and driving a diesel vehicle At a minimum Make sure parking brake is on Put gearshift in neutral or park if available Turn off the heaters before starting so the engine will reach operating temperature more quickly and Start the engine and listen for unusual noises Driver Compartment At the start of your in bus check activate the four way flashers and amber lights from the operator s seat From the seated position you can see in your mirrors whether the front ambers are working and can see the turn signals both flashing Later when you walk through the bus and open the back door you can see wh
118. ary as outlined in the previous sections If possible avoid steering left into the opposite lane of traffic Here are a few tips 1 Keep both hands on the steering wheel To turn quickly you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands The best way to have both hands on the wheel in the event of an emergency is to keep them there all of the time 2 Know how to turn quickly and safely A quick turn can be made safely if it is done the right way Here are some points safe drivers use a Do not apply the brake while you are turning It is very easy to lock your wheels while turning If that happens you may skid out of control b Do not turn any more than needed to clear whatever is in your way The more sharply you turn the greater the chances of a skid or rollover and C Be prepared to countersteer that is to turn the wheels back in the other direction once you have passed whatever was in your path 3 Know where to steer If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane moving to the right is best If that driver realizes what has happened the natural response will be to return to his or her own lane a If something is blocking your path the best direction to steer will depend on the situation b If you have been using your mirrors you ll know what lane is empty and can be safely used c If the shoulder is clear going right may be best No one is likely to be driving on the shoulder but someon
119. asa inre a E 16 Gheck Left Rear panra sr nd A ee dee See E e efe x es coe ts E 16 Check Rear Side 0 00 ccc ehh E 17 Gheck Right Bear jase ics 2 tb tee OO bs E 17 Check Brake System oooocccoccccc ehem E 17 Automatic Brake Adjusters ASAS oooococcocco enn E 18 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WHILE ON THE ROAD oocccccccc ren E 19 Detecting Abnormal Vehicle Behavi0r ooooccococcocoo e rn E 19 Continuous Checks ooccccco hh E 19 Gheck Parking Brake dr ebd A WEARS ae UE US E 19 Check Service Brakes o ooooocccccoco hr E 20 Check Transmission 000 ccc herr E 20 Check Steering ce ee hoe tyes genase eir ne ton T SEE Red ree em er LEE E 20 Check Suspension ex e pe reae oe o Rae QOL RE RR RU UR UR Go E ELK AS E 20 Check Engines vi peek sg xe oe Dien SU USER UR ME REX ERES E 20 Check Your Eres sc a Eee Ed KO PRI EM P D d EHE ta E 20 Good Driving Habits se nos bate ae aes a de eed EN b AERE Iud x RE dade RE LI E 21 Starting the Bus and Basic Operati0NS ooooocccocoo ses E 21 Proper Use ofthe Clutch lbi RR ER be exe du ih ERE EU ERA E 21 Proper Use of the Brakes oic cum Re igs beh a PRA dd E 22 Protection of the Rear Axle 0 tees E 22 Proper Use of the TransMiSSi0N oooococccco eee eee E 22 POST TRIP PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ssssse esee E 23 Importance of Reporting Problems 00 0c eect RR n E 24 Five Basic Items Mechanics Want
120. ay help Students of this age are very concerned about their dignity and want to be treated like adults although they do not always act the part They are apt to be erratic in their behavior and they are usually very anxious to dress and act the same as all members of their group You must be very careful not to make remarks about administrators and teachers Secondary school students are chronic gossips and any belittling remark you make may be widely circulated and magnified when retold Students may also pass on remarks unintentionally to parents and others Young bus drivers must expect the older students to resent any great show of authority Do not hesitate to ask for help from your supervisor or principal to solve problems involving these students SUMMARY OF AGE LEVEL CHARACTERISTICS The behavioral characteristics of elementary and secondary students are presented in summary form to assist you in dealing with these age groups Kindergarten and Elementary Students can be expected to be Physically active Talkative loud Forgetful predictably unpredictable Insensitive to the feelings of others may pick on students with physical or mental disabilities Sensitive to adult criticism Willing to cooperate in group projects and Harder to handle in the afternoon than in the morning Middle School Age Students can be expected to Change at different rates Be vulnerable to bouts of low self esteem Have new inter
121. better you know the roads the more time you will be able to spend concentrating on the important things CELL PHONES AND TEXTING WHILE DRIVING Cell phones have grown enormously in popularity in the past decade and research continues to quantify how cell phone calls and texting contribute to crashes For example a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found motorists who use cell phones while driving are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves Along the same lines according to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society drivers talking on cell phones are 18 percent slower to react to brake lights and take 17 percent longer to regain the speed they lost when they braked A Virginia Tech study looked at the relative levels of distractions caused by various cell phone tasks and found the following TABLE F 3 Relative Levels of Distraction Caused by Various Cell Phone Tasks 2 8 times as high as non distracted driving 1 3 times as high as non distracted driving 1 4 times as high as non distracted driving 5 9 times as high as non distracted driving 6 7 times as high as non distracted driving Text Messaging 23 2 times as high as non distracted driving It is clear driver inattention is a leading cause of crashes and talking on the phone and texting behind the wheel lead to distraction In fact anything your cell phone can do hands free texting downloading music navigat
122. bus repair report and or last bus inspection report This is particularly important if you are driving a bus that is not your own Figure E 1 Pre Trip Inspection Ne Flashing Lights Crossing Control Arm L Headlights Clearance Lights Windshield and Wipers D o EEEEHHBBB A m 4 X Tires Wheels Side Stop Arm Tailpipe and Lug Nuts lt Exhaust ae Red Flashing Lights Amber Flashing Lights CODO Brake Lights Brake Lights Turn Signal Lights Turn Signal Lights Hazard Warning Lights Hazard Warning Lights Tail Lights a Tail Lights Mirrors Rear Emergency Door Side Windows L Service Door Tires Wheels and 4 Fue Cap Lug Nuts E 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance 2 ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSPECTION Some contractors and school districts do not require drivers to perform under the hood checks but all drivers should be trained in the proper procedure Make your first set of checks under the hood while the engine is cool and the various fluid systems have had time to stabilize Ensure the parking brakes are on and or wheels chocked You may have to raise the hood secure loose items so they don t fall and break something or open the engine compartment door Check the following while the engine is not running Engine oil level Remove the oil dipstick wipe the dipstick clean with a rag and look at the indicator at the bottom of
123. cation in the same bus be alert to ensure the exceptional students are not being insulted or targeted Bullying can also emerge among older elementary school students Bullying and other forms of victimization reflect individuals lack of self control and bullies tend to seek victims who are insecure anxious and isolated Bus drivers should monitor children s behavior and provide appropriate intervention when bullying or harassment occurs or is reported See the section below on bullying and harassment Be careful not to allow individual children to hurt themselves socially by setting themselves up as the driver s pet Some students who have not yet learned to get along with others may also misbehave to attract attention Given the way students of this age behave you may be able to promote a group spirit to make our bus the best Many bus drivers have achieved excellent results by discussing bus rules with their students and making them our rules Some drivers develop a game of having each busload try to excel in keeping the bus clean behaving well on the bus and staying orderly when loading and unloading This method requires considerable skill and new bus drivers should consult experienced drivers before attempting to start this type of competition Keep in mind however that art work festive decorations etc should not be displayed on the bus These can interfere with safe operations MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS GRADES 6 8 Studen
124. chool buses whether carrying passengers to stop at all railroad crossings The exceptions are Crossings controlled by a police officer or flagman Crossings regulated by a functioning highway traffic control signal transmitting a green light Any crossing marked by the former rail operator with a tracks out of service sign and An industrial or spur line crossing marked with an exempt sign G 16 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus PROCEDURES FOR STOPPING AT A RAILROAD CROSSING When you must stop your bus at a railroad crossing Pennsylvania regulations Section 71 4 2 ii B of Title 67 require you to always follow these procedures D 0 Db 0x Qv m tO M When approaching activate 4 way hazard lights Stop between 15 and 50 feet from nearest the rail Apply parking brake transmission in neutral Open door and window Look and listen Close door If clear put in gear and release parking brake Proceed across tracks without shifting gears and Deactivate four way hazard lights after crossing tracks What follows is a more detailed discussion of these steps Prepare to Stop 1 4 Request complete silence from passengers so you have minimal distractions If necessary turn off heaters to further reduce noise Turn off any AM FM 2 way or CB radios or any other noise emitting devices not necessary for the safe operation of the bus
125. compress the nostril for five to 10 minutes Traumatic Brain Injury or Concussion Traumatic brain injury is characterized as either closed head injury or open head injury Open head injuries occur when the skull has been fractured or the tissue around the brain has been pierced Closed head injuries or concussions which can be harder to detect do not pierce the tissue around the brain or fracture the skull Closed head injuries or concussions generally occur from an impact to the head Traumatic brain injuries or concussions can result from a sudden jarring or impact within the bus regardless of whether or not the student strikes their head However it is of particular concern if a student hits his or her head during the jarring or impact Any time a student hits his or her head traumatic brain injury or a Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 1 13 UNIT I Student Emergencies concussion may occur such as in a crash or if the bus has run over a curb or large rock or has been on an extra bumpy road and has been violently jarred Depending on the severity of the injury damage to the brain can be mild moderate or severe A key point is that a person suffering from traumatic brain injury may show no symptoms at all but if symptoms are present they can vary and may include headache slurred speech dilated pupils hearing loss seizures paralysis loss of consciousness memory loss coma nausea or vomiting dizziness confusi
126. ct stopping procedures which increase bus life and lower maintenance costs Anti lock Braking Systems The U S DOT requires that anti lock braking systems be on air brakes vehicles trucks buses trailers etc built on or after March 1 1998 and hydraulically braked trucks and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10 000 Ibs or more built on or after March 1 1999 Many buses built before these dates have been voluntarily equipped with ABS Your school bus will have a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel if it is equipped with ABS How ABS Helps You When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a vehicle without ABS your wheels may lock up When your front steering wheels lock up you lose steering control When your other wheels lock up you may skid or even spin the vehicle ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking and avoid skids caused by over braking Braking With ABS ABS is designed to help the driver maintain control of the bus during emergency braking situations not make the bus stop more quickly ABS may shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and many systems will shorten stopping distances on dry roads On very soft surfaces such as loose gravel or unpacked snow an ABS system may actually lengthen stopping distances In wet or slippery conditions you should still mak
127. d surfaces are hazardous e g slippery rough stop short of the bus stop by as much as 20 feet and ease the bus carefully to the stop Instruct students to always wait a safe distance from the flow of traffic especially in inclement weather STOP 1 Come to a full stop 2 When stopped set the parking emergency brake 3 Place the transmission in neutral 4 Openthe service door slightly note this may not be possible with some automatic doors activating the red flashing lights side stop arm crossing arm and automatically deactivating the amber flashing lights of the eight way light system and 5 Check traffic to assure all traffic is stopped and open the door completely ONLY after traffic stops LOAD 1 Instruct students not to move toward the bus until the bus stops and the door opens Make sure to count all the students while loading This will let you know if you have picked up all of the students assigned to that stop on your roster a When students must cross a roadway before getting on the bus you must be able to see them at all times When crossing in front of the bus students should cross in front of the arm and should be able to see your face at least 10 feet in front of the bus If you have concern with a particular bus stop being at an unsafe location for students to cross the street poor sight distance long crossing distance for the student etc let your transportation director supervisor know imm
128. da AL Ure vM Ute EE I Tei E Dehydtaton ince SERERE Ite heed ba INED PES ENS aad ae ies Biabetes ue ole A ac A AAA Rl ere uu RUE RARE RU e Rd Heat SMOKE sd ade ee M Lad dE beide BE dex EE E Hyperventilatiori A Aem Ruhe Eri xm ee Nose Bleeds ci vsiereLta DER AA A A be PVT queLIMUERELE TES pbtOSUP L0 Traumatic Brain DNY aa uer peek ss REPORTALLINCIDENTS sseseee tent nent eee EIRST AID EQUIPMENT terrae o a aaa ee xw n e Laws bea ate ROC ae First Aid Kite zik yl ete LIMEN ERR neo eee Eee Riu Body Fluid Clean UpKit oooooccocooo rr Cleaning Body Fluid Spills 0 00000 RR Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies UNIT I STUDENT EMERGENCIES INTRODUCTION Part of your responsibility as a school bus driver requires you to be prepared to act appropriately in emergency and crash situations Your actions in these situations can mean the difference between life and death for one or more of the students on your bus Contact your employer for a copy of your school district s guidelines and procedures for handling student emergencies CONTAINED IN THIS UNIT ARE ONLY GENERAL GUIDELINES YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES REGARDING RECEIVING FIRST AID TRAINING AND ADMINISTERING FIRST AID ON YOUR SCHOOL BUS FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY CARE ARE ONLY TEMPORARY STEPS TAKEN UNTIL MORE ADVANCED TREATMENT CAN BE OBTAINED EITHER AT THE SCENE OF
129. dents on your bus Your attitude should be friendly cheerful and professional Building good bus conduct starts the first day of the school year After arriving at your first destination and prior to unloading stand and state the rules very clearly Be sure to deal with the very first infraction promptly and firmly It is much easier to prevent a bad situation than to correct one Work to build cooperation with your students by being friendly courteous and helpful Over time high student morale will help you control the worst offenders When offenders find that improper conduct is unacceptable to the group they will think twice about doing things that cause them to lose face with the group If your school district has a student court of inquiry it can often help in enforcing discipline GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS You can avoid many problems on the bus by recognizing good behavior and using proper techniques to reinforce that behavior While it is often easier to use negative terms when dealing with behavior it is much more effective to use positive comments to reinforce the good things that happen on the bus Learn to recognize desirable behaviors and emphasize them with positive comments For example saw you pick up that gum wrapper Fred and appreciate it Jane you were at the stop on time this morning Good for you That s what I like to see If you learn to stress specific positive and b
130. dge it If you have a student who is choking do not slap them on the back 1 Signs and symptoms e Difficulty or absence of breathing e Inability to speak or cough e Agitation and distress grabbing the throat and eventual collapse 2 Care and treatment Check mouth and clear any obstructions that may have come loose Stand behind the student and wrap your arms around the student s waist Make a fist with one hand Place the thumb side of the fist against the student s abdomen in the midline and slightly above the navel Grasp the fist with the other hand and press the fist into the student s abdomen with a quick upward thrust Each new abdominal thrust should be a separate and distinct movement Repeat thrusts until student expels the obstruction Dehydration Dehydration is a condition caused by the loss of fluids from perspiration and prolonged exposure to heat and humidity Sometimes a student may be dehydrated on your bus especially in your afternoon runs when students are returning home and or returning from field trips When fluid loss exceeds input through drinking dehydration occurs Prolonged dehydration will lead to shock and could be fatal 1 Signs and symptoms e Pale cool clammy skin Rapid breathing e Profuse and prolonged sweating Thirst Loss of skin elasticity Sunken eyes in children 2 Care and treatment Give cool water to drink if available Pennsylvania School
131. ditions use second through fifth gears for normal driving When going up hills downshift to avoid lugging the engine When going down a hill use one gear lower than would be required to go up the hill Using lower gears will help slow the bus down and prevent the brakes from overheating due to excessive use and Stop completely before shifting into first gear or reverse E 22 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Automatic Transmission For vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions proper selection of the correct gear provides better control without undue wear on the transmission Avoid using the accelerator to hold a vehicle with an automatic transmission on a hill When driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission use the gearshift as described in the owner s manual for better vehicle control Shifts are especially helpful when approaching hills and grades Before driving a bus equipped with an automatic transmission for the first time consult the owner s manual for detailed operating instructions While the preventive maintenance on the road checks and driving habits presented in this section are vitally important to the safe operation and long life of the vehicle your single most important preventive maintenance responsibility is to immediately and accurately report any malfunctions POST TRIP PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Your maintenance responsibilities are not over unt
132. documents to the test site A valid driver s license if you are a licensed driver A valid Pennsylvania CDL learner s permit A valid Physical Examination Certificate DL 742 A valid Certificate of Completion Card DL 713 The current vehicle registration card for the bus being driven A valid insurance card or proof of financial responsibility for the bus being driven and A valid CDL of the person accompanying you that covers the class of license endorsements e g P and commercial restrictions for which you are being tested You must be accompanied by a commercial driver who is at least 21 years of age and has all proper applicable endorsements to legally drive the bus to the testing point and back in case you fail the driving examination All applicable knowledge tests must be successfully completed before taking the skills test regardless of your eligibility date The skills examination will be administered in three parts Refer to Pennsylvania s CDL Manual Publication 223 The CDL Manual is available under Forms and Publications of PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website www dmv state pa us http www dmv state pa us drivers manual commercial manual shtml The safety inspection shall be the first part of the skills examination Inability to correctly perform the air brake check will result in automatic failure of this portion if applicable The basic skills test is the second part of the skills exam
133. e avoid diet sodas Repeat if student responds Assist with medication and encourage ingestion of food high in carbohydrates DO NOT attempt to give an insulin injection Atthe beginning of the school year identify any students on the bus who have diabetes if possible Sometimes you will be provided a copy of the student s Quick Reference Emergency Plan which a parent or school nurse may have This can contain important treatment information that can help a student in distress Keep it on the bus in a known yet secure place and work with your school district to make sure substitute drivers know about the plan Be aware of where the students with diabetes normally keep their supplies Treat the student with diabetes the same as other students except to respond to medical needs and perhaps allowing them to eat snacks on the bus e Provide input to the student s school health team when requested Communicate with the parents school nurse and or trained diabetes personnel regarding any concerns about the student e Respect the student s confidentiality and right to privacy 1 12 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies Heatstroke Heatstroke should not be confused with sunstroke Sunstroke is a common ailment suffered by those who remain in the sun too long Heatstroke is potentially fatal The body s temperature regulation center in the brain has been rendered inoperable
134. e sure you drive carefully always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions When you drive a vehicle with ABS you should brake as you always have In other words Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control and Brake the same way regardless of whether you have ABS on the bus However in emergency braking do not pump the brakes on a bus with ABS As you slow down monitor your bus and back off of the brakes if it is safe to do so to stay in control Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 13 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus Braking if ABS is Not Working Without ABS you still have normal brake functions Drive and brake as you always have Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something is not working The yellow ABS malfunction lamp is on the bus s instrument panel As a system check on newer vehicles the malfunction lamp comes on at start up for a bulb check and then goes out quickly On older systems the lamp could stay on until you are driving over five mph If the lamp stays on after the bulb check or goes on once you are under way you may have lost ABS control at one or more wheels Remember if your ABS malfunctions you still have regular brakes Drive normally but get the system serviced soon Safety Reminders ABS does not compensate for bad driving habits such as dr
135. e SAP appointment Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 11 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements DRIVER RECERTIFICATION State law requires you to renew your school bus endorsement every four 4 years completing a minimum of 10 hours of instruction and the S endorsement knowledge and skills examinations Recertification must occur in a school bus representative of the class of school bus the driver is licensed to operate so test in the Class school bus listed on your license The recertification skills exam is outlined in Chapter 71 4 of Title 67 Visit www pacode com The instruction must be provided by a certified instructor and must include seven 7 hours of classroom training and three 3 hours of one on one in bus training This ten 10 hour course commonly known as the driver recertification course may be completed at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the recertification date on your School Bus Endorsement card PennDOT notifies you of this requirement through a notice mailed one year before your endorsement expires DO NOT LOSE YOUR RECERTIFICATION NOTICE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT IT TO THE EXAMINER WHEN TAKING THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TESTS Upon successful completion of the training and testing requirements a new School Bus Endorsement card is issued to you 45 days prior to the expiration of your current S endorsement If you fail the skills ex
136. e all their senses to constantly check the mechanical operation of the bus Sight Constantly check all gauges for proper readings check lights and watch for smoke or fire Smell Constantly check for telltale odors of smoke exhaust fumes gasoline oil and burning rubber Sound Listen for unusual noises such as engine knocking or clashing gears Touch Often you will feel the first sign of trouble Be alert for loss of steering brakes transmission power or other vehicular functions If you identify a mechanical problem during your route be prepared to act If you are at all uncertain whether the problem constitutes a safety hazard stop the bus call your supervisor and follow school district guidelines or procedures ENVIRONMENTAL AND ROADWAY CONDITIONS During the course of a school year you will face a variety of environmental and roadway conditions demanding alert and skillful action These conditions may include rain ice snow mud fog flood waters bright sun and high winds as well as potholes edge drop offs missing or malfunctioning traffic control devices and roadside hazards While these conditions rarely cause crashes by themselves they can make driving more hazardous than normal especially when combined with human and or vehicle factors Most likely you will be driving over the same route twice a day during the school year You ll become thoroughly acquainted with the route and after a short time
137. e call Where will the call be made and what will be said Since you should avoid leaving the bus and its passengers you may need to identify a responsible bystander to make a call for assistance Sometimes it s a good idea to send two bystanders to call the emergency services system This increases the chance an accurate call will be made Sometimes the second person may provide a calming influence It may be helpful to use your cell phone to call 911 for help so that emergency personnel can pinpoint your location using GPS When calling for help give specific instructions concerning the items below The following is a priority listing The exact location of or precise directions to your location The exact nature of the problem illness or injury to the extent possible The number of people injured and POLN t A description of the type of vehicles involved in the case of a crash Use Responsible Helpers It should be clear by now you have many areas of concern in an emergency situation Adult bystanders and responsible students can be very important resources you may need to use Knowing your passengers can be a big advantage if you find yourself in a situation requiring immediate assistance Make it a point to know the students on your bus Selecting the right helper in an emergency is always difficult but the more you know about your students the better your chances are of making a good choice You should follow local School District
138. e crossing when determining the distance of your rear bumper from the track Finally remember these measurements should be made and will only be applicable on level ground Adjust your front and rear measurements when your bus is stopped on a sloped surface KNOW YOUR ROUTE You ll be more confident and be a safer driver when you become completely familiar with the route you drive You must know what to do with hazards on your route For example some intersections are more hazardous due to limited sight or an area with poor drainage that floods Follow the local policy and procedures for reporting hazardous stops routes If possible come up with a solution to the problem Changing the bus route or bus stop location might solve the problem The township road supervisor might be able to make some changes to the roadway to correct the problem You could designate a place for your students to stand when the snow is piled up There are some hazards that are unavoidable By being aware of the potential hazards on your route you will be better prepared for the challenge On the route schedule you keep in your bus make notes of the route hazards so if there is ever a substitute bus driver on your route they will have this knowledge too FIELD TRIP ATHLETIC TRIP CONCERNS Field trips can present some new situations you haven t experienced if you are a new driver Particular situations that might arise could include the following Wonderi
139. e may be passing you on the left You will know if you have been using your mirrors and d If you are blocked on both sides a move to the right may be best At least you won t force anyone into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head on collision Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 9 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures 4 Leaving the road In some emergencies you may have to drive off of the road It may be less risky than facing collision with another vehicle Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle and therefore may offer an available escape route Here are some guidelines to follow if you do leave the road a Avoid Overbraking If possible avoid using the brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph Then brake very gently to avoid skidding on a loose surface b Keep One Set of Wheels on the Pavement if Possible This will help maintain control and c Stay on the Shoulder If the shoulder is clear stay on it until your vehicle has come to a stop 5 Returning to the road If you are forced to return to the road before you can stop do the following a If at all possible stop the bus first Be careful of fixed objects such as utility poles mail boxes and parked cars that may be blocking your path b Hold the wheel tightly and turn sharply enough to get right back on the road safely c Be aware your tires might grab unexpectedly and you could lose con
140. e soft gravel that resists the motion of the vehicle and brings it to a stop Others turn uphill using the hill to stop the bus and soft gravel to hold it in place Be prepared to use the ramp if necessary If your route includes a long downgrade with a runaway truck ramp be sure you know where it is If there is an upgrade within the clear distance ahead stay on the road and allow the upgrade to slow the bus then select a path for leaving the highway If no upgrade is within the clear distance ahead select a path for leaving the highway that will minimize injuries and property damage If no runaway truck ramp is available and no upgrade is within clear distance ahead take the least hazardous escape route you can such as an open field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill Make the move as soon as you know your brakes don t work The longer you wait the faster the bus will go and the harder it will be to stop H 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures SUDDEN LOSS OF VISIBILITY The following can cause a sudden loss of visibility while driving Water splashed on the windshield Windshield wiper failure Headlight failure Hood flying up Patch of fog and White out from snow Until you regain normal visibility you must use cues other than normal visual ones to help you control the bus Water Splashed on Windshield If water is splashed on the
141. e turn The speed through the turn will depend on the geometry of the intersection as well as traffic conditions 4 Position the bus to the right edge of the traffic lane about four feet from the curb The bus should not be far enough away from the curb to allow a vehicle to pass on the right between the bus and the curb 5 Check for traffic signals signs pedestrians and vehicles to determine clear right of way Be sure to check for vehicles between right side of the bus and the curb Use your mirrors 6 Check your right mirror and execute the turn smoothly without strain on the engine This is accomplished as soon as the front wheels pass the corner turn wide to the right swinging over the center of the side street if necessary in order for the rear wheels to clear the curb Never shift gears during a turn Keep an eye on the right mirror while turning Be mindful of any pedestrians who may be standing at or near the curb Also watch out for parked cars 7 Enter the right most lane available but leave enough room to make your turn If your bus must cross into another lane in order to make the turn make the lane crossover in the road that you are entering Steer wheels back into position do not let steering wheel spin back o Ensure your turn signal is off While Pennsylvania law allows all vehicles to make right turn on red unless otherwise designated this maneuver may not be recommended when operating a school bus because
142. each hose If the hose feels crunchy or brittle it s old and needs to be replaced Visually inspect the hoses for cracks tears frayed ends and damp or wet areas Check the clamps at ends of the hoses Power steering fluid level Make sure it is above the fill mark Wipe the power steering fluid reservoir cap with a clean rag or paper towel before opening Visually inspect the hose for cracks tears frayed ends and damp or wet areas if any Some tanks require this to be checked when hot Refer to your bus manual for specific details Windshield washer fluid level The windshield washer fluid reservoir is a large clear plastic container that may be labeled with words or a symbol on the cap showing two sprits of water Check the fluid level You can fill this reservoir all the way to the top Battery fluid level connections and tie downs battery may be located elsewhere No smoking and extinguish all open flames Batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging Hydrogen is extremely flammable and explosive Clean the top surface to remove any dirt and debris with a rag before removing the caps Remove the vent caps by prying them up or turning them counter clockwise and look inside each cell The fluid level should be level with the filler ring for each cell Use a battery fill jug Fill any low cells with distilled water up to the proper level Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual
143. eadlights If you are driving at 55 mph it will take you up to 300 feet to stop while the average headlights will illuminate only 250 feet ahead Increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you because distance perception is more difficult to judge at night Exercise caution It takes time for the average eye to adjust to night vision Drive with special caution during this critical adjustment period Avoid highway hypnosis caused by prolonged and forced staring Don t look directly at oncoming lights Visibility is affected considerably by oncoming headlights at distances of 3 000 feet or more Staring at oncoming headlights will also distort your vision for up to seven seconds That translates to a distortion lasting a distance of 565 feet when traveling at 55 mph Don t look off into the darkness because your eyes will have trouble adjusting to the road lights again You may be able to learn to steer by the side light cast by cars ahead of you Use pavement markings and delineators as guidance devices Often they form a corridor of reflected light in which a stalled car or pedestrian will show up as a blank spot Your eyes need to adjust to night lighting and driving in dark conditions If you are exposed to bright sunlight during the day it will take your eyes longer to adjust and it can impair your night vision considerably Therefore wear your sunglasses if exposed to bright sunlight during the day EQUIPMENT AD
144. ed Additional information including examples is available in the Commercial Driver Information Center on our website at www dmv state pa us You must also complete the Commercial Learner s Permit Application DL 31CD and submit it along with the DL 704 with a check or money order payable to PennDOT for any applicable fee required with this form The cost is prorated and can be calculated on the form Note that the DL 31CD and DL 11CD are available on PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website www dmv state pa us under Forms and Publications Remember to submit the DL 704 DL 11CD and Medical Examiner s Certificate if applicable and DL 31CD together with the fee Once these forms are completed and submitted a Knowledge Test Authorization KTA and School Bus Learner s Permit can be obtained either through mail or same day service available at PennDOT s Riverfront Office Center Driver Vehicle Customer Service in Harrisburg or a Driver License Center If the forms listed above and the fee are forwarded through the mail the KTA and School Bus Learner s Permit will be returned in approximately 14 days from receipt of the documents Also visit PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website for online driver and vehicle services Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 7 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements KNOWLEDGE TEST AUTHORIZATION KTA AND SCHOOL BUS LEARNER S PERMIT SECOND S
145. ed while the bus is in motion You may consider requiring students to be seated before the door is shut to help prevent a driver behind your bus accidentally rear ending the bus and causing standing students to fall b Know the students assigned to your bus and be careful not to leave students stranded Account for all the students on your bus c When all passengers are seated prepare to proceed to the next stop Using all mirrors check traffic put the transmission into proper gear then release the parking brake Check child safety recheck the mirrors and proceed safely to your next stop C 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading UNLOADING PROCEDURES When unloading students you must make sure all of your students get safely across the street and out of the danger zone Unload students only at properly designated bus stops Use the following procedures when unloading students at a bus stop APPROACH AND CHECK 1 When approaching the designated bus stop start slowing down in preparation for the stop 2 As you approach the bus stop look in your mirrors to check traffic conditions 3 When the loading zone is between 150 300 feet away activate the amber flashing lights of the school bus eight way light system to warn other vehicles Brake gradually with the transmission in gear while approaching the stop Do not allow students to stand until the bus has come to a full stop
146. ediately b Be alert to warn students of an illegally passing motorist Stress that students must look both ways before crossing the street or highway in front of the bus Do not tolerate crowding or pushing Have students board the bus slowly in single file and using the handrail Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 C 5 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading 2 Seat students according to local policy Refer to Unit B for Seating Plans a Keepin mind that seating capacity is limited according to the inspection sticker affixed on the bus by the Pennsylvania State Police However this rating is not an absolute it is a maximum Refer to Section 4552 d of Title 75 as well as Sections 42 69 and 144 of Chapter 171 of Title 67 for additional information on aisle and seating requirements Aisles shall be unobstructed at all times Passengers may not be seated so as to encroach on the minimum aisle clearance Aseating space at least 18 inches wide shall be provided for each passenger b Remember that passengers are not permitted to stand while the bus is in motion CHECK AND PROCEED 1 Check all mirrors around the bus for students 2 When all students are accounted for prepare to leave Close the service door which turns off the red lights and retracts the stop arm and the crossing arm a Wait for everyone to be seated before putting the bus in motion Otherwise you cannot expect your passengers to remain seat
147. edures consistent with the nature and level of the training for which the certificate has been issued As you can see the legal protection provided by Pennsylvania s Good Samaritan Act requires you to be currently certified in emergency care by the American National Red Cross the American Heart Association or in a similar course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health This unit is intended only to present some basic guidelines concerning your actions in a medical emergency IT IS NOT A FIRST AID COURSE To meet the criteria described in the Good Samaritan Act you need to successfully complete a course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in consultation with the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council PEHSC for Layperson and Good Samaritan Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 l 3 UNIT I Student Emergencies The following organizations offer approved courses American Academy of Pediatrics Hart Fitness Consulting Life Emergency Safety Training Medic First Aid National Safety Council of Western PA National Ski Patrol US Army Department of Combat Medic American Red Cross American Safety and Health Institute Carey Program Coyne First Aid Inc EMS Safety Services Emergency First Care Program Western PA Safety Council It is recommended that you also refer to Pennsylvania Department of Health EMS Information Bulletin 051 This bulletin may be accessed via t
148. ee 3 hours of one on one in bus training and attempt to pass the skills examination administered by PennDOT or a state certified Third Party Tester If successful you have 120 days from the date the endorsement card is issued to complete the remaining 10 hours of instruction seven 7 additional hours of classroom training and three 3 additional hours of one on one in bus training Note check with your employer as to which completion method they require some specifically prohibit the splitting of training After completing the full 20 hours of instruction or the first 10 hours of instruction you are issued a Certificate of Completion Card DL 713 You will need to keep this card as it is required to test State law Title 75 Section 1607 requires that a person hold the learner s permit to add or upgrade the commercial class for 15 days before they are eligible to take the skills test administered by PennDOT or a state certified Third Party Tester so check the bottom of your learner s permit for your driver test eligibility date Your permit is valid for one 1 year so your skills examination must be completed within 12 months from the date on your permit issuance Also keep in mind that your New Driver Training is also only valid for one 1 year If you do not pass your skills examination within one 1 year of the completion of the training you must complete the training again When taking the skills examination bring the following
149. ee bebe bp IE des H 5 Eoss ot Brakes rer Be eae a E eed e E Mart i e metes e ee ER T e eae H 5 Finding an Escape Route on Level Terrain or Upgrades lille H 6 Finding an Escape Route on Downgrades Runaway Truck Ramps o ococccccocoo o H 6 Sudden Loss of Visibility lei H 7 Water Splashed on Windshield oooocccccoccco eae H 7 Windshield Wiper Failure oooooocoooconrooar RR 3 hh H 7 Headlight Failure vivo om 2 vin S eR Anse ea skate bse cep ations Satis H 7 Hood klying Up ce unes Re ea ee Pee ase Piers ay ease Be waa eae Oe H 7 Patchof Fog xx ees Fos dette eee Ba de tad ad a Eda doe ka ota de ee Be ee a H 8 Whiteout trom SNOW zzi temas aaa Laa aang gen H 8 Obstructions in the Path of the Bus 0 000 H 8 Proper Braking esis cm E es PLA Gta bold CRI Y EID eta a bed MEI H 8 Steering to Avoid Collision liliis hr H 9 Choosing a Lesser Collision lisse H 10 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 0 hr hh he H 10 Crash Procedures l l H 11 Bus Related Procedures oooooocooooo e mmn H 11 GrashiScene Procedures aie 32 25 pal RAE AA A Pa Veit We Rhin eb ta ja H 12 Reporting PIOCedUres vo de SERI heat haa hie E Sx e E eR MERECE RA H 13 Incident Feporting eiii ada Ed aa AR H 13 Mechanical Failure or Breakdown 00 ce rh mn H 13 EVACUATING THE BUS ore eR we o eae Woe fae th Ache aeg tes H 14 When to Evacuate se sere esegue deed we ae ee a ea ein H
150. efore you move the bus onto a highway be certain you have enough time to safely clear the intersection Always check and recheck for approaching traffic before entering or crossing any road Look first to the left where the hazard of approaching traffic is closer The slogan for the school bus driver must be The school bus driver never has right of way While driving the bus you must never take a risk You should be a courteous driver and remember the law requires you and all drivers to yield right of way to pedestrians and vehicles on narrow bridges on the roadway at intersections and in any hazardous situation Road Surface Another type of potential highway hazard is the road surface Always scan ahead for changes in surface conditions that may require evasive maneuvering to avoid the loss of steering or braking control The three most common problems are loose rough and slippery surfaces Loose Surfaces Slow down for loose surfaces such as gravel soft sand soft shoulders and wet leaves Rough Surfaces Detect surface irregularities on asphalt and concrete such as potholes or cracked pavement On a wooden surface look for holes bumps cracks loose boards and slippery spots Approach metal bridges slowly as they tend to reduce steering control Slippery Surfaces Slippery surfaces were discussed earlier Anticipate the smoothness of concrete or asphalt road surfaces at intersections or other steering or stopping a
151. eft on the Bus After your last drop off in a safe location make sure to walk to the back of your bus and check for sleeping or hiding students before returning to the yard Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading WHEN POSSIBLE DON T DEAL WITH ON BUS PROBLEMS WHEN LOADING AND UNLOADING As outlined in Unit B in order to get students to and from school safely and on time you need to be able to concentrate on the driving task Loading and unloading requires all your concentration especially considering the number of injuries and other incidents that occur during these times Don t take your eyes off of what is happening outside the bus If there is a behavior problem on the bus wait until the students have finished loading or have unloaded to a place of safety If necessary pull the bus over to handle the problem ENFORCING THE SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW While loading or unloading check to make certain traffic in all directions obeys the red flashing lights as required by Section 3345 of Title 75 Pennsylvania Vehicle Code The following summarizes this section and provides some requirements for school bus operators to follow to help with enforcement Note that Figures C 2 C 3 and C 4 illustrate examples of required motorist stops for school buses On highways or trafficways not separated by a physical barrier traffic in all directions must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus and rem
152. ege to ride the school bus Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 5 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline DRIVER STUDENT INTERACTIONS As a professional bus driver you should always have a general knowledge of each of your passengers including their names and general behavior Since you have contact with the students for only a short time each day you may not initially know as much about the students as their teachers but often you will be assigned to a route transporting the same students for several years This may give you a chance to develop relationships with students that other district staff may not have You must not only know how to perform your job as a driver but you must also know something of your riders behavior patterns and a great deal about their reactions in order to safely pick up and deliver your passengers Your main function is to transport the students to their destination and discharge them safely You must also know how to approach students in a way that will gain their respect It is better to talk to students without shouting showing anger or displaying irritation Be careful to never threaten them with any action you cannot enforce Give your instructions to the students without favoritism If you overlook poor behavior by one student you lose the respect of the other students Strike a happy medium by being neither too lenient nor too harsh both extremes are equally bad for the morale of the stu
153. ehaviorally related activities on your bus you will eventually eliminate the negative ones Work to develop this skill It will mean many safe and pleasant trips Remember the following points when dealing with students Though each student is different do not allow special privileges for any student unless requested by the school administration Observe the rights and privileges of each child only as long as he or she obeys the rules of good bus behavior Riding is a privilege not a right The moment a student gets out of line deal with the offender fairly impartially and in the same manner you treat all such offenders B 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline Remember that all eyes are on you while you are driving the bus Your words and actions have tremendous influence on your passengers Speak quietly clearly confidently and firmly when talking to the students on your bus Praise students generously when they accept responsibility and show a general pattern of good behavior If you are faced with a discipline problem pause and relax for a few seconds Use this time to think about what you are going to say and do next How you handle behavioral situations appropriately and inappropriately will be watched closely by the students for consistency fairness and understanding If you yell expect yelling back if not at you then at someone else If you praise expect
154. el lane It is a serious distraction to focus your attention on a contest with another driver You are less able to respond to traffic signals signs and the actions of other vehicles or pedestrians as needed to avoid a crash Do not try to teach another driver a lesson and do not insist on being right even if you are right Wear your seat belt as required by Section 171 144 of Title 67 and federal law in 49 CFR Section 392 16 Use of Seat Belts It will hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver and it will protect you in a crash Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description license number location and if possible driver and direction of travel If you have a cell phone and can do it safely pull to the side of the road and call the police and or your supervisor many have special numbers e g 911 and Do NOT discharge any students if an aggressive driver pursues you Call for help While many people associate aggressive driving with road rage they are two different behaviors Road rage which is a criminal offense is often the result of aggressive driving behavior that escalates into an assault with a vehicle or other dangerous weapons Slow moving or Stopped Vehicles Watch for indications another vehicle is slowing or may stop suddenly Examples of slow moving vehicles are farm vehicles under powered vehicles horse drawn veh
155. entals of Driving a School Bus A few other points to keep in mind If you aren t sure you have safe space to pass under an object go slowly and watch carefully This will allow you to stop if you cannot make it If you doubt you can make it take another route Pay attention to warnings posted in advance of and on low bridges or underpasses These should be posted where the vertical clearance is less than 14 6 feet A typical school bus is not more than 12 feet in height so pay attention Don t assume the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct Repaving or packed snow may have reduced clearances since heights were posted Some roads are narrow and are crowned such that it can cause a vehicle to tilt This may result in problems for the bus clearing objects along the edge of the road such as signs or trees Where this is a problem drive a little closer to the center of the road as long as you keep adequate side clearance from the center of the road You do not want to sideswipe a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction with your mirrors or bus body If you have to turn a bus around and back into an area get out and check for overhanging objects such as trees branches or electric wires It s easy to miss seeing them while you are backing Also check for other hazards like culverts or mailboxes at the same time Remember to turn off the bus and remove the keys from ignition if students are on board If you notice low o
156. ents are to look both ways before stepping into the roadway They should cross in front of the crossing arm b Instruct students who do not have to cross the roadway after unloading exactly where they should walk or wait until the bus pulls completely away Tell them to never re approach the bus Students should never cross the roadway behind the bus Take extra time with elementary school age students to make sure they understand these procedures Be overly cautious when loading and unloading these students Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 C 7 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading CHECK AND PROCEED 1 Check all mirrors for students and make sure students are not returning to the bus and check for traffic and other pedestrians Close the service door to deactivate the flashing red lights side stop arm and crossing arm Check the mirrors put the transmission in gear release the parking emergency brake and Recheck child safety recheck mirrors and proceed safely to your next stop If you cannot account for a student outside the bus secure the bus engage emergency brake shut off the engine and remove keys and get out and check around and underneath the bus WHEN IN DOUBT CHECK IT OUT The following is an example of an alert quick acting driver who prevented a tragedy During a noon return of kindergarten students at a stop with a wide shoulder the bus was stopped and a student was unloading The dri
157. ep in mind that while Act 124 preempts and supersedes local anti idling ordinances or rules more stringent idling restrictions imposed by counties of the first and second class Allegheny and Philadelphia counties continue in full force and effect provided they are not amended suspended or rendered invalid Here are a few good tips As a general rule buses should be moving whenever the engine is on The engine should be turned off as soon as possible after arriving at loading or unloading areas The school bus should not be restarted until it is ready to depart and Limit idling time during early morning warm up to what the manufacturer recommends generally no more than five minutes PEDAL MISAPPLICATION Pedal misapplication occurs when the bus operator applies the accelerator instead of the brake This error can result in serious crashes The school environment presents a unique risk with respect to unintended acceleration from pedal misapplication A typical loading or unloading operation at the school involves multiple vehicles and many children Often the children line up wait or congregate near the buses exposing them to possible danger Every bus at the loading area can introduce an opportunity for pedal misapplication and the large number of children represents a potential increase in the severity of the outcome should pedal misapplication and unintended acceleration occur Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117
158. erly entrance and exit Minimizing interior noise Controlling passenger movement Requiring silence at railroad crossings and ooocp Prohibiting transportation of unauthorized materials Keep rules of conduct reasonable and simple for students to understand Deal with infractions promptly firmly and fairly Handle minor infractions with school district approved consequences In instances of serious or recurring misconduct follow school district policy Present a positive image in dress hygiene language and manner while on duty because you represent the school system Be considerate and patient with all children especially young students or students with special needs These children may be entering school for the first time and may be intimidated or frightened by all the new experiences It is important to make these children feel safe and welcome Some students with special needs will require repetition and practice to become clear on expectations Others may react strongly to changes in routine or environment Keep the bus clean during both regular route and extra curricular trips Consider making this part of students responsibilities by having them take any of their trash with them Remember to inspect the interior of the bus before a new group of students enters and again after they exit This can help identify students who may be tampering with or destroying parts of the bus Consider keeping a daily log of events at the e
159. ers at all times in rain snow sleet and heavy fog Use of headlights is mandatory Check brakes immediately after driving through deep puddles or standing water If they fail to work properly pump the brakes to help dry them while the vehicle is moving For air brakes cautiously apply steady pressure Set a regular speed and drive slower than posted speed limit or what you would normally drive in dry road conditions especially on bridges and in tunnels Start the bus in the lowest appropriate gear for better traction if ice or wet snow is on the driving surface Loss of traction due to spinning the wheels during starting may cause the drive wheels to become stuck even more firmly If on a crowned road or hillside the bus may start to slide or fishtail off of the road under these conditions To avoid getting stuck or spinning the wheels try to keep the bus moving slowly and steadily forward in gear If the wheels start to spin let up slightly on the accelerator to allow them to take hold If the bus stops do not continue to spin the wheels in the hope of pulling out In mud and soft sand this will only dig the wheels in deeper When approaching intersections and when stopping pump the brakes once or twice so the wheels won t lock on the ice With air brakes use gentle but steady pressure Make turns smoothly and avoid applying the brake Avoid skidding Plan ahead for expected hazardous areas of the route These include icy bridges
160. ertness with respect to the educational environment This is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD diabetes epilepsy a heart condition hemophilia lead poisoning leukemia nephritis rheumatic fever sickle cell anemia or Tourette s Syndrome These conditions can adversely affect a child s educational performance Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 9 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities When transporting students on the severe end of the spectrum such as those requiring special transportation you may need to talk to parents or teachers to find out about the special needs of these students on your route Some students may wear medical identification tags specifying care and medical limitations Some of the more common impairments are discussed below EPILEPSY Epilepsy is a chronic nervous disorder characterized by seizures of varying degrees Students with epilepsy are commonly included in general education transportation Epileptic seizures may be triggered by stress hitting bumps in the road while driving hot weather or a hot passenger compartment strobes or flashing lights You should know what to do if a student has a seizure during the bus ride Most students will have an emergency preparedness plan or seizure plan This plan will provide you with some basic information on how to respond appropriately for that student Follo
161. ervasive mood of unhappiness or depression and Atendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems The inclusion of students with emotional disturbance in general education transportation is fairly common These students may act in ways that are inappropriate either in their nature or in their timing or degree Since many have unusual difficulties maintaining interpersonal relationships they can be aggressive withdrawn anxious or easily frustrated These students may be unable to express feelings and needs They may be loud excitable defiant and aggressive particularly when confronted by adults setting rules such as bus drivers Behavior may include destroying property starting fights and using offensive or inappropriate language On the other end of the spectrum some students who are emotionally disturbed have a pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression and do not cope well with stress They may be excessively shy and withdrawn and avoid contact with their peers and adults alike As a bus driver it is likely you will encounter students with emotional disturbances Therefore it is important to be calm firm fair and consistent Pay attention to your students and immediately report any threats of suicide to the school It is a difficult challenge to maintain a professional distance and to stay involved with the students but it is an important responsibility of the bus driver INTELLECTUAL DI
162. ery effective and smooth if you use third gear for the slowing action in five speed transmissions and second gear in four speed transmissions Stopping on an Upgrade When coming to a stop on an upgrade you should Be aware of the traffic behind you Apply pressure on the foot brake lightly for a smooth stop Press clutch with left foot shift into neutral Hold bus with hand brake if necessary Don t use the clutch as a brake and Se C sos cs Allow an extra safety margin of space between the bus and the vehicle ahead Stopping on a Downgrade When coming to a stop on a downgrade stop as you would on an upgrade except downshift to reduce speed as necessary If the downgrade is quite long and or steep use the snub braking technique discussed later in this unit CHECKING OVERHEAD CLEARANCE Hitting overhead objects is a danger A typical school bus is not more than 12 feet in height so make sure you always have enough room overhead This not only includes on the road hazards such as low hanging wires overhanging branches etc but overhead hazards in your bus storage location such as wash bays and garage entrances The clearance requirement for wires over a roadway is 18 feet but over driveways is only 15 feet This is a significant difference and one to be aware of if you have to turn a bus around especially if the wires appear to be hanging low Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 15 UNIT G Fundam
163. es a person Take mental notes Without being obvious to the captor note hair color any scars tattoos or other identifying marks Estimate height and weight Expect to be arrested Law enforcement personnel will detain everyone until identification can be verified Captors have exchanged clothing with hostages in an effort to escape Your district will have officials on the scene to identify you Keep a low profile Speak only when spoken to do not initiate conversation Think pleasant thoughts The incident could go on for hours Avoid falling into depression and remain confident you will be released Remain strong for your students Even though you may have had a difficult time with the students all year they will look to you for leadership in an emergency If you maintain your composure it will help them to do the same and Remember you are a primary witness for investigators It is vital you write down everything that occurred during the hostage situation from onset to resolution Do this as soon as possible while the events are still fresh in your mind Do not speak to the media Your district officials on the scene should shield them from you Follow district policy regarding any future media contact THINGS NOT TO DO IN A HOSTAGE SITUATION 1 H 24 Do not make any threats Remember the captor is holding you against your will with some type of weapon Do not behave or speak in a manner that may be perceived by the captor as th
164. ests and abilities as well as many new feelings thoughts and concerns Identify with their peer groups and want to belong Seek limited independence and autonomy Question rules and beliefs they had accepted at face value until now Be easily offended and sensitive to criticism and Behave erratically and inconsistently B 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline Secondary Students have the following characteristics Girls will be more mature than boys Girls will be more influenced by boys than vice versa Boy girl relationships may cause problems Concerned with their dignity image Gossipy repeat things to their parents Resent authority Organize in groups More prone to vandalism and Try to disturb the driver GUIDELINES FOR CONTROLLING STUDENT BEHAVIOR The following pointers can help you prevent and or control discipline problems you may encounter on your bus KEEP DISCIPLINE PRIVATE WHENEVER POSSIBLE If an individual breaks the rules of bus conduct do not reprimand him or her in front of all the students riding the bus Individual behavior problems that do not affect the others on the bus are best handled in a private manner Avoid a showdown with a chronic troublemaker in front of the other students Instead report an incident to the principal or supervisor and request their help in the matter Do not threaten the entire busload f
165. ether the back turn signals are flashing and the amber lights in the back are flashing 1 Inspect the Gauges Check all of the following gauges Oil pressure should come up to normal within seconds after engine is started If it does not shut down the engine and notify the mechanic Ammeter and or voltmeter should be in normal range s Coolant temperature should begin gradual rise to normal operating range Oil coolant and charging circuit warning lights should go out right away Fuel gauge should indicate a safe margin for the day s trip Buses equipped with hydraulic brakes with vacuum assist have a vacuum gauge and low vacuum warning light If the gauge reads less than normal or the warning light starts to blink report the condition Air gauges with warning buzzers on buses with air brakes stop buzzing when air pressure increases above 60 psi Do not drive the bus if the pressure is less than 60 psi 2 Check Controls Check all of the following for looseness sticking damage or improper setting Steering wheel Clutch Accelerator gas pedal Brake Controls and Foot brake Parking brake Retarder controls if vehicle has them Transmission controls Horn Horn should be heard approximately 200 away Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 7 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Windshield wiper washer Spray the washer fluid before turning on the wipers to avoid damaging the wind
166. etimes deadly Never interfere Should you see gang signs or symbols on the outside or inside of the bus report it and then remove it If you or your students are approached by gang members avoid a confrontation leave the area as quickly and as safely as possible then report the incident to your dispatcher GANGS AND THE BUS DRIVER Gang members generally bother kids who are not in gangs and are usually more interested in fighting rival gangsters not a school bus driver They usually associate only with fellow gang members It is important to set and enforce rules on the school bus and at the school bus stop Gang members need to know the school and school bus stop are neutral zones and gang violence will not be tolerated When speaking to a suspected gang member do not disrespect the gang their family members or friends Speak one on one with the student and do not belittle them Treat them with the same respect all students deserve If they misbehave follow local school district policies Make sure you report all incidents that appear to be suspicious to the proper school district official Listen to the kids on your bus since they often know what is going to happen long before the school district official or police are made aware of a problem Some school districts may have 24 hour tip lines students should be aware of if they are afraid to come to you Refer to your school district policy Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117
167. event your bus from being shoved into the path of oncoming traffic if you are struck from the rear Also leave a space of a few feet between your bus and the vehicle in front of you You should be able to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you If not you are too close Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 9 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus 8 Check your left mirror and execute the turn smoothly without strain on the engine Enter the highway in the left most lane available If multiple left turn lanes exist be mindful of proper lane usage and stay in your lane as you make the turn Steer wheels back into position do not let the steering wheel spin wheels back 9 After completion of turn ensure that your turn signal is off 10 After completing a left turn onto a multilane highway pick up speed and move into the right lane as Soon as possible Right Turn Procedures Right turns are more difficult because of the length of the bus and require practice Knowing the pivot or turning point located at the rear axle of the bus is critical for right turns This responsibility is the bus operators For right turns 1 Getinto the proper lane well in advance of the turn 2 Give right turn signal early at least 100 feet away if you are travelling at speeds of 35 mph or less and at 300 feet if travelling at speeds over 35 mph 3 Reduce speed and downshift to the proper gear needed to execute th
168. ey may cling to objects and examine and reexamine them They may also be fascinated by various kinds of movements for example becoming completely absorbed by a spinning wheel or fan Problems with their own movement They may repeat movements over and over again without any particular purpose for example swaying rocking banging their head or flapping their hands Non age appropriate behavior Some students with autism may display behavior more typical of much younger students When working with students who are autistic remember these students are affected by a disorder their conduct is not necessarily willful They cannot always control or stop their behavior upon request These students need sameness calmness structure and firmness along with gentleness and patience Here are a few pointers Stick to a routine with the students It will be critical Prepare students for changes such as detours new passengers or substitute bus drivers D 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities Use short simple sentences and concrete concepts when communicating For example Stay in your seat Recognize when students may be experiencing stress from changes in the environment Do not insist on eye contact Some students respond well to music Parents may be able to help you determine what medium will provide a calming effect during the bus ride DEAF AND B
169. ferent methods used in establishing a policy on drug and alcohol testing As a new driver you are responsible to know and understand the drug and alcohol testing policies for your company or school district Employers are required by federal law to do testing as indicated in the following 1 Pre Employment Testing A new driver must be drug tested with a negative test result before an employer can permit him her to operate a CMV on a public roadway 2 Random Testing CDL drivers are subject to unannounced random drug and alcohol testing throughout the year Random alcohol testing must be conducted just before during or just after a driver s performance of safety sensitive duties Once notified of a random test drivers must immediately report to the designated testing location 3 Post Accident Testing This federally mandated testing is required for any crash involving A fatality or Bodily injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene AND the employee driver has been issued a citation or Vehicle damage sufficient to require any of the involved vehicles to be towed AND the employee driver has been issued a citation Note Pennsylvania state law Section 3756 of Title 75 requires testing after any reportable crash in a school bus 4 Reasonable Suspicion Testing is done when a trained supervisor observes specific contemporaneous articulable objective facts indicating current drug or alcohol use 5 Return t
170. first aid and rescue to a hospital or other place of medical care shall not be liable to such person for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions in rendering the emergency care first aid or rescue or moving the person receiving the same to a hospital or other place of medical care except any acts or omissions intentionally designed to harm or any grossly negligent acts or omissions which result in harm to the person receiving the emergency care first aid or rescue or being moved to a hospital other place of medical care b Exceptions 1 This section shall not relieve a driver of an ambulance or other emergency or rescue vehicle from liability arising from operation or use of such vehicle 2 In order for any person to receive the benefit of the exemption from civil liability provided for in subsection a he shall be at the time of rendering the emergency care first aid or rescue or moving the person receiving emergency care first aid or rescue to a hospital or other place of medical care the holder of a current certificate evidencing the successful completion of a course in first aid advanced life saving or basic life support sponsored by the American National Red Cross or the American Heart Association or an equivalent course of instruction approved by the Department of Health in consultation with a technical committee of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council and must be performing techniques and employing proc
171. freeplay as it is commonly called may indicate clutch wear Check Steering While the bus is moving straight ahead check the steering for the amount of play or looseness in the wheel Check for a binding feel or any unusual noises when making full turns As with the other checks above report any unusual conditions at once Check Suspension To ensure safe control of the bus while on the road check the suspension The suspension may have a malfunction if the bus sags at one end or corner or if it bounces excessively Also check that the bus tracks properly and does not weave or sway when turning Check Engine In addition to periodic gauge checks especially oil pressure temperature and ammeter voltmeter listen for any unusual engine noises Note any hesitation in acceleration or any power loss when going uphill This behavior can indicate cylinder misfires damaged valves a restricted exhaust system or inaccurate engine timing All of these problems can cause early engine wear and excessive fuel consumption As stated earlier in this section you should continually check the items mentioned above while on the road However it is especially important to make these checks before picking up your first passenger Report any abnormal operating condition immediately Check Your Tires As mentioned in the pre trip inspection pay particular attention to your tires proper inflation no unusual wear and proper tread depth 4 32 on front tires
172. fy problems that could cause a crash or breakdown Each school district or contractor may have unique methods or procedures for completing and documenting a pre trip inspection so work with your supervisor to review system specific policies and or checklists The key for you the operator is to complete your pre trip inspection the same way each time to identify potential problems Be sure you can adequately answer the following questions Is the school bus you are assigned to drive in safe operating condition Will it respond instantly and effectively to all controls Have you checked it over Did you report deficiencies to your supervisor and have they been corrected You are the driver and are responsible for the vehicle you are driving Refuse to drive an unsafe bus Remember if these reported deficiencies are not corrected you can report them to the area supervisor school principal school superintendent state board of education or state police You have to use and take advantage of all vehicle components It is your responsibility to see they are complete operational and safe Correct deficiencies before your route or if you are suspicious of a potential mechanical problem report it and have it checked Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 17 UNIT F Safe Driving ON THE ROAD CONDITIONS Mechanical problems that will create potentially hazardous conditions may develop during your route Safe drivers us
173. g and the road looks wet watch out for black ice F 20 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving Hydroplaning In some weather water or slush collects on the road When this happens your vehicle can hydroplane Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires of your bus and the road surface leading to the loss of traction and thus preventing the vehicle from responding to steering braking or accelerating It becomes in effect an unpowered and unsteerable sled It does not take a lot of water to cause hydroplaning Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph if there is a lot of water Hydroplaning is more likely if tire pressure is low or the tread is worn The grooves in a tire carry away the water if they aren t deep they don t work well Be especially careful when driving through puddles The water is often deep enough to cause hydroplaning Remember to inspect your tires as outlined in Unit E for a tread depth of 4 32 on the front tires and 2 32 on the rear tires as per Section 171 36 of Title 67 and avoid standing water After Your Trip Sweep water or snow from the bus including the steps Clear mud or snow from windows mirrors lights roof and reflectors and Don t forget to complete your post trip inspection procedures REDUCED VISIBILITY Weather Conditions When you think of bad weather you probably think of slippery road conditions but ra
174. g maneuvers under conditions of stress limited time space and distance You must decide which of the following evasive actions you should perform Proper use of brakes Steering to avoid collision Quick maneuvering with or without braking Leaving the highway for an escape route free from other more hazardous obstacles or Choosing a lesser collision Proper Braking Generally drivers tend to apply the brakes at the first sign of trouble While effective in most instances braking can lock the wheels and cause loss of steering control making it impossible to steer away from a collision For effective evasive action you must sometimes avoid the temptation to jam on the brakes On the other hand you may decide that braking to a stop is the best evasive action you can take to avoid the obstruction This will depend on how fast you are going how far away you are from the object how good your tires are and whether the road is wet or dry For example if someone suddenly pulls out in front of you your natural response is to hit the brakes This is a good response if there s enough distance to stop and you use the brakes correctly H 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures You should brake in a way that will keep your vehicle in a straight line and allow you to turn if it becomes necessary Braking methods were discussed in Unit G With controlled braking you apply
175. get a clear understanding of their effects and whether they will impair your ability to perform the task at hand Also keep in mind the interactions of different drugs can cause impairment Ask your doctor or pharmacist The safest rule is not to mix drugs with driving at all Mixing the use of alcohol and drugs while operating a School bus can lead to crashes resulting in death injury and property damage Drug abuse can lead to arrest fines and jail sentences in addition to the loss of a person s driving privilege CONCENTRATION AND ATTITUDE Being under emotional stress from home or work will often affect your ability to control the students on a loaded bus so you will have to be extra cautious as you drive You may be tired dejected or depressed making it hard to cope with a bus full of young spirited children During times of stress ordinarily good drivers may miss stop signs and red lights and may fail to yield the right of way Under normal conditions they would be less likely to commit these serious errors You must be alert to your own attitude If you are under emotional stress and are unable to concentrate on your driving or fear you cannot control your temper under stress don t drive Under normal day to day stresses your attitude can affect your good driving judgment You must be aware of your attitude so you can be alert think positively keep yourself under control and keep your mind on the job at hand It is extremely impo
176. gure H 4 In some cases the rear emergency door evacuation drill may be used for demonstration purposes only and not practiced by students in order to prevent unnecessary injury performing the drill 1 Follow steps 1 3 of the Front Door Evacuation Drill 2 Stand facing the students get their attention and tell them Do what say remain absolutely quiet 3 Then say Rear door emergency evacuation drill remain seated H 16 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures 4 5 6 7 8 9 Instruct students to leave all belongings such as books and lunch containers on the bus and tell them they can be retrieved after the drill is completed Walk to the rear of the bus and face rear door Use left hand to restrain occupants of right rear seat Open the rear emergency door Assign two helpers to sit in the left rear seat Have the helpers exit out the rear emergency door Assign the helpers to assist passengers getting out of the bus one helper assists the passengers as they exit the bus and the other leads passengers to a designated location away from the bus where they remain quietly in order Face the doorway and move between the left rear seats to clear the aisle 10 Instruct students in right rear seats to leave the bus Have them assume a semi squat position as they exit the bus Instruct helpers to grasp a passengers wrist or forearm with one hand and to
177. h Disabilities TOURETTE S SYNDROME Tourette s Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive stereotyped involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics The early symptoms of Tourette s are almost always noticed between the ages of seven and 10 years Most people with the condition experience their worst symptoms in their early teens with improvement occurring in the late teens and continuing into adulthood Students with Tourette s are commonly included in general education transportation Tics are classified as either simple or complex Simple motor tics are sudden brief and repetitive movements such as eye blinking and other vision irregularities facial grimacing shoulder shrugging and head or shoulder jerking Simple vocalizations might include repetitive throat clearing sniffing or grunting sounds Complex motor tics might include facial grimacing combined with a head twist and a shoulder shrug Other complex motor tics may actually appear purposeful including sniffing or touching objects hopping jumping bending or twisting More complex vocal tics include words or phrases Do not be offended by the behavior or language exhibited as this may be a manifestation of the syndrome Note that tics are involuntary and are often worse with excitement or anxiety and better during calm focused activities Here are a few tips for you as a bus driver Do not point out the behavior to the student Give careful considera
178. h most commonly occur at intersections Left Turn Procedures Left turns in a school bus are generally not as difficult technique wise to make as right turns but they are more dangerous Left turn collisions at intersections tend to be severe crashes Be sure you have adequate gaps in opposing traffic to make your maneuver Acceleration rates are different in a school bus than for a passenger vehicle and you are driving a longer vehicle 1 Get into the proper lane well in advance of Figure G 2 Left Turns the turn 2 Give left turn signal early at least 100 feet away if you are travelling at speeds of 35 mph or less and at 300 feet if travelling at speeds over 35 mph LEFT TURN 3 Reduce speed and downshift to the proper gear needed to execute the turn The speed through the turn will depend on the geometry of the intersection as well as traffic conditions 1 2 3 FA LC DU b Check traffic conditions to the front rear and sides Position the bus to the left edge of the traffic lane Because you do not have the right of way unless at a protected left turn phase at a signalized intersection re check traffic signals signs pedestrians or vehicles for a clear right of way Use both outside mirrors and check especially for vehicles attempting to pass the bus on the left side 7 f you must stop before making the turn keep the front wheels straight and the brake pedal pressed This stopping procedure will pr
179. h the bus and open the back door you can see that the back turn signals are flashing and the amber lights in the back are flashing Check emergency exit windows on sides and emergency escape hatches in the roof to see they are operational and the warning buzzer works properly Lastly check the school bus emergency equipment This includes Spare electrical fuses unless vehicle has circuit breakers Three red reflective triangles Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher This is a fire extinguisher with a total rating of not less than two A 10 BC for electrical and liquid fuel fires Ensure the pin is in place You need to make sure the fire extinguisher is inspected at least once a year to ensure it is fully charged properly filled and operable Upon approval the fire extinguisher shall be tagged signed and dated Check to make sure your extinguisher is tagged signed and dated as part of your inspection Refer to Section 171 51 171 122 171 132 and 171 147 of Title 67 for additional details on fire extinguishers Complete First Aid Kit refer to Unit I including a Body Fluid Clean Up Kit Pry bar Tire chains Optional where winter conditions require them Tire changing equipment optional List of emergency phone numbers and Crash reporting packet Refer to Unit I E 12 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Refer to state regulations in Title 67 Chapter 171 for
180. he following link http www dsf health state pa us health lib health ems bulletin lemsib 51 state recognized cpr programs pdf FIRST AID PROCEDURES This section describes priority setting and procedures in emergency situations SETTING PRIORITIES First Aid and emergency care are techniques applied to one or more victims of a crash or illness As a school bus driver you cannot focus all of your attention solely on the ill or injured student s You must consider many other factors including Hazards that could make the situation worse Obtaining emergency medical assistance if necessary The seriousness of the injuries or illnesses The safety of all healthy passengers and Your own safety Hazard Control In Unit H Crash and Emergency Procedures you learned about many situations which could affect the health and safety of everyone on your bus Prevention and prompt action are the key elements in keeping minor emergencies from developing into serious problems Remember what you have already learned about safely parking and evacuating the bus if there is no other option fire control and safety in maneuvering the bus Specific Hazards in an Emergency Be aware of these hazards Existing or Imminent Fire Few crashes result in fire or explosion but you must always be alert to the presence of combustible fuel and ignition sources Electrical fires may also start in the engine compartment due to faulty wiring or co
181. hich you can begin to help everyone in need You must be organized and do one thing at a time Performing Triage In either case you need to evaluate all injuries or illnesses quickly to determine where help is needed most This process is called triage and is necessary in evaluating multiple problems in one individual or in evaluating multiple injured ill persons After a brief evaluation of each injury or illness you can decide what to do first While performing triage it is important you do not treat any injury until you have found all problems requiring help If more than two or three students are injured you should spend no more than 15 or 20 seconds in the evaluation of each injured person DON T FORGET TO CALL YOUR SUPERVISOR DISPATCHER TO REPORT ALL INCIDENTS Use your best judgment when following local school district procedures and guidelines In general if injuries are minor treat them yourself when in doubt call If they are major get emergency medical help The following procedures should help you recognize issues and provide you with some basic procedures to follow Remember reporting incidents is important from a liability point of view as well TREATMENT PROCEDURES Contact your employer for a copy of your school district s policies and procedures for handling student emergencies and your role in treatment WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING SECTION ARE ONLY GENERAL GUIDELINES YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROC
182. hing too fast from the side to stop or turn Movements of your bus or another vehicle also may affect other drivers such as stopping too quickly to allow a following vehicle enough time to stop Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 27 UNIT F Safe Driving Lack of Communication by Other Drivers Look for clues to situations where the driver of another vehicle may execute a maneuver without signaling A vehicle slowing down may be about to turn A parked car with a driver in the driver s seat engine running or turned wheels may be about to pull out from the curb A parked car with a driver in the driver s seat may be getting ready to exit his vehicle and Pickup and delivery vehicles with backup lights on may be about to back into another street or driveway When another driver does signal check other clues to verify it is the proper signal because a turn signal may have been left on from a previous maneuver This is especially true of motorcycles Remember you too can fail to communicate Always signal your intentions Failure of the Other Driver to Observe Watch for clues another driver has not observed the bus and therefore may not be prepared to yield the right of way These clues include the following Other driver not responding to an upcoming intersection or to your signals Other driver not looking at the road or what is in front of him her distracted by something in their own vehicle
183. his unit will focus on safe driving techniques for school bus operators geared towards reducing the number of crashes in the categories listed previously in this unit It will focus on The driving task Your condition to drive Driver The condition of your vehicle Vehicle The weather and road conditions Environmental and Roadway and Road construction pedestrians and other obstacles Other Note that Unit H Crash and Emergency Procedures covers procedures and techniques for emergency and crash situations where the driver did not or could not avoid a potential hazard F 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving THE DRIVING TASK Although most of us take it for granted driving is hard work because it requires us to do several things at the same time This is especially true for school bus operators who have additional responsibilities such as student management and discipline loading and unloading students monitoring traffic etc When you drive a bus you control the vehicle slowing down speeding up and turning anticipating what other road users might do and deciding whether evasive actions are necessary These tasks are to be accomplished simultaneous to steering the vehicle to get from where you were to where you need to be Unfortunately there are limits to how much information you can process at a time When there is too much information to accurately and safely process mis
184. hod also may be used but you should be careful not to catch your thumb on the safety chain of your wristwatch bracelet or clothing while steering Never palm the steering wheel or turn it with a finger or thumb If you have to steer quickly or jerkily you are going too fast slow down TURNING PROCEDURES To drive your school bus you must use the steering techniques described above while executing a number of different turning maneuvers These maneuvers include rounding curves and making left and right turns The average speed limits on freeways and other roads on your route force you to use practiced skills and judgment to perform these maneuvers properly and safely This includes being aware of the pivot or turning point of the bus while following the various turning procedures For large school buses the pivot point is located at the rear axle The procedures described below are applicable in most driving situations You always need to be aware of traffic around you before you make your turn Rounding Curves Judge beforehand if you will be able to negotiate an upcoming curve at your present rate of speed If you must brake do so before entering the curve Never plan to brake in the middle of a curve as this can cause skidding and loss of control Use the following procedures when steering through curves see Figure G 1 1 Slow down and look ahead for the sharpest point in the curve Brake if necessary before getting into the curve
185. hool Undesirable conduct not only makes all passengers uncomfortable but can jeopardize their safety These experiences good and bad are an extension of the regular school day and become an important part of their education Many of the same rules of behavior are in effect on the bus as in the classroom As a school bus driver you are in the people business Children like adults can be unpredictable and often have moods that reflect what is going on in their personal lives These moods and changes in their life will be reflected in how they interact with you and with other passengers on the bus Behavior is typically dependent on age and cognitive development and can range from that of a toddler to a young adult You should become familiar with the general characteristics for each age group with which you will be dealing as well as how to apply positive techniques to manage student behavior In cooperation with students parents and school officials you are responsible for the safety of the students who ride your bus You must be able to control them and the bus during the ride and during loading and unloading The student ridership program should be a cooperative effort among students parents school officials and bus drivers A sound program makes the bus driver s job easier and improves transportation safety B 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline SCHOOL BUS DRIVER RESPONSI
186. hool buses are not described in this manual For information on these laws check the following references Pennsylvania Driver s Manual Publication 95 available at www dmv state pa us The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75 available at www dmv state pa us Commercial Driver s Manual Publication 223 available at www dmv state pa us Chapter 71 of Title 67 Transportation Pennsylvania Code available at www pacode com Chapter 104 of Title 67 Transportation Pennsylvania Code available at www pacode com Qoi iR o9 cS ae Chapter 171 of Title 67 Transportation Pennsylvania Code available at www pacode com Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 7 UNIT F Safe Driving EXPECTANCY As all drivers gain experience they expect things to happen as they always have For example you would expect a green light on a traffic signal will be followed by a yellow light Another example would be you adjust your speed as you perceive an upcoming curve because it looks similar to other curves you have driven and your experience tells you that you need to slow down This is called expectancy If a signal changes from green to red or a curve becomes suddenly tighter halfway through your expectancy is violated and you may react in an erratic or incorrect way The more experienced you become the greater the level of expectancy which leads to quicker and more accurate reactions as long as your expectancy is met A s
187. ibration or noise The tailpipe does not extend beyond two inches from the rear of the vehicle Check Right Rear Check all items as on left side and fuel tank area including straps cap and signs of fuel leaks 5 CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM Brakes are the most critical piece of safety equipment on your vehicle You will need to make sure they are working properly before taking your bus on the road This includes the parking brake and the service brake To test the parking brake 1 Fasten seat belt 2 Allow bus to move slowly forward and 3 Apply parking brake If the bus doesn t stop it s faulty and you must get it fixed before taking your bus on the road If your bus is equipped with hydraulic brakes test for hydraulic leaks 1 Pump the brake pedal three times 2 Apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds and 3 The pedal should not move If it does there may be a leak or other problem Get it fixed before operating the vehicle If your bus is equipped with air brakes refer to Sections 5 and 10 of the Commercial Driver s License Manual for testing The manual is available on PennDOT s Driver and Vehicle Services website www dmv state pa us under the Commercial Driver Information Center Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 17 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Here are some procedures for an air brake test With the engine running build the air pressure to the governed cut out typically
188. ician or a physician appointed or approved by the local school board A Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Physical Examination Form DL 704 must contain the signature of the physician before sending it to PennDOT Refer to Section 71 3 of Title 67 for details on this examination Visit www pacode com A letter is mailed to you approximately 90 days prior to the expiration of your school bus physical The purpose of this letter is to remind you that your physical is about to expire Your School Bus Endorsement card will not be renewed unless PennDOT has a current physical on file You must pass the minimum requirements listed on the physical examination form Additional medical information may be required to further determine physical competency If PennDOT determines you are not physically competent to operate a school bus your School Bus Endorsement will be cancelled You may request a re examination Upon passing the physical examination the examining physician will issue a Physical Examination Certificate valid for one 1 year This certificate must be carried whenever operating a school bus In addition to the annual School Bus Driver s Physical Examination DL 704 commercial drivers engaged in Non excepted transportation are also required to submit a valid Medical Examiner s Certificate in order to maintain commercial licensure Additional information is available in the Commercial Driver Information Center on our website at www dmv state p
189. icles and trucks on hills Frequently stopping vehicles include buses trucks carrying flammables at railroad crossings garbage trucks and postal and other delivery vehicles Also watch for vehicles engaged in turning exiting or entering the roadway merging with other vehicles or approaching controlled intersections or railroad crossings Amish buggies are dark in color and difficult to see in poor light and bad weather After stopping a horse and buggy often roll backward When you pass a horse do not drive too fast or blow your horn as this may spook the horse Also to avoid scaring the horse after passing leave enough space between your vehicle and the horse before pulling back into the right lane Multiple Vehicle Hazards You should be able to recognize clues in a traffic pattern that may indicate potential conflict Vehicles entering the highway from side roads driveways ramps or parking spaces may cause another driver to change lanes or stop suddenly A vehicle slowing or stopping may prompt another driver to steer around it One vehicle may limit another s visibility allowing the other driver to enter a potential conflict as when an oncoming driver turns left Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 29 UNIT F Safe Driving Work Zones Whenever people are working on the road it is a hazard Road construction may cause narrower lanes sharp turns or uneven surfaces Other drivers are often distracted and drive u
190. icy on this issue Remember that federal regulations in 49 CFR Section 396 11 require every motor carrier require its drivers to report and every driver shall prepare a report in writing at the completion of each day s work on each vehicle operated and the report shall cover at least the following parts and accessories Service brakes including trailer brake connections Parking hand brake Steering mechanism Lighting devices and reflectors Tires Horn Windshield wipers Rear vision mirrors Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 23 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Coupling devices Wheels and rims and Emergency equipment The regulation also details report contents corrective actions and exceptions IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING PROBLEMS Clearly your responsibilities as a school bus operator include reporting any and all abnormal conditions encountered during the day to your supervisor or maintenance department This could be something you discovered in the pre trip inspection while the bus was in service or after your trip Failure to inspect equipment before each trip and failure to report defects and needed repairs cannot only create costly maintenance problems it can also create an unsafe condition for you and your passengers Remember problems cannot be repaired if they are not reported When reporting be accurate in describing the problem you do not needed to diagnose Mechanics will
191. ide students to the ground if necessary Contact your employer regarding training in these specialized areas Students with disabilities who have been involved in a crash or an emergency evacuation should be examined by qualified medical personnel even if they appear uninjured Refer to local guidelines and procedures regarding the notification of parents or guardians Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 17 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance UNIT E PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION 3 hhukieE eeu RRD GRECIA A REPRE E 2 PRHE TRIP INSPEGTION capita petere dux eR Ra Fr QUE ula ide VERE ed a deca ue E E RR Fx ee E 3 VEHICLE OVERVIEW oir a En ER ET ET E A E 4 Engine Compartment Inspection oooocccocoo e E 5 Inspect the Inside of Bus oooooocccoocco e mnn E 7 Driver Compartment rers actes RA A Ced QE een beg ee E 7 Passenger En ioter tbe eder luem ee xr Ee E 12 Passenger Compartment eon ei aia a a a a a hh hh E 12 Inspect Outside of Bus Walk Around Inspection a a sasaaa aae E 13 Tires Wheels cand Rims some uetus ma ts a da al Wa E 13 Gheck Right Frofit a sara e a RM AUR a E EA AA ecd x a n E 14 Check Front Side eiaa aaa a a e a A tents E 15 Check Left Front si aei a e a nn a a a tet tee E 16 Check Left Side aet homer mere Utm ene id ged eR eoe D
192. il you stop the vehicle check it over and report its condition to your supervisor or maintenance department Complete the following steps at the end of every trip If possible fill the fuel tank in the evening rather than waiting until the following morning if this is one of your responsibilities This will reduce the overnight condensation of water vapor inside the fuel tank When parking your bus after you set the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral allow the engine to idle slowly as per manufacturer s recommendations This will permit proper lubrication of all engine parts and is of particular importance for diesel vehicles While the engine is idling check the interior for broken windows ripped seats or other damage that should be repaired before the bus is used again Check on and under the seats for sleeping students books clothes or other materials that may have been left by the students Sweep the floor and steps of the bus Enforcing a clean bus policy with your students will help you maintain your bus Also periodically washing the interior of the bus including seats windows and windowsills is good practice Check the exterior of the bus for burned out bulbs or other damage that needs to be repaired Re enter the bus turn off all electrical equipment shut off the engine remove the keys and secure the bus Generally drivers should remove the key from the ignition Check with your supervisor for your local pol
193. in snow fog and smog also reduce visibility Adjust your driving accordingly and take the following precautions Follow local pre trip inspection guidelines Keep the windshield clear If snow or ice builds up on front or rear windows stop the bus and remove it and Don t hesitate to leave the roadway at a safe spot to sit out a heavy shower snow squall or thick fog However always remember to keep in contact with your supervisor Bright Glaring Sunlight While bright sun or glare may not be considered bad weather they can create serious hazards for motorists Don t be caught unprepared Take the following special precautions for safe driving in bright sun Carry sunglasses and use them when necessary Adjust visors to block out direct sun Avoid looking directly at the sun bright reflections or glare since they can affect your vision for several seconds and Clean the windshield inside outside Night Driving When examining national crash data for ALL vehicles about half of traffic fatalities occur at night although only about one quarter of travel occurs after dark Although intoxication and fatigue contribute to the high rate of nighttime crashes nighttime driving is inherently hazardous because of decreased driver visibility In Pennsylvania approximately 6 percent of crashes involving a school bus occurred at night While most of your trips as a school bus operator occur during daylight hours there may be se
194. ination The test will be comprised of a selection of the following exercises 1 Simulated or discussed student discharge scored as part of the skills test 2 Simulated or discussed railroad crossing scored as part of the skills test 3 Forward Stop Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 9 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements Straight line backing Alley dock Parallel Park driver side Parallel Park conventional Right Turn and 9 Backward serpentine oos The on road driving test is the third part of the skills examination An automatic failure will occur if you commit any traffic offense run over a curb or sidewalk or cause a crash An accumulation of minor infractions will also cause a failure You are permitted to take the driving examination three 3 times on a valid CDL learner s permit The examination may be taken only once during a given day If you fail a portion of the test you may return on another day and retake only the portion you failed Note that you do not have to retake the sections you already passed If you fail the driving examination three 3 times you must reapply for a CDL learner s permit pay the appropriate fee and complete all training requirements again If you fail to successfully pass the skills test within 12 months of your training completion date you will be required to repeat all 20 hours of training When you successfully comple
195. increases the margin of safety and helps save brake shoes Avoid sudden stops G 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus STOPPING PROCEDURES FOR STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS Different procedures are required for stopping at low and high speeds or on an upgrade or downgrade If you stop the bus for more than several minutes in a non traffic situation turn off the engine This not only conserves fuel but eliminates the possibility of poisonous carbon monoxide exhaust fumes entering the bus Low Speed Stopping When you are in a low gear or are traveling 10 mph or less use the following stopping procedures 1 Release the accelerator and when speed decreases to 3 to 5 mph press the clutch pedal Apply the brakes gradually by increasing pressure To prevent the bus from jerking reduce the brake pressure slightly but not completely just before coming to a stop Place the gear shift lever into the neutral position and Release the clutch and remove foot from the clutch Stopping at Speeds Greater than 10 MPH When traveling in a higher gear the procedure for stopping is as follows 1 Release the accelerator and press the brake pedal 2 When you reach the minimum speed for the next lower gear downshift to that gear Using the lower gear will reduce the buildup of heat and avoid excessive brake wear This is also the case for automatic transmissions and 3 Downshifting can be v
196. inent smoke or fire condition presence of hazardous materials unsafe position of the bus or vehicle submersion or immersion Existing or Imminent Smoke or Fire Condition Stop the bus and evacuate it immediately if the engine or any portion of the bus is smoking or on fire An existing fire near the bus or the presence of gasoline or other combustible material is considered as danger of fire Evacuate students as described below Evacuate students through the door farthest from the fire or potential source of fire Evacuate students closest to the danger first Givethe students a specific location to go to that is far away fromthe bus but still within your visual range and Give clear concise and EXACT instructions Presence of Hazardous Materials If any hazardous materials are present in or near the bus evacuate the students This includes vapors or fumes which may enter the bus from outside sources and may be dangerous to the passengers Unsafe Position In the event the bus is stopped due to a crash mechanical failure road conditions or human failure determine immediately whether it is safer for the passengers to remain in the bus or to evacuate You must evacuate when Figure H 2 Potentially Dangerous Location Around The final stopping point of the bus is in the path of any train or adjacent to any railroad tracks The position of the bus might change and increase the danger For example evacuate if a bus c
197. ing on the angle s by which the roadways meet Be prepared to stop each time you approach virtually any intersection The general principle establishing who has the right to go first at an intersection is called right of way This concept legally establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so Right of way laws are designed to prevent collisions by prescribing what vehicle must move last The law only names the vehicle that must yield right of way it never states any vehicle expressly has the right to proceed In terms of right of way there are basically two types of intersections regulated and unregulated Regulated intersections have traffic control devices such as a signal or sign Unregulated intersections have no traffic signals or signs Use caution even if a signal or a stop sign controls other traffic Remember the clearance your bus needs and watch for poles and tree limbs Know the size of the gap your bus needs to accelerate and merge with traffic When pulling out never assume other drivers will brake to give you room Unregulated Intersection When approaching an unregulated intersection you are required by law to reduce speed check traffic to see you can proceed and continue to move only when others have yielded right of way to you If another vehicle is already in or very near the intersection you must yield right of way to that vehicle When two vehicles arrive
198. ing when it is safe to pass You should not do this you could cause a crash OVERTAKING AND PASSING Usually you won t have to overtake and pass other vehicles and school bus drivers should avoid passing other vehicles as much as possible A driver usually will gain very little or nothing at all by passing because any vehicle moving more slowly than a school bus is not likely to go very far before turning off But when it is necessary use extreme caution and follow these procedures 1 Observe the traffic ahead and do not pass if the lead vehicle is signaling a left turn changing lanes in order to pass another vehicle or passing pedestrians cyclists or animals Wait until your view of the road ahead and behind is clear and there is an acceptable gap in traffic On a two lane road check to be sure there is no oncoming traffic and check traffic signs and road markings to determine if passing is allowed 4 Turn on the left turn signal at least 100 feet before turning if you are driving less than 35 mph If you are driving 35 mph or more you must signal at least 300 feet before turning 5 It is most dangerous to pass at night because you cannot see as far ahead and it is more difficult to accurately judge distances and speed of approaching vehicles If you can only see the headlights of an oncoming vehicle you are likely to think it is further away than it really is When clear pull smoothly into the passing lane 6 After moving pas
199. inspection As indicated in this unit as an operator you should NOT be making repairs yourself this is the role of your maintenance team Report don t diagnose However since you are on the road with your vehicle for several hours each day you are in the best position to observe how it performs under all conditions Learn to recognize defects both during the pre trip inspection and while on the road and immediately report problems to your supervisor or the bus maintenance department Problems cannot be repaired if they are not reported This unit covers each of these items as part of your normal daily preventive maintenance tasks Responsibility for these tasks may vary due to differences in buses and or local policy If you are ever unsure of the preventive maintenance duties assigned to you ask your supervisor E 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance PRE TRIP INSPECTION The purpose of a pre trip inspection is to identify problems that could cause a crash or breakdown Each school bus operator may have unique methods or procedures for completing and documenting a pre trip inspection so work with your supervisor to review system specific policies and or checklists The key for you the operator is to complete your pre trip inspection the same way each time In this fashion you will learn all the correct steps improve the efficiency of your inspection and will be less likely to forget some
200. ion etc is distracting The primary responsibility of the bus driver is to operate their bus safely As described above the task of driving requires full attention and focus Using a cell phone can distract drivers from this task risking harm to themselves and others Available research indicates whether it is a hands free or hand held cell phone the cognitive distraction is significant enough to degrade a driver s performance This can cause a driver to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash Information on the Virginia Tech Study can be found at http www vtti vt edu pdf 7 22 09 VTTU Press Release Cell Phonesand Driver Distraction pdf F 16 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving As of March 8 2012 it is illegal in Pennsylvania to use a wireless communications device to send read or write a text based communication while driving and while the vehicle is in motion The law allows drivers to be pulled over and cited just for the texting offense and the penalty is a 50 fine plus other costs In addition the use of hand held mobile telephones for all drivers engaged in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle is prohibited in Pennsylvania except when it is necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services Both the ban on texting for all drivers and the ban on cell phone use for commercial vehicle drivers were enacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admi
201. ion to these messages that relay critical safety information For instance using chevron signs along the outside of a curve can reinforce a curve Figure F 4 Chevron Signs on Outside of Curve warning sign Learn about the basics of traffic control devices so you can readily absorb and react to the information provided Engineers avoid designing roads with sharp curves just over hillcrests to improve sight lines for drivers Similarly they use consistent design curve radii so drivers are not surprised by curves that are too sharp or too gradual Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 5 UNIT F Safe Driving DECISION As a school bus driver you combine the information you gather with your driving experience to make driving decisions It takes skill and experience to make the right decision You must pay attention so you can process several information messages at once and ignore what you do not need These are skills that novice drivers are still learning and older drivers sometimes find difficult to process Hopefully information and decision points are spread at sufficient distances on the roadway It is easier to make several simple decisions one after the other than it is to make one complex decision in a hurry ACTION Action happens when you make a decision and act on it The results of the action provide more information which as indicated above starts the process over again For your trip to be a safe one
202. isabilities Some students will behave poorly in order to get your attention By paying attention to them when their behavior is appropriate you may improve their behavior They may require more of your time than other students R Restraints Students with physical disabilities often require special seats or restraining devices If you are driving a bus equipped with these devices learn to properly secure these students in their seats Wheelchairs used by students need to be properly tied down T Different Techniques One particular method may not work in all situations with all students If you are having trouble maintaining control of a student change your method and try something new Keep trying until you find something that works The old saying try try try again is particularly appropriate when it comes to working with students with disabilities Be sure to ask other drivers or your supervisor for helpful suggestions in working with particular students or situations Even better consult a behavioral specialist or school psychologist with expertise in this area TYPES OF DISABILITIES In addition to the general guidelines above you should understand the different types of disabilities defined in the IDEIA that students you transport may have and the specific procedures used in managing each type Many of these conditions may not be visibly apparent so drivers must be prepared to work with different conditions As
203. ith 80 percent of students reporting sexual harassment and half of all students admitting they sexually harass others AAUW 2001 This type of harassment has also been reported among middle school age students In fact one university researcher has indicated sexual harassment is a much more serious issue in public schools than most people have been willing to admit and it s much more likely to occur in unsupervised venues like buses or bathrooms Williamson and Aratani 2005 Remember that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is illegal according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended which protects the adolescent at work and Title IX of 1972 which protects the teen from sex discrimination at school B 16 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline DESCRIPTION OF HARASSMENT AND BULLYING Harassment includes unwelcome remarks or behavior that shows disrespect for its victims It hurts and harms the students in long lasting ways No student should be treated in this manner It is a deliberate or repeated behavior which is unwelcome not asked for and not returned It is intentional The behavior can be verbal nonverbal visual and or physical Examples of verbal harassment could include teasing someone about their body development or body parts telling dirty sexist jokes calling others names that have a negative sexual meaning or saying something
204. ith progressive onset Abdominal pain of sweating Nausea and or vomiting Rapid weak pulse Headache Rapid shallow breathing or Intense pain at site of bite and Preatnipgzditiedities e Localized redness and swelling 2 Care and treatment Apply direct pressure over bitten area Find out if the student has any allergies to stings or bites and Use cold compress if available to reduce swelling Allergic Reaction Anaphylactic Shock There are many types of shock caused by a variety of circumstances ranging from emotional crisis to massive blood loss One of the most unusual and fast acting types of shock is the type occurring after an extremely allergic reaction This type of shock is called anaphylactic shock and is commonly caused by bee stings If a student experiences an allergic reaction of any kind it may quickly turn into a life threatening emergency Anaphylactic shock can cause within minutes swelling in the airway to a degree an individual will not be able to breathe The only way this condition can be corrected is through medication Many seriously allergic people always carry their own medication with them If this medication is not present you must do everything possible to see the allergic person immediately gets to an emergency department or to paramedics A few minutes may mean the difference between life and death Learn local procedures and guidelines regarding what to do in the case of allergic reacti
205. ity in terms of boarding a bus but may impair speech or other forms of communication writing or arm hand eye and head movement This may affect their seating requirements on your bus Some common physical disorders and their effects include Cerebral Palsy CP Causes abnormal changes in physical movement such as slow or spastic limb movement or seizures A person with CP may be unable to coordinate body movement and may have possible speech problems Intellectual functioning is often not affected In the transportation setting a student with CP may need a special harness Muscular Dystrophy MD A progressive general weakening of various muscle groups in the body Students with MD may fatigue easily and may require the use of braces harnesses or a wheelchair Spina Bifida A birth defect involving the spinal cord Depending upon the severity of the defect the student may be partially paralyzed lower half of the body or have a physical deformation Some students with spina bifida are very verbal On the bus be careful with lower body positioning because these students may not have feeling in the lower half of their body If they are positioned too close to a baseboard heater they can get serious burns on their legs and not realize it OTHER HEALTH IMPAIRMENTS Students with other health impairments have limited strength vitality or alertness including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli resulting in limited al
206. ivers of manual transmission buses should place the gear in low starting gear The driver should close the service door look again in both directions check for flashing signal lights and then proceed across the tracks without stopping or changing gears 6 The drivers of automatic transmission buses should proceed over the tracks using the normal driving gear A good rule of thumb is to proceed in the lowest gear until you are clear of the tracks This prevents the gear from changing while crossing the tracks 7 Never drive onto a railroad track until you are certain there is adequate room ahead for your ENTIRE vehicle to clear the tracks completely Know the length of your bus It can be life threatening to begin to cross a set of tracks only to find you must stop your vehicle for traffic before you have completely cleared the tracks Never stop and backup the bus while crossing the tracks Hazard lights need to be activated approximately between 100 and 200 feet before and after stopping at the highway rail grade crossing Cancel your hazard lights when you have completely cleared the tracks and your vehicle has traveled at least 100 feet from the tracks If for any reason your bus should become stalled on the tracks and a train is approaching IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE your bus The quickest method of evacuation would be the front and rear door method The driver should assign a responsible student in each group to keep the children together The
207. iving too fast following too closely or driving less carefully ABS won t prevent power or turning skids ABS should prevent brake induced skids but not those caused by spinning the drive wheels or going too fast in a turn ABS won t necessarily shorten stopping distance ABS will help maintain vehicle control but not always shorten stopping distance ABS won t increase or decrease ultimate stopping power ABS is an add on to your normal brakes not a replacement for them ABS won t change the way you normally brake Under normal brake conditions your vehicle will stop as it always stopped ABS only comes into play when a wheel would normally have locked up because of over braking and ABS won t compensate for bad brakes or poor brake maintenance Remember The best vehicle safety feature is still a safe driver Remember Drive so you never need to use your ABS Remember If you need it ABS could help to prevent a serious crash Remember If your bus is equipped with ABS do not pump the brakes in emergency situations GENERAL STOPPING TECHNIQUE Use the right foot for all normal braking A school bus is much heavier than smaller vehicles and requires the driver to begin braking sooner in order to stop smoothly Feather the brake by reducing pressure on the brake pedal slightly just before the wheels stop rolling This creates a smoother stop and happier passengers A good driver anticipates stops as much as possible This
208. juries to persons involved their names addresses extent of injuries List of passengers on the bus and in other vehicle s Names and addresses of passengers in other vehicles Name of insurance companies involved Name of police at scene and Diagram of crash scene In addition to any local crash reports the owner or operator of any school bus involved in a crash is required by state law Within 24 hours to report the crash to the chief school administrator or the authorized representative of the school district private school or parochial school that either employs or contracts the service of the owner or operator Within five days School Bus Crash Report DL 739 must be completed whenever there is any injury or property damage regardless of how slight Complete the form even when students aren t on the bus at the time of the crash After completing the form submit it to PennDOT You should check with your employer and school district regarding who will fill this form out In some cases the driver will fill this out in others the safety director Incident Reporting Because of the possibility of liability suits drivers are responsible for reporting all incidents occurring in or around their buses during their runs Remember your passengers are your first responsibility in any incident You should report all incidents to your supervisor He or she will take any appropriate action if necessary MECHANICAL FAILURE OR BREAKDOWN
209. ke sure it is properly charged A gauge is mounted at the top of the extinguisher to indicate it is fully charged If the needle on the indicator stays in the charged area the extinguisher is properly charged If the needle is in the overcharged or undercharged areas report it to your mechanic This should be checked as part of your pre trip inspection refer to Unit E Only try to extinguish a fire if you know what you are doing and it is safe Your first priority is to evacuate all students and quickly get them somewhere safe Do NOT waste your time fighting a fire when you need to get students off the bus If you do have to fight a fire here are a few tips Engine Fires With an engine fire turn off the engine as soon as you can DO NOT open the hood if you can avoid it Aim extinguishers through louvers radiator or from the underside of the vehicle Other Fires Only try to extinguish a fire if you know what you are doing and it is safe If possible stand upwind from the burning material to prevent standing in smoke and heat Do not walk into unburned material that could catch fire in a back flash and cause injury to you When using the extinguisher stay as far away from the fire as possible Point the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion Do not aim the extinguisher at the flames Position yourself upwind Let the wind carry the extinguisher to the fire rather than carrying the flames to you
210. kid resistant tread is in good operating condition and the stairs themselves are not bent or rusting Some stairwells are lighted If this is the case the lens cover should not be broken Make sure if a light is present it operates correctly 3 Check the Handrail This item is required in a school bus and it should be secure and undamaged This is of particular importance so it does not snag a student s clothing and drag them if the bus is in motion Passenger Compartment A walk through examination of the passenger compartment should be completed next You should examine seats to ensure they are secure to the floor with no broken parts and the condition of the upholstery is adequate This includes making sure the seat bottoms are secure on the way down the aisle and also check for vandalism Correct any problems if possible and report any hazardous conditions to your supervisor Also be sure the compartment is free of clutter or trash which could cause a student to slip or fall At the end of the walk through be sure the emergency door s is unlocked and opens and closes properly and the warning buzzer works properly While the door s must be shut to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from entering it must not be locked at any time during operation of the bus In addition the door and aisle should never be blocked The rear emergency door and side emergency door exits must open and close properly from outside the bus When you walk throug
211. l forward from the stopped position to a point where the driver has a clear view of approaching traffic The driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute a hazard during the time when the driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways and enter the intersection when it is safe to do so F 24 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving Simply put you must completely stop at every intersection where there is a stop sign for your lane of traffic Stop at the stop line or four feet in advance of the crosswalk If neither are there stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection Enter only when you have the best line of sight and can move the bus without interfering with the movement of another vehicle Before proceeding you should look in all directions at least twice to check for approaching traffic If the intersection is clear proceed to move ahead or turn with caution Regulated Intersection Traffic Signals Approach each traffic signal expecting it could change color at any moment Always obey the color of the traffic signal Red light Stop completely at the stop line and wait for the green light before proceeding Consult your district guidelines and procedures regarding making the
212. l drivers You can t rush and drive cautiously at the same time Establish a pattern for driving cautiously and stick with it late or not Drive according to the motto Safety first schedule second Plan your schedule so you always have plenty of time F 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving DRIVER CONDITIONS Human factors refer to people and the things they do or fail to do that can cause a crash Human factors cover drivers whose attention is distracted are tired or ill and may have taken medication that makes them drowsy or use alcohol or drugs Age also affects a driver s ability to be safe on the roadway For example older drivers often have vision problems at night while younger drivers tend to take more risks on the road Therefore you must be mentally and physically prepared to drive every minute of every trip Your general attitude toward driving whether you look upon driving a school bus as a privilege and high responsibility or as a chore to be done in as little time and with as little effort as possible will determine more than anything else your safety record Some temporary conditions such as anger worry or fear can take your mind off of the road A tendency to daydream can be just as dangerous because driving requires concentration at all times Before operating a school bus take mental stock of yourself Are you mentally and physically ready to drive Safe drivers are awa
213. ld be demoralizing SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS You as a school bus driver are the eyes ears and protectors of your communities the same as the Neighborhood Watch Program You know your routes and know what is usual and unusual Therefore you need to be informed on how to react in security related situations 1 2 Learn state and school district security guidelines Be aware of suspicious activity or behavior in areas around school buses school bus facilities and schools Notice and report any unusual conditions of vehicles those belonging to the school district and those vehicles that may enter into parking lots or facilities Pay attention to suspicious people or vehicles in the school bus area outside a school or at school bus stops Be vigilant with respect to strange packages items or substances which are brought on or around school buses Know who your supervisory contacts are in the school district and have their phone numbers immediately available Recognize threats and how to properly handle them Learn emergency operating plans and procedures and stay familiar with the operation of emergency equipment For example remove keys from the ignition when your bus is unattended Inspect your bus whenever you have left it unattended for any length of time and Keep a clean bus CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSPICIOUS ITEMS af ON H 22 Items that are abandoned or hidden in an unusual place Items having leaking gas vapor od
214. le which is a vehicle originally designed to transport 10 or fewer passengers including the driver must be fastened securely in a child safety seat The law also requires children four years of age or older but under eight years of age must be fastened securely in a child booster seat Always follow the child safety seat and child booster seat installation instructions particularly for seating positions that are equipped with a lap belt only Any children transported over the age of eight but less than 18 years of age must be fastened in a seat Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 15 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities belt NOTE The above provisions are for school vehicles not school buses The law is silent regarding school buses on this issue If you are in a situation where you are transporting pre school age children in school buses follow your local school district s policies on this issue and refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration s NHTSA Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre school Age Children in School Buses hitp www nhtsa dot gov Other special equipment you may have to use includes ramps lifts seat belts positioning belts safety vests or harnesses Some students with physical disabilities often use wheelchairs and a general description of the lifts and ramps used to load and unload passengers is presented below The specific procedures for using all speci
215. le bus drivers express their wants and needs in negative ways that may violate the rights of the student While students usually obey a hostile bus driver they may become afraid of you and act more aggressively when threatened If you find yourself yelling constantly threatening students and not following up or using physical force you are acting in a hostile way which is not appropriate for a school bus operator ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE Assertive discipline creates a positive environment in which the needs of you and your students are met It creates a balance between the rights of each person and a balance between the limits you place on students and the support you show for students Because of this the students trust and respect you Canter 1976 1993 Assertive bus drivers are neither hostile nor passive They clearly state their needs and back up their statements with appropriate actions Assertive drivers have a positive outlook and believe in their abilities They communicate effectively and plan how to respond with actions They are persistent and quick to respond in a meaningful way operating in a take charge manner but aware of the support needed by each individual child To summarize assertive bus drivers Are the boss on the bus Say what they mean and mean what they say Clearly and firmly tell students exactly how they want them to behave Stay calm and use a normal tone of voice Have a plan of action when s
216. les and exits clear of baggage and equipment Carry emergency phone numbers for school personnel Know what to do and who to call if you break down or have an emergency o Noc PF WO DY Communicate with the person in charge of the trip a Get the name of the person in charge and their cell phone number Give the person in charge your name and cell phone number Agree on loading and unloading places and times Make sure you and the person in charge know how to get in touch with each other 229 y Make sure the person in charge knows where the bus will be parked G 6 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus STARTING AND OPERATING A DIESEL VEHICLE Guidelines for starting and driving your diesel bus as well as proper gear shifting techniques are detailed in The Commercial Driver s Manual Publication 223 Refer to this manual when practicing and refining your techniques Keep in mind that smoothness in driving is one key to safe driving and good relations with your students Gear shifting requires knowledge skills and practice You must learn the best range of speed for changing gears upward and downward and you must shift gears without losing your view of the road Over the course of your driving experiences you may be required to shift gears in vehicles with standard transmissions and vehicles with automatic transmissions No matter what transmission type you have remember to
217. lvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus UNIT G FUNDAMENTALS OF DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS INTRODUCTION Em bem ee Rem ee m RR RR ee ARR e Den G 3 PREPARING TO DRIVE ooo G 3 Vehicle Types eee rd xe me tee de holed Re RUE bone RH e o Rt dea G 3 Types of School Buses oocccc lehren G 3 Type A Cutaway Van ea nara AA rbd pipi Ferd rud G 3 Type B ntegrated hue A ii G 3 Type G Conventional deep Cim sc eR enses Cohen PPP enu eet G 3 Type D fransit Type cs sumere RE RR RAE ERR eR EXE mA ERR ERAS ENTZM G 4 Reference Point Driving lt j sa sen cage a A a Rr da UR exert m DER G 4 KNOW YOUR ROUTE occ G 5 FIELD TRIP ATHLETIC TRIPCONCERNS s esses hn G 5 STARTING AND OPERATING A DIESEL VEHICLE lssssssseese enn G 7 Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act Act 124 of 2008 0 cee eee G 7 Pedal Misapplication lisse hh G 7 STEERING AND TURNING YOUR BUS 0 0 naaa lh hh G 8 Steering Techniques ie CIMA E DNTIBed iut G 8 T rning Procedures 4345 es LL ELO LRL DOES G 8 Rounding Curves ooo G 8 Making Left and Right Tums o ooooccocoo hh mr G 9 Left Turn Procedures miii a fia A A mei epu uU EUR RR SERES G 9 Right Turn Procedures 6 0 ce hh mr G 10 BACKING 2 i peccat eit edptn aed a male die to ek n ese Metu a natant ta dae G 11 Keep Students on the Bus oooccccccc hh hh rh G 11 Back and Turn Toward
218. lways call your dispatcher and 911 for emergency medical help Without proper training and splint materials your options are limited until further help arrives Since fractures are not generally life threatening you have time to take control of the situation and to keep it from worsening The basic objective of fracture care is to prevent the movement of joints above and below a fracture site In most cases you don t need splint materials to accomplish this as long as you do not have to move the injured person If help is on the way and the injured person is in a safe location there is no immediate threat to life and no reason to move them If there is great urgency to move an injured student as in the case of a fire drag them along the long axis of their body Pull the student by their outstretched hands or shoulders If possible place the injured person on a coat or blanket to make dragging him or her easier Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 1 7 UNIT I Student Emergencies Allergic Reaction Bites and Stings Bites and stings are treated as ingested poisons and can result in allergic reactions Snakes bees spiders and wasps are some of the creatures that can bite or sting a student These bites and stings can sometimes cause violent reactions in some students who may be allergic to them 1 Signs and symptoms Puncture marks e Difficulty swallowing and speaking Anxiety Blurred vision Pale cool skin w
219. m s Protect the scene Protect the students and the bus from further crashes and injuries by placing warning devices to warn other drivers and evacuate the bus if necessary or both Protect the scene from traffic and people so evidence is not destroyed Cooperate with the crash investigation After you have handled all potential dangers to your passengers cooperate with officials investigating the crash You should ONLY discuss the facts of the crash with those officially concerned police school officials insurance personnel Do not discuss the crash with other motorists or passers by Be patient evaluate questions and give clear and concise answers to any questions asked by officials Only respond to the questions asked don t add your own opinion State law requires you to carry a list of every student passenger s name on the bus in case of a crash or emergency Provide this information along with any relevant information about the school bus e g make model vehicle number owner insurance information to officials investigating the crash All such information including emergency telephone numbers a seating chart of all passengers if applicable and local directives covering crashes and emergencies should be contained in an emergency packet carried on the bus Contact your insurance carrier to obtain a proper packet A driver involved in a crash is required to give his or her own name address driver s license number and o
220. made This clearance must be maintained in order to prevent the throw out bearing from turning On most equipment clearance should be approximately 1 to 1 inches Due to normal wear of the clutch clearance decreases gradually The clutch should be adjusted frequently to maintain freeplay Alert your supervisor or mechanic if the clutch needs to be adjusted Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 21 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Proper Use of the Brakes Brakes are another commonly abused vehicle component You can extend brake life if you follow a few pointers By watching the traffic ahead you can observe when you may have to stop slow the bus by letting up on the gas pedal prior to the stop so the brakes will be used lightly and only for a short time You can use the engine s braking power to slow the bus prior to making a stop and to control your speed on downgrades When stopping apply the brakes gently whenever possible and ease up on pedal pressure as speed drops so you are using very light pressure at the end of the stop Do not Disengage the clutch until the bus has almost stopped and Brake quickly or harshly or for extended periods of time on downgrades Both of these actions cause excessive brake heat and shorten brake life and braking effectiveness Delayed braking can result in abrupt stops and ultimately in crashes For buses with automatic transmissions refer to the section on shifting procedures in Unit
221. may begin to take the road for granted But conditions change rapidly potholes develop during the spring thaw grades can wash away shoulders can become soft railroad crossing approaches appear different depending on the time of day loose gravel can accumulate and slick spots can develop through accumulations of snow and ice or oil deposits Conditions are different each day and you must be alert to detect these changes so as not to be caught unaware Road conditions do not generally cause crashes by themselves However crashes related to road conditions often occur because drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior to road conditions Your responsibility is to be ready for changing conditions anticipate problems and adjust your driving behavior to match conditions SCANNING AHEAD To be a safe driver you need to know what s going on all around your vehicle All drivers must scan ahead and search for potential conflicts or hazardous conditions Use a systematic search pattern and efficient eye scanning habits to identify conflict situations To properly scan ahead Have a clean windshield and properly adjusted mirrors Develop the habit of scanning 360 degrees around the bus front sides and rear Don t stare too long at a particular object as you will be less aware of clues from your larger field of indirect vision and Focus farther ahead as your speed increases and slow down if your view becomes limited by hills or curves F
222. mentioned earlier some students with disabilities outlined below will require specialized transportation services often involving different types of vehicles and procedures At the same time some students with disabilities will be included in general education transportation so you need to be aware of any unique guidelines or specialized procedures that are required Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 5 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities AUTISM IDEIA defines autism as a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non verbal communication and social interaction generally evident before age three adversely affecting a child s educational performance Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines and unusual responses to sensory experiences Autism spectrum disorders are viewed on a continuum Students with severe autism may be nonverbal and often have mental retardation as a co existing condition while students with milder symptoms may have some social skills deficits and a limited range of interests Some students with autism may be included in general education transportation while others may require specialized services Behaviors that may be evident in students who are autistic include Indifference to other people Students with autism sometimes trea
223. mination Certificate The current vehicle registration card for the bus being driven and A valid insurance card or proof of financial responsibility for the bus being driven A 12 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements COMPLETION OF REPORT FORM You the school bus driver will be asked to sign the School Bus Driver s Training Report Form DL 714 verifying the minimum training requirements have been met PLEASE NOTE Your signature on the Training Report Form certifies under penalty of law that the information contained on the form is true and correct WARNING Falsification to authorities is a misdemeanor of the third degree and is punishable by a fine of up to 2 500 and or imprisonment up to one year IF YOU ARE NOT GIVEN THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF TRAINING HOURS OR YOUR IN BUS TRAINING WASN T ONE ON ONE DO NOT SIGN THE TRAINING REPORT FORM You may contact PennDOT s Special Driver Programs Unit at 717 787 6453 or ra pdschoolbushelp state pa us if you have any concerns associated with your school bus driver training The safety of school children is the main concern of PennDOT Compliance with every aspect of the School Bus Driver Training Program is essential to the safety of school children ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION To maintain a valid School Bus Endorsement you must pass an annual physical examination given by either your phys
224. n 167 of Title 67 Older buses may be equipped with round reflectors red flags or flares which should be placed according to the procedures given below for reflectors see Figure H 6 Use of flares is not recommended unless placed by first responders 1 First Reflector Place the first reflector along the roadway side of the bus within 10 feet of the front or rear corner to mark the location of the bus 2 Second Reflector Place the second reflector about 100 feet behind the bus on the shoulder or lane you are stopped in If there is a hill or curve preventing oncoming traffic from seeing the bus place the reflector up to 500 feet behind the bus 3 Third Reflector Place the third reflector about 100 feet in front of the bus again using greater distances if conditions warrant Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 19 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures PRY BAR The pry bar is located close to the driver s compartment as per Section 171 65 of Title 67 Use it to pry open doors windows or other parts in the event of a crash where damage to the vehicle prevents easy exit by normal means FIRE EXTINGUISHER A portable fire extinguisher must be located in an accessible location in the driver s compartment of every school bus as per Section 171 51 of Title 67 Fire extinguishers work by either cooling the burning substance or by cutting off the supply of oxygen to it Before using a fire extinguisher ma
225. n Bus Problems when Loading and Unloading illl B 13 ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE rysa 7 rre b PX ja a e aa tbe B 13 Non Assertive DiSCipliNe ooooooooocoorror eee B 14 Hostile Disclpline uu sese ada mara a ta Webea ME Ie ESQ pr B 14 Assertive Discipline 5 soe A PES B 14 GANG AWARENESS 0cccccccc ete eee B 15 Gangs and the Bus Driver 000 c etn eee B 16 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT ON THE SCHOOL BUS 0000 0 cee eee B 16 Description of Harassment and Bullying 0 cee tees B 17 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and or Neglect 0000 c cece teas B 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 1 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline UNIT B STUDENT MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE INTRODUCTION This unit is a general guide to help you manage student passengers General guidelines are presented which you may need to adapt to meet the specific local policies approved by your school district s board of directors In disciplinary cases always follow written school district policy The person ultimately responsible to discipline students is the school principal You the driver are often the first contact children have outside their homes every day Your attitude toward them may set the stage for their conduct for the remainder of the day Your words and actions can have a tremendous influence Students are affected by what they experience while they are traveling to and from sc
226. n an open straight section of highway can cause an unprepared driver to lose control of the bus Passing large vehicles also may expose you to a sudden burst of a crosswind Large vehicles can cause drafts be careful when driving near them on the open highway HIGHWAY HAZARDS The shape surface and roadside conditions of the highways you drive on each day can cause potential hazards Whether you drive on major highways country roads city streets or some combination of these you must be prepared for potential hazards arising from these conditions You should be able to identify potential hazards arising out of the interaction between vehicles and highway Any point in the highway where drivers are confronted with decisions represents a potential point of conflict For example a vehicle starting to exit from a freeway may suddenly return to the freeway or drivers unfamiliar with route signs may be in the wrong lane and change lanes suddenly as two major routes split A point where the highway becomes narrower also represents a potential source of conflict At points where four lanes become two other vehicles may change lanes suddenly Road Geometry The geometry of a highway describes features that affect or relate to its operational quality and safety These features which are visible to the driver and affect driving performance include roadway curvature intersections and interchanges number of lanes and lane width presence of shoulders a
227. n one in bus instruction If you are recertifying to maintain your license you will receive a minimum of seven hours of classroom training and three hours of one on one in bus instruction If you are not given the minimum number of training hours do not sign the Training Report Form DL 714 You may contact PennDOT s Special Driver Programs Unit at 717 787 6453 or ra pdschoolbushelpOstate pa us if you have any concerns associated with your school bus driver training Your employer may also provide you with additional training on the policies and procedures of the school district in which you will be working Some of what you learn in this training might need to be adjusted to comply with your company s policies For instance in classroom training you might be instructed to notify a mechanic if you discover something wrong with your bus during a pre trip inspection Your company might require that mechanical complaints be reported to the dispatcher who notifies the mechanic You should follow local policies and procedures as long as they don t violate state laws or regulations Bring those to your employer s attention A 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The school bus driver plays an important role in the educational system The role includes a number of responsibilities the driver must willingly accept YOUR ROLE
228. n the road Slow down in poor driving conditions and 5 Check your blind spot Make a visual check for motorcycles in your mirrors and check your blind spot before changing lanes CONTROLLING SPEED Driving too fast is a significant cause of crashes Pennsylvania school bus crash data indicates speeding and tailgating are listed as factors in 18 percent of crashes involving school buses as the prime vehicle In addition the highest fatality rates for school bus incidents were associated with crashes involving the combination of speeding and other improper driving action and driving on the wrong side of the road often associated with speeding Not surprisingly the highest rate of injury in school bus crashes involved crashes where drivers were speeding and distracted and speeding and tailgating The common theme here is speeding You must adjust your speed depending on driving conditions These include traction curves visibility traffic weather conditions and hills Data shows school bus drivers in crashes were more likely to have speeding indicated as a factor during adverse weather conditions than if there were no adverse conditions You must make adjustments when you drive different conditions require different techniques Similarly bus drivers in rear end crashes are significantly more likely to be noted as tailgating Rear end collisions involving a bus tend to be associated with a high number of injuries per crash You must drive
229. nable to manage the entire scene You need to learn procedures that will enable you to do the following Control hazards at the scene Evaluate injuries or illnesses Enlist the help of others Contact the emergency medical services system in your area Maintain control of non injured students during the crisis and Control access to your students Release students only to authorized persons Keep students at the scene until evaluated While this unit provides a basic overview of emergency care procedures local guidelines and procedures should always be followed 1 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies MEDICAL LIABILITY THE GOOD SAMARITAN ACT Anyone who gives First Aid should be concerned about their liability when emergency care is necessary The basic legal principle which most directly applies to you as a bus driver is the Good Samaritan concept In Pennsylvania and many other states specific legislation has been passed to provide first aiders with an exclusion from civil liability A copy of Pennsylvania s Good Samaritan Act is reprinted here for your reference Figure I 1 Pennsylvania Good Samaritan Act PENNSYLVANIA GOOD SAMARITAN ACT PUBLIC LAW 697 NUMBER 122 Section 8332 Nonmedical good Samaritan civil immunity a General Rule Any person who renders emergency care first aid or rescue at the scene of an emergency or moves the person receiving such care
230. nd Listen attentively and repeat back what you think was said Keep your manner of responding encouraging rather than correcting and be patient Watch a student s reaction to your response It will help you know whether the message has been communicated If you still don t understand the student ask a peer to help or ask a series of short questions that require yes or no answers It may be helpful to use an alternative means of communication such as a pen and paper TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY TBI Some students have acquired injury to the brain resulting in total or partial functional disability including impairments in one or more areas such as cognition language memory attention reasoning abstract thinking judgment problem solving sensory perceptual and motor abilities psychosocial behavior physical functions information processing or speech Participation in regular transportation will be dependent on the level of impairment Students with TBI may exhibit the following characteristics Reduced physical stamina Possible seizures or headaches Possible hearing or vision problems Easily confused Susceptible to mood swings and ssues with social skills Remember to be consistent and review the rules of the bus often Be clear with your expectations You may find it helpful to contact the classroom teacher to ascertain what is working for the student during the school day D 12 Pennsylvania School Bus D
231. nd curbs channelization and medians and other miscellaneous elements like driveways and bridges As a driver pay attention to the shape of the road and the potential for unseen hazards around curves over hills or in dips By scanning the road ahead and watching and heeding road signs and pavement markings good drivers can detect and plan ahead for such roadway geometric changes by slowing down to get a better view When entering a curve or down shifting for a long downgrade increase your following distance and travel at a reduced speed Reduce speed and keep to the right when approaching the crest of hills and at highway dips Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 23 UNIT F Safe Driving Intersections and Right of Way School buses often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect and thus interfere with each other s routes This occurs at points where roads and streets join meet or cross intersections Pennsylvania school bus crash data indicate over 60 percent of crashes school bus the prime unit occurred at intersections One factor that might explain this is navigating through an intersection requires careful driving technique and experience especially in a larger vehicle like a school bus Another fact is simply there are many conflict points at an intersection so your exposure is much higher Intersections can be different sizes and shapes depend
232. nd of your routes Work with your school district to have a readily available emergency contact list in case of an emergency and ensure your communication system is operational Avoid negative verbal interactions such as sarcasm as these are not effective tools for student management Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 3 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline STUDENT SEATING PLANS Check with your school district regarding the use of seating charts in your bus It may be a good policy to establish and use seating charts for morning and evening runs when possible These charts are helpful in controlling student behavior and assist you in getting to know the students names This is particularly useful for elementary age students Seating charts are especially helpful for a substitute driver and during an emergency Some things to consider when developing a seating plan 1 Your route and the order in which students are loaded and unloaded at home and at school 2 The medical conditions of the students Keep in mind that you might not know this information Otherwise consider the following a e Students who are medically fragile or vulnerable and who need to sit further front where there is less bounce Students who are prone to seizures in certain light conditions Younger students and those in child safety seats who need to sit in the first few seats Students with respiratory conditions who need to
233. nd side windows while monitoring other traffic through the side mirrors When the bus is in motion your attention is focused less on the cross view mirrors and more on the road in front of the bus Your view must alternate between the front window of the bus the side mirrors the rearview mirror if present the interior of the bus and the dashboard While looking at each of these in a systematic order it is important you always remember to check everything More attention is needed on areas more critical for student s safety It may be helpful to follow the guidelines presented in the following table for how often you should check things TABLE F 2 Attention and Monitoring Guidelines How Often While Driving At a Bus Stop Side mirrors crossover mirrors road Constantly Other traffic road in front in front and to the side of the bus of the bus students loading the bus Side mirrows rearview mirrors Frequently interior of the bus area near road for pedestrians Interior of the bus surrounding area Speedometer Control on dashboard controls on dashboard Occasionally Watching all of your mirrors controls and surroundings is a lot to remember Distractions while driving can affect your attention The most common thing that will distract your attention is the students riding the bus Be prepared for this and be sure to know the guidelines for managing students discussed in Unit B The road conditions also
234. nder the bus being run over by the left rear duals A student was exiting her bus after dark at her bus stop An oncoming vehicle failed to stop for the flashing school bus lights and struck her with the left front bumper There was no evidence the driver applied the brakes The student a 5 year old female died without regaining consciousness A 5 year old female student was run over and killed by the left rear wheels of her school bus after she had exited the bus A 6 year old male student unexpectedly ran back toward the school bus after he had been discharged from the bus and was struck and killed beneath the left front wheels of the bus A student arrived at his bus stop early and decided to cross the road to a store on the opposite side of the road When the student came out of the store he saw the school bus approaching his stop and was in a hurry to get back to the bus stop As the 9 year old male ran across the roadway in the direction of his stop he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle A student and his brother missed their bus at the assigned bus stop location The students went to their old bus stop which had been declared unsafe due to sight distance The bus driver had been instructed by dispatch not to pick up the student at the old location As the school bus driver was coming up the road the two students were in the roadway attempting to stop the bus The school bus driver opened her driver s window to tell the student
235. nditions other than a crash Hazardous Materials Identify any chemicals vapors or other toxic substances which present a danger to you and the others involved Refer to Unit E on Preventive Maintenance which identify a few of these materials found in the engine compartment Unsafe Site If an injury or crash occurs be sure to park the bus in the safest position possible to avoid another crash If at all possible get the bus off of the roadway and Distractions If other circumstances don t prevent it keep all passengers on the bus to make it easier to control them 1 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies Obtaining Emergency Medical Assistance Once hazards have been identified and controlled to the best extent you need to get an idea of the nature of the crash a rough estimate of how many students or others are injured and the relative seriousness of their injuries You should do this quickly and call for help so it can get to the scene as soon as possible Just about every school bus should be equipped with a two way radio and most likely there will be a cellular phone in your bus your own or a student s You may need to use these to call for ambulance rescue fire or police services If you don t have one of these in your bus or if they have been damaged in a crash or if you are in a dead spot with no service calling for help can be more difficult Who is going to make th
236. ned in previous units driving factors such as light weather road traffic vehicle and drivers are not usually all adverse at the same time they come at the driver in groups Weather conditions affect the amount of light available and the condition of the road Light especially too much light can irritate a driver and traffic conditions can do the same Weather can affect traffic slowing it down and making it more congested Weather can affect vehicles as well with the possibility of overheating in summer heat or having brittle parts break in the cold of winter The school bus driver who adjusts his speed to adverse conditions inspects the bus keeps his bus in top mechanical condition and remains alert and ready has a better chance of remaining safe As a safe driver you will be able to avoid most potentially dangerous situations through good driving habits use of safety equipment and proper observation However you may find yourself confronted with one of these five emergency driving conditions Skid Tire blowout Loss of brakes Sudden loss of visibility or Objects pedestrians and obstructions in the path of the bus Under these conditions you must know what emergency driving techniques to use Your responses must become automatic you will not have much time to think about what you should do The procedures in this unit are last ditch measures to prevent a crash if at all possible SKID CONTROL AND RECOVE
237. ng Distance It is important to note that for buses equipped with air brakes there is additional brake lag distance to account for This makes the formula Perception Distance Reaction Distance Braking Distance Brake Lag Distance Total Stopping Distance Briefly these components are Perception Distance The distance your vehicle travels from the moment your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it For an alert driver that moment occurs in about three fourths of a second The distance traveled in that three fourths of a second varies directly with the vehicle s speed of travel For example a vehicle moving at 55 miles per hour travels about 60 feet in three fourths of a second Therefore the average perception distance for an alert driver moving at 55 mile per hour is 60 feet Reaction Distance The distance traveled from the time your brain decides what to do and tells your foot to move from the accelerator until your foot pushes the brake pedal The average alert driver has a reaction time of about three fourths of a second which also translates to 60 feet at 55 mph Braking Distance The distance it takes to stop once you have pressed the brake pedal and engaged the brakes Assuming good brakes in normal driving conditions dry pavement level roadway etc a bus moving at 55 mph usually will require about 170 feet of braking distance over 4 and a half seconds Brake Lag Distance For vehicles with air brakes
238. ng if the bus will fit on a street in a parking area One way streets Fueling Tolls Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 5 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus Parking areas Loading unloading areas Food and rest room availability Security of area to park bus Weather Chaperones Discipline Medical problems and first aid Terrain Nighttime driving Directions Low clearance Weight limit on bridges Laws in other states and Break downs If you are traveling out of state make sure you have the proper credentials This includes that you be at least 21 years of age have the U S DOT physical if employed by a contractor and carry your log book if applicable Here are some steps to help you be prepared for the field trip athletic trip 1 Become familiar with the route a Lookat a map take a map with you ask other drivers who have previously made the trip b Drive the route in a car prior to the trip c Find out if there are any detours or closed roads You can call 511 which allows you to instantly access updated road and weather conditions traffic information and construction reports for specific routes regions and cities Also refer to www 511pa com d Planan alternate route Know where parking is and ensure it is secure Have a full tank of fuel Make sure you cover the emergency evacuation procedures with students and chaperones Keep ais
239. nia School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 David Lutz Director of Transportation Coalico School District Denver Pa Selina Pittenger Executive Director Pennsylvania School Bus Association PSBA Camp Hill Pa Craig Poles Coordinator of Driver Training and Certification School District of Philadelphia Philadelphia Pa Dave Schlotter Director of Safety and Operations Brightbill Transportation Inc Lebanon Pa Gail Wolfel Supervisor of Transportation Services Unionville Chadds Ford School District Kennett Square Pa David Yarian Director of Transportation Derry Township School District Hershey Pa Special thanks go to the following individuals for their outside review and comment on specific units or input into various legal or enforcement issues Barbara Schaefer Ph D College of Education Pennsylvania State University Units B and D Shirley Woika Ph D College of Education Pennsylvania State University Unit D Kristie Kaufman M D Center Medical and Surgical Associates Pediatrics Unit I Brian Newcomb M D Mt Nittany Medical Center Emergency Medicine Unit I Edward Miller Lower Moreland Police Department Montgomery County John Collins Upper Merion Police Department Montgomery County Kathy Strotmeyer Pennsylvania Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics ii Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 TABLE OF CONTENTS UNITA THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
240. nication to what is not acceptable and what must occur to remedy the situation Suggest an action that can be performed successfully 5 Before you specify related consequences be sure they are supported by existing policy and the school principal you are willing to follow through and THEY ARE WITHIN YOUR POWER TO INITIATE 6 Once you are sure you are on firm and acceptable ground and you have committed yourself THEN relay the consequences You cannot afford to initiate hollow consequences You must take the action you have indicated This emphasizes the point made in Unit A regarding your relationship with your transportation director supervisor and with the school principal 7 Don tforget to inform your supervisor as soon as possible after any confrontation Make sure you document the incident children involved and actions taken so a record is on file If these steps don t work radio the supervisor or dispatcher don t start the bus until you get a response NEVER ask or send students to telephone school officials You are responsible for all students keep them on the bus If you are near the school you also might consider turning the bus around and driving back to the school Never order any student off of the bus Always call for assistance and be prepared if there is not a response A call to the local police is not out of the question if the violator s are creating a hazardous situation which would make transporting the students uns
241. nistration in 49 CFR 392 80 and 392 82 and have been adopted in their entirety in Pennsylvania through 67 Pa Code 231 In summary at times when the distractions are the greatest you will need to find ways to maintain your concentration Listed below are a few suggestions that may help Your own methods for keeping your mind on safe driving or methods you learn from other drivers may work just as well Observe traffic defensively always be on the lookout for what the other driver might do Visualize the route and what you are going to do Make a concentrated effort to keep extra space between you and the vehicle ahead of you Have a systematic pattern of mirror checks you always follow Keep watch to maintain a safety circle around the bus Remind yourself of the responsibility you have transporting students Drive mindfully not mindlessly keep tuned in to the bus all the sounds it makes and how it feels Count the students as they get off the bus and watch where they all go Make sure the same number reach safe zones before proceeding and Do not talk text on your cell phone while driving VEHICLE CONDITIONS You must be aware of vehicle conditions before driving and constantly monitor your vehicle as you drive This is discussed in detail in Unit E Identifying a problem with your vehicle quickly can prevent a failure which can result in a crash PRE TRIP CONDITIONS The purpose of a pre trip inspection is to identi
242. nsafely Workers and construction vehicles may get in the way Drive slowly and carefully near work zones Use your four way flashers or brake lights to warn drivers behind you There should be traffic control devices to help you navigate through work zones These devices are typically repetitive in nature especially signing practices For example in a typical road work sign series the first sign ROAD WORK AHEAD is a general warning to motorists The second sign ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD alerts drivers what exactly they should expect The third sign FLAGGER AHEAD tells what they need to do Motorcycles One vehicle you should pay particular attention to is the motorcycle They are smaller and more narrow than a car can be hard to see and can hide in a blind spot Keep these simple rules in mind Look for motorcycles then look again Look twice at intersections especially when turning left 2 Respect motorcyclists rights Motorcycles have all the privileges of any vehicle on the road Give motorcycles a full lane and treat them with courtesy and respect 3 Anticipate a motorcyclist s maneuvers Motorcyclists may change lane positions in response to road conditions weather or other factors Anticipate evasive actions Small objects in a road you may not need to avoid in a bus may require evasive action by a motorcycle 4 Allow plenty of following distance Allow an extra second of following distance and room to respond to conditions o
243. nt medical conditions When possible inform substitute drivers of any medical problems of students on your route but keep confidentiality in mind Work with your supervisor regarding the release of information FIRST AID EQUIPMENT First aid supplies and equipment are important in providing the best care possible Remember to follow your local school district procedures and guidelines regarding administering first aid on your school bus FIRST AID KIT The First Aid Kit on your bus should be removable and supplied with anything you might need in an emergency The contents of your First Aid Kit may vary according to local procedures and guidelines however current state regulations Section 171 52 of Title 67 require that the First Aid Kit on a school bus must contain at least 10 items including 1 Two 1 inch x 2 1 2 yard rolls of non latex adhesive Figure l 2 First Aid Kit tape 24 sterile gauze pads 3 inches x 3 inches 100 3 4 inch x 3 inches adhesive bandages Eight 2 inch bandage compresses Ten 3 inch bandage compresses Two 2 inches x 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages OY Ol Pe so DS Two non sterile triangular bandages approximately 40 inches x 36 inches x 54 inches with two safety pins 1 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies 8 Three sterile gauze pads 36 inches x 36 inches 9 Three sterile eye pads 10 One pair rounded end scissors In additi
244. o acknowledge the driver has reviewed it and there is a certification the required repairs have been performed The signature requirement does not apply to listed defects on a towed unit which is no longer part of the vehicle combination There are also specific federal requirements for post trip inspection in 49 CFR Section 396 11 Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports as discussed later in this unit Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 3 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance 1 VEHICLE OVERVIEW As you approach the vehicle note its general condition and look for damage or whether the vehicle is leaning to one side Look under the vehicle for fluid which may be fresh indicating oil coolant grease or fuel leaks If any of these are noted contact your supervisor or maintenance professional Recognize what items are critical to operating a bus safely If the fluid is condensation from the air conditioner there is no need to report a problem but if it is a fuel leak the bus should be immediately removed from service until the problem is repaired Also check the area around the vehicle above and below for hazards to vehicle movement people other vehicles objects low hanging wires or limbs etc This is of particular importance for homeland security issues If your vehicle has recently been in for service pay particular attention to the problem areas to determine whether they have been adequately repaired Review the
245. o Duty After a positive drug and or alcohol test or refusing to take a test the employee applicant shall be referred to a Substance Abuse Professional SAP Following the initial assessment the SAP will recommend a treatment unique to that individual If your employer does not have a Zero Tolerance Policy and allows an employee to return to duty following a positive test and subsequent evaluation and treatment the SAP will recommend a return to duty test when the employee has successfully completed treatment and is no longer a concern to safety 6 Follow Up Testing After completing a return to duty test follow up testing will be performed for a period of one to five years with a minimum of six unannounced tests conducted during the first year The number and frequency of tests beyond the minimums is set by the SAP based on his her evaluation of the employee Follow up testing is separate and in addition to any other testing Positive Test or Refusing to Take a Test A drug or alcohol test is considered positive if the individual is found to have a quantifiable presence of a prohibited substance in the body above the minimum thresholds defined in 49 CFR Part 40 Any applicant or employee who tested positive or refused to take a drug or alcohol test must have a negative return to duty test and be evaluated and released by a SAP before returning to safety sensitive work There is no requirement the company pays for this treatment or schedules th
246. o fast Lower gears allow engine compression and friction to help slow the vehicle This is true whether you have an automatic transmission or a manual transmission Be in the Right Gear Before Starting Downhill If you have a large vehicle with a manual transmission don t wait until you have started down the hill to shift down You might get hung up in neutral and lose the benefit of engine braking You would find yourself coasting which would be illegal and dangerous YOU MAY HAVE TO USE LOWER GEARS GOING DOWN A HILL THAN WOULD BE REQUIRED TO GO UP THE HILL With older buses a rule for choosing gears is to use the same gear going down a hill you would need to climb up the hill However new buses have low friction parts and streamlined shapes for fuel economy They may also have more powerful engines This means they can go up hills in higher gears and have less friction and air drag to hold them back going down hills Find out what is right for your bus Be Observant When Going Downhill As your bus moves down the grade continue checking traffic in all directions and stay in the right most lane Don t forget to increase your following distance Based on your observations of existing conditions select a safe speed for going downhill based on the weight of your bus length and steepness of grade weather and road conditions To maintain that speed refer to the braking section below Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 23
247. oblems bus conditions highway conditions and changing pick up discharge conditions Submit required forms and reports on time Report any and all crashes or incidents whether or not damage is apparent including crashes with property pedestrians vehicles animals and passengers Also report those crashes near but not involving your bus Be helpful assisting others in pre trip inspections and in school bus loading and unloading zones Comply with your school district regulations regarding the number of chaperons that accompany students on various school activities Never change a bus stop or route without permission from your supervisor Maintain a positive attitude and Help out with conditions such as routine overload route adjustments equipment repair loading stop adjustments and other areas of student safety The Transportation Director Your Supervisor You should consider your transportation director or supervisor as your adviser and partner in working with students on your bus especially when working through discipline problems The transportation director supervisor should be informed of any significant problems that arise In many larger schools the day to day responsibilities of the transportation director are delegated to a transportation area coordinator or other supervisor The transportation director supervisor is often responsible for 1 af oO DN A 6 Assigning drivers to buses Establishing bus r
248. of Assistance Needed The level of assistance required by a student is influenced by the student s age size sensory skills e g vision hearing communication skills level of intelligence and social emotional factors 3 Seating Seating decisions are generally based on the student s level of functioning Students with limited trunk strength may require a seat belt or vest to provide additional support while on a moving bus Students with visual impairments are likely to require an assigned seat they can independently locate Students with significant intellectual limitations may require assistance to find their seats Students with seizure disorders may need to be seated where they can be monitored and where lighting can be controlled Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 13 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities 4 Special Adaptive and Assistive Equipment Seat belts vests harnesses and wheelchair securement devices must be properly used It is important to consult with a knowledgeable professional such as a physical therapist school therapist or mobility specialist to ensure any such devices are used properly If a student brings an assistive device on the bus make sure it is properly secured for transport 5 Evacuation When preparing for the possible evacuation of students with disabilities it is essential to have a written plan which pays close attention to the individual needs of students
249. of being struck The 10 foot area immediately around the bus is known as the danger zone because it is the area where children entering and exiting the school bus are at greatest risk of being hit by a motor vehicle or accidentally run over by their bus driver It is shown below in Figure C 1 Figure C 1 School Bus Danger Zone To help alleviate the danger in the loading and unloading area the school bus driver has a number of tools at their disposal Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 C 3 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading EDUCATION Educating children on how to be safe pedestrians is fundamental to school bus safety Beginning with their first step onto a school bus children must learn how to safely arrive at the school bus stop board the bus behave during the bus ride exit the bus and arrive home safely Most of the time children only get this information from the school bus operator If the school bus operator doesn t instruct them on these items chances are no instruction will be received until they get in trouble As a school bus operator not only are you educating the students that ride your bus you must also adequately warn educate other motorists of your actions when loading or unloading students This is accomplished through different devices on the school bus PHYSICAL TOOLS All school buses in Pennsylvania are equipped with a school bus eight way light system This system consists of two amber fla
250. of the size of the vehicle and its acceleration characteristics Check with your contractor or local school district guidelines and procedures Figure G 3 Right Turns RIGHT TURN G 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus BACKING Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle backing is always dangerous even in the best circumstances This is supported by Pennsylvania school bus crash data which indicates backing is a crash cause in over 5 percent of crashes involving school buses as the prime vehicle This seems high considering the number of times backing is required which supports the notion it is a dangerous maneuver Pennsylvania School bus crash data shows backing crashes are four times as likely to occur in clear weather conditions as in adverse weather conditions This may indicate drivers are complacent with this maneuver when weather conditions are good ANY time you have to backup be careful and follow the recommendations below Avoid backing whenever you can and avoid backing a bus from a side road to a main road Unfortunately there may be situations where backing is necessary such as when you are at the end of your route and there is no better designated turn around area or if you get lost on a road and encounter a bridge weight limit If you know of a better area to turn around that would avoid backing talk to your transportation coordinator
251. omatic Slack Adjusters ASAs All airbrake vehicles manufactured since Oct 20 1994 are required to have automatic slack adjusters ASAs ASAs should not have to be manually adjusted except when performing maintenance on the brakes and during the installation of the brake adjusters In a vehicle equipped with ASAs when the pushrod stroke exceeds the legal brake adjustment limit it is an indication a mechanical problem exists in the adjuster itself a problem with the related foundation brake components or the adjuster was improperly installed The manual adjustment of an ASA to bring a brake pushrod stroke within legal limits is generally masking a mechanical problem and is not fixing it Further routine adjustment of most ASAs will likely result in premature wear of the adjuster itself It is recommended when brakes equipped with ASAs are found to be out of adjustment you take the vehicle to a repair facility as soon as possible to have the problem corrected The manual adjustment of an ASA should only be used as a temporary measure to correct the adjustment in an emergency situation as it is likely the brake will soon be back out of adjustment since this procedure usually does not fix the underlying adjustment problem ASAs are made by different manufacturers and do not all operate the same Therefore the manufacturer s service manual for the specific ASA being used should be consulted prior to troubleshooting a brake adjustment problem Once e
252. omes to rest near a body of water or cliff where it could still move and go into the water or over the cliff The location of the bus creates the danger of collision In normal traffic conditions the bus should be visible for a distance of 300 feet or more A position over a hill or around a curve where such visibility does not exist should be considered reason for evacuation see Figure H 2 Bus Submersion or Immersion In the very unlikely event the bus has driven off of the roadway and into a body of water and is submerged or immersed evacuate students out of the nearest most usable exit In all these cases carry out the evacuation as safely as possible H 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures EVACUATION DRILLS In an emergency the students may panic and rush to the exit causing the emergency door to become jammed by everyone trying to get out at the same time So that students know what to expect during an evacuation State law requires each student who is transported in a school bus to participate in emergency evacuation drills in the first week of school and in March of every school year This includes all students even if they may only ride a bus on special trips In fact drills should be conducted more frequently While state law does not require evacuation drills for school vehicles they are highly recommended as a matter of safety preparedness for both students and driver
253. on Drill In the interest of safety all drivers should regularly conduct an emergency evacuation drill through the front door with each bus load of students when they unload at school see Figure H 3 Follow these steps Stop the bus at the normal unloading location or pre selected location on the school grounds Set parking brake turn off engine and remove ignition key 3 In buses with a manual transmission select either the first gear or reverse position In buses with automatic transmissions select either the park position or neutral with the parking brake on 4 Stand open the front door face the students and get their attention 5 Tell them Do what say remain absolutely quiet 6 Then say Front door emergency evacuation drill remain seated 7 Direct two student helpers appointed at the beginning of the year or each month to their positions Assign one helper to lead the students to a designated location away from the bus where the students quietly remain in order Assign the other helper to stay outside the front door to count and assist passengers as they leave 8 Instruct students to leave all belongings such as books and lunch containers on the bus and tell them they can be retrieved after the drill is completed Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 15 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures 9 Turn and face the front of the bus standing between the first row of occupied seats 1
254. on and blurred vision If the bus you are driving has been impacted or intensely jarred it is important to stop the bus in a position of safety ask the students if anyone was hurt and if anyone hit their head during the incident Any time a student indicates to you or a fellow student that they hit their head on the bus call for medical assistance Do not move the student or your bus unless you need to move your bus to a safer location to prevent possible further injury to the student as traumatic brain injury no matter how slight could have serious life altering effects It is extremely important not to ignore instances where a student has hit his or her head while on your bus REPORT ALL INCIDENTS It is critical to report all medical problems which occur on your bus to the proper authorities as dictated by local procedures and guidelines Reporting incidents is important from a liability point of view because students may fail to tell the school nurse or their parents of problems requiring attention Know your students and any pre existing problems which they might have so you may be better prepared to deal with them Careful observation of your students may indicate the presence of medical problems of which you have not been informed While many parents will inform you of their child s medical problems others wish to keep such information confidential Follow local procedures and guidelines when trying to obtain information about stude
255. on to the items above the First Aid Kit or Body Fluid Clean up Kit discussed below must contain 1 One pair of non latex surgical gloves 2 One mouth barrier The kit should be mounted in accordance with manufacturer s instructions in full view and in an accessible place in the driver s compartment Its location should be clearly marked and you should check its contents often The pre trip inspection described in Unit E Preventive Maintenance calls for a daily check of the First Aid Kit It is your responsibility to replace any of the contents immediately after you use them or after noticing something has been removed Consult your supervisor about procedures for obtaining new First Aid supplies BODY FLUID CLEAN UP KIT Every school bus is required to have a removable and moisture proof Body Fluid Clean Up Kit It must be securely placed or mounted in an easily accessible location and labeled as a Body Fluid Clean Up Kit Take all steps to protect yourself from exposure Keep in mind that you are not automatically infected if you are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids the amount needs to be large enough to overcome your immune system If you feel you have been exposed consult a medical professional Figure l 3 Body Fluid Clean Up Kit Cleaning Body Fluid Spills Thorough hand washing is the best tool to prevent the spread of infectious diseases When cleaning up body fluid spills you need to do the following 1
256. ons One method of treating anaphylaxis is injection of epinephrine using an autoinjector Each school district and employer should have their own procedures and guidelines on your role in the use of an autoinjector if you don t know your district employer s procedures and guidelines ask What you CAN do is the following Know all appropriate emergency numbers to call and request an Advanced Life Support Unit if a reaction occurs Use those numbers as quickly as possible if you have not been trained on the use of an autoinjector or it is not within your district s procedures and guidelines for drivers to use them Consider having the food allergic child sit near the driver Enforce the no food on the bus policy f you have received training know which children carry an autoinjector and where they carry it and Consider working with your school district to implement an epinephrine hand off system Some parents pass the epinephrine to the driver who gives it to the school nurse once the bus arrives at school The process is reversed for the ride home in the afternoon CAUTION NOTE Due to the number of hand offs and people involved in this process there is a greater risk of leaving the epinephrine either at school or on the bus 1 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies Anaphylactic shock is somewhat unusual as compared to most other shock conditions you may encounter Most
257. ool Bus Field of View Test All Dimensions in Meters m 3 6 m 12 ft 1 8 m 6 ft eneou o gt e L M e y 4 x 3 m 1 ft 3 6 m 12 ft 1 8 m 6 ft 1 8 m 6 ft E 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors These mirrors are mounted at the left and right front corners of the bus at the side or front of the windshield They are used to monitor traffic check clearances and students on the sides and to the rear of the bus There is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper The blind spot behind the bus could extend up to 400 feet depending on the width of the bus Ensure the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see 200 feet or four bus lengths behind the bus Along the sides of the bus and The rear tires touching the ground Figure E 3 Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FLAT MIRRORS 200 Feet Blind spot can be up to 400 May use in conjunction with the left and right side convex mirrors to obtain the desired visibility Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 9 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors The convex mirrors are located below the outside flat mirrors They are used to monitor the left and right sides at a wide angle They provide a view of traffic clearances
258. or or suspicious substance including excessive grease Any items containing exposed wires or timer Any items having an attached message with a threatening note or suspicious markings and Any canister propane style tank metal box bottle or out of place items Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures SCHOOL BUS SAFETY AND SECURITY CHECKLIST You need to be vigilant when checking the following items in a pre trip inspection or anytime you have left the bus unattended for any length of time ONO Seats Look for lumps bulges damaged upholstery and any suspicious packages on a seat Floor Surface Look for modifications to material unusual thickness Passenger Compartment Smell for strange odors raised floor unusual welds unusual items or excessive weight Exterior Surface Look for missing screws unusual scratches welds signs of tampering or recent paint Undercarriage Look for items taped or attached to the frame or fresh undercoating Engine Compartment Look for odd wires or liquids unusual welds or new tape Tires Look for unusual odor from air valve Fenders Look for unusual thickness IDENTIFYING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR OR ACTIVITIES Suspicious activities are anything you may feel is unusual or out of place In addition pay particular attention to the following Qx OT de NA 8 9 Anyone appearing interested in school facilities vehicles or their sur
259. or how you feel about your students coworkers and position You need to have a positive attitude if you want to be a safe and successful school bus operator who enjoys your work You should like working with and being with students If you don t you will find it hard to keep a positive attitude about your position as a school bus operator You Are a Member of the Safety Team Safety starts with you Perhaps no other area of educational operations demands more responsibility for student welfare than the transportation of students in buses on public highways streets and roads The driver is a very important member of the safety team which includes students parents teachers school administrators and law enforcement officials As a key member of this team you must constantly strive to improve operational safety and efficiency Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 3 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements YOUR RESPONSIBILITES AS A DRIVER As a professional driver you are expected to meet high standards of conduct A school bus driver is more than a professional driver and is expected to meet standards of conduct higher than those of other professional drivers Always conduct yourself in such a manner that your actions on and off duty will not be open to criticism You are a role model for the students and a representative of the school district and your employer Student passengers and their pa
260. or the misdeeds of a few Focus your attention on the students creating the disorder avoid disciplining all of the students when restoring order It is a good rule never to say anything unpleasant to more than one person at a time On the other hand if general bus safety is being threatened by one or more students a driver should point out their misbehavior in front of all bus passengers A case in point is the lighting of matches by students riding the bus Stop the incident immediately in front of the entire busload of students STAY PROFESSIONAL Young people greatly resent any sign of favoritism Avoid being too lenient with normally well behaved students and too harsh toward those who have been causing trouble Never lose your temper In the event of an argument or misunderstanding the less emotion you display the less emotion you will rouse in the student Avoid using threats or physical force Be consistent in your actions Young people tend to test adults to see how far they can go or how much they can get away with doing Deal with this behavior fairly and firmly avoiding harshness or unfriendliness If students know that reasonably good behavior is expected of them at all times on the school bus then you may not have any real disciplinary problems Start out the school year being extremely strict and gradually lessen discipline if bus behavior remains satisfactory Students may also calm down during the course of the year If
261. oriented Be very considerate of their emotional state by providing as quiet and private a recovery environment as possible given the circumstances It is important to manage the other students around them After the seizure always call your dispatcher They will help determine whether further medical treatment is necessary If the student has a history of seizures they may be quite familiar with their own seizures and post seizure behaviors and may be able to help you Fractures Any break or crack in a bone is defined as a fracture While fractures may cause other complications like bleeding and shock any fracture by itself is not a life threatening emergency The location of a fractured bone may complicate other important body functions like breathing When any part of the spine is fractured there is a danger of paralysis as a result of associated spinal cord damage If you see any of the following signs or symptoms suspect the underlying bone might be fractured Pain at the site of injury Pain on movement Swelling Discoloration and Crooked or misaligned bones Remember even if someone can walk on an injured ankle or move an injured arm a bone may still be fractured The only sure way to determine if a bone is fractured is to X ray the area of injury and to have the X ray and the injury evaluated by a physician If you suspect a fracture of a bone which makes it difficult or impossible for the individual to move a
262. ormation on mirror positioning and usage The use of your mirrors will greatly extend the view outside and around the bus For example the side mirrors allow you to see the traffic approaching from behind your bus and those passing you in addition to the surroundings at loading and unloading zones The crossover mirrors also allow a further view in front of the bus most often at a loading or unloading zone Carefully checking and rechecking these mirrors for students that may be in front of the bus during loading or unloading is essential You must be alert to all hazards The key to your defense is timely recognition and avoidance Always try to leave yourself an escape route DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES A roadway condition drivers often encounter is a slippery road surface This may be the result of rain snow ice or even wet leaves or standing water on the roadway Expert drivers can safely control a vehicle on slippery surfaces Also by following proper procedures before during and after your trips you can help keep your vehicle in the best condition to operate as safely as possible on slippery surfaces and maintain control while driving Before Your Trip Start on time but adjust driving to conditions safety first schedule second and Ensure chains are secure for snow and icy conditions if applicable Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 19 UNIT F Safe Driving While on the Road Use windshield wip
263. osely and In bad weather Many car drivers follow large vehicles closely during bad weather especially when it is hard to see the road ahead If you find yourself being tailgated here are some things you can do to reduce the chances of a crash Avoid quick changes If you have to slow down or turn signal early and reduce speed very gradually Increase your following distance Opening up room in front of you will help you avoid having to make sudden speed or direction changes that could surprise the driver behind you Leaving room ahead also makes it easier for the tailgater to get around you Don t speed up It s safer to be tailgated at a low speed than a high speed and Avoid tricks Don t turn on your tail lights or flash your brake lights Follow the suggestions above Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 31 UNIT F Safe Driving STOPPING Stopping a school bus smoothly and within the limits of safety is the sign of an expert driver Good drivers have their vehicles under control at all times and know braking distances increase greatly as speed and vehicle weight increase In addition to knowing the distance required to safely stop their bus under all driving conditions skillful drivers use correct stopping procedures which increase bus life and lower maintenance costs STOPPING DISTANCE Three components comprise total stopping distance Perception Distance Reaction Distance and Braki
264. ould be injured by flying glass or debris and DO NOT USE your radio or cell phone within 300 feet of the timer or device YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR BASED ON STEREOTYPES OF RACE COLOR OR ETHNICITY Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 23 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures HOSTAGE AWARENESS EMOTIONAL STAGES If you find yourself in a hostage situation you need to understand the feelings you will experience 1 Denial It is common for the victim to feel that this can t be this is not happening to me or it is just a joke Belief of immediate rescue Do not mislead yourself by thinking you will be rescued right away It is to your advantage for the situation to take time to resolve There is more of an opportunity for negotiation with the captor which can lead to a peaceful resolution and Loss of immediate reality Make a determined effort to stay focused Avoid the temptation to let your thoughts center around your family loved ones and what might become of them if something should happen to you THINGS TO DO IN A HOSTAGE SITUATION 1 2 Bond with your captor Try to relate to them and build a relationship of understanding and sympathy Be human Do not allow the captor to view you as an object instead of a person Let your captor know you are a father or mother and there are people who depend on you even if there are none Avoid having your face covered This dehumaniz
265. our vehicle BEFORE you pick up any student and remember safety is first and schedule is second VEHICLE TYPES One factor as to why school buses are the safest means of ground transportation in the United States is the stringent vehicle body design and construction standards they are built under and must adhere to School buses are built so they sit above the crash line are compartmentalized with high seat backs with padding to absorb full body impact and have emergency exits to provide added safety As a school bus operator you do not need to become an expert on the construction of the vehicle you operate but a general working knowledge of how your bus is built and the standards it must meet will give you a greater understanding and assist you in answering questions from the general public concerning how safe your passengers really are TYPES OF SCHOOL BUSES Type A Cutaway Van A Type A school bus is a school bus converted from or having a body constructed upon a van type truck or front section vehicle chassis with a left side driver s door and the entrance doors behind the front wheels This definition includes two classifications Type A1 with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR less than or equal to 10 000 pounds and Type A2 with a GVWR greater than 10 000 pounds Type B Integrated A Type B school bus is a school bus constructed utilizing a stripped chassis with the entrance door behind the front wheels This definition includes t
266. ously outlined in this unit Condition Hub oil level adequate 4 32 tread depth Right front suspension lt Spring spring hangers shackles U bolts Mount should be secure not broken or cracked without missing or loose bolts Bushings and axle mounting parts should not be damaged broken or missing Check for missing or broken leaves leaves that have shifted and may be nearly in contact with the tire rim brake drum frame or body For a coil spring look for breaks or distortions lt Shock absorbers should be secure unbroken and have no leaks A key with this inspection is to give valid information on important parts and to know what constitutes an unsafe condition YOU are responsible for safety Figure E 7 Suspension System Vehicle Frame Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Crossing arm control should be secure and not broken Right front brake Brake drum The brake drum should have no cracks dents or holes and no missing or loose bolts Brake linings should not be worn thin Condition of hoses Hoses should not be cracked worn or frayed and couplings should be secure Slack adjuster for air brakes The slack adjuster should have no broken loose or missing parts The angle between the push rod and the adjuster arm should be about 90 degrees when the parking brake is applied When pulled by hand brake push rod should mo
267. outes stops and turn around locations Assigning passengers to buses Ensuring buses are in safe operating condition and Appointing monitors aides as needed Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements WHAT DO NEED TO DO TO BECOME A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER IN PENNSYLVANIA According to federal standards each state must have regulations to ensure all school bus drivers are in good physical condition of good character and skilled in the operation of their vehicles They should have strong morals an even temperament the ability to adjust to the varying conditions of their job and a positive attitude toward safety To become a certified school bus driver in Pennsylvania a person must meet several initial requirements and then successfully complete the training and testing requirements established by PennDOT INITIAL REQUIREMENTS FIRST STEP To become a certified school bus driver in Pennsylvania you must first obtain an appropriate Commercial Driver s License CDL Knowledge Test Authorization Learner s Permit To apply for a CDL Knowledge Test Authorization Learner s Permit You must be eighteen 18 years of age or older You must obtain a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Physical Examination Form DL 704 which is to be completed by either your health care provider or a physician appointed by the local school board You must obtain this fo
268. owing procedure a Stop the bus in the correct position to back and activate the four way hazard warning lights If the bus does not have automatic back up signals use the horn Remember approaching traffic may not know you are backing so using the four way hazard lights and blowing the horn will help alert them to your maneuver Signal for quiet on the bus Using mirrors ensure the way is clear to the rear and sides Put transmission in reverse and papp Using mirrors back slowly and smoothly MAKING A TURN AROUND Most bus routes are planned to eliminate turn arounds and backing because they are extremely hazardous maneuvers Unfortunately there may be situations where turning around is necessary Much like with backing if you must turn your bus around at a loading zone always load passengers being picked up before making the turn around and always unload passengers being discharged after making the turn around If at all possible make a turn around in twilight or darkness when an adult helper is present to stop traffic on any roadway used for the maneuver Figure G 4 Turn Arounds Because backing the bus is an extremely dangerous procedure the safest way to turn around is to avoid backing and use a forward C 4 je 4 L turn around Ideally a turn around should be b made by selecting an adequately sized safe 1 z area away from the road such as a parking eee a A 2 1j lot where you can slowly move the bus E fo
269. p and seek assistance are generally the same as those outlined in Unit H Crash and Emergency Procedures and Unit Student Emergencies Carry a copy of First Aid procedures in the vehicle and make sure your vehicle has the required and optional emergency equipment listed and described in Unit H When planning emergency procedures keep these points in mind If immediate assistance is needed contact 911 for assistance Under no circumstances should you leave the students being transported An able student can sometimes serve as a second in command in emergency situations if an aide is not available Consult with the parents and teachers in advance about the abilities of particular students to decide whether this would work Assign those students who are blind and or deaf to a partner who can assist them in case of an emergency Because many students with mental impairments have trouble remembering evacuation drills should be limited to simulations at the school where school supervisory personnel can assist in performing the drill and help train those students capable of taking responsibility Bus evacuation procedures and drills are described in Unit H Ambulatory students with disabilities are evacuated in the same manner as students in general education whenever possible In a crisis non ambulatory students may be placed on the floor and pulled by their clothing or drag cloth out of any available exit Ramps may be used to roll or sl
270. place their other hand under a passengers shoulder as the passenger exits the bus Caution students not to bump their heads when leaving through the rear door 11 Tell students in the next left seat to leave the bus Keep control at the rear door to prevent any pushing or shoving Students who are injured disabled or in a condition that may be aggravated by exiting out the rear door e g overweight pregnant should not be required to participate in the drill They should leave the bus with the driver through the front door and join the other students when the drill is completed 12 Continue the above procedure alternating left and right seats until the bus is empty 13 When the last student has exited walk to the front of the bus and check to make sure everyone is out and 14 Join the students and conclude the drill as described in steps 15 17 of the Front Door Evacuation Drill Figure H 4 Rear Door Evacuation Designates Helper clekel dalle elle D CTT p Feet aa lalajo fas cs faa c a ty 21 2 5 8 6 2 s Gs 8 5 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 17 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures Front and Rear Door Evacuation Drill A combination of the procedures used for the front door and rear door evacuations also can be used for an evacuation drill in which students leave the bus through the front and rear doors see Figure H 5 Procedures for the front
271. r passengers For example Figure G 5 Railroad Crossbuck a The crossbuck is a passive or non active sign identifying a rail crossing Always use extreme caution when passing over a crossing You may proceed across a railroad highway rail grade crossing only after a train has passed and or you determine no train is approaching b At multiple track crossings the number of sets of tracks governed by the crossing device is indicated by a number under the cross buck sign If there are multiple tracks there will be a number to indicate how many sets of tracks will be crossed G 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus 2 REMEMBER no person shall drive any vehicle through around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed If you encounter a situation where an automatic flashing light signal with gate is operating and no train has arrived after an extended period of time report the lowered gate immediately check for an alternate route or wait for assistance No student can exit the bus to lift the gate 3 Always follow directions of a police officer or flag person directing traffic at any highway rail grade crossing 4 Crossthe tracks only after the train has cleared a position to cancel any warning devices activated or at crossings with no automatic warning devices 5 The dr
272. r to determine the extent of your duties regarding the administration of medication FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL POLICIES GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES To manage students with disabilities while transporting them you must know individual specific behavior patterns and required treatments All students are affected by other people s actions particularly people who play significant roles in their lives Students with disabilities may be especially sensitive to the behavior and moods of others Parents teachers and special education professionals can give you information about the nature and extent of a student s disability along with other relevant information In some instances it may be appropriate for a bus driver to be included in an IEP meeting or a 504 Service Plan meeting in order to ensure necessary information is shared School staff will coordinate such meetings and you will be invited if deemed appropriate In addition to following the previous guidelines for managing students outlined in Unit B keep these points in mind when working with students with disabilities Be observant and try to anticipate problems Always expect the unexpected Keep teachers professionals and parents informed of problems with the student or significant changes in behavior In dealing with individuals with limited cognitive skills or mental retardation work with the classroom teacher or parents to learn and understand appropriate comm
273. racked As mentioned earlier this portion of your pretrip will normally be done when the engine is cool If for some reason it is not let the engine cool before checking belts and be careful around hot engine parts and sharp edges Inspect for leaks in the engine compartment fuel coolant oil power steering fluid hydraulic fluid brake fluid windshield washer fluid gear oil automatic transmission fluid battery fluid Except for windshield washer fluid and fuel the fluids in your bus shouldn t get used up or go anywhere As brake linings wear brake fluids will drop slightly If you notice any other fluids are low you probably have a leak Inspect underneath the bus looking for wet areas or drips clinging to the underside of the bus Sticky sweet smelling fluid is coolant The old color for coolant was green now it comes in yellow as well as other colors Dark slick greasy fluid is engine oil Honey or dark colored thick fluid with a chestnut smell is gear oil Clear slippery fluid is brake fluid Slippery red fluid is transmission fluid or power steering fluid Fuel is easily identified by its odor Windshield washer fluid comes in several colors blue and orange are typical Battery fluid could be on top of the battery Don t touch this It is acid If you are running the air conditioner expect to see water dripping which is just condensation and is nothing to worry about Look for cracked worn insulation
274. ral ad da doth aaa wg H 22 Characteristics of Suspicious Items ooooooccoocc tte eee H 22 School Bus Safety and Security Checklist liiis H 23 Identifying Suspicious Behavior or Activities llle H 23 Reporting Suspicious Items and Unusual Activities 0 0 0 cece eee H 23 HOSTAGE AWARENESS H 24 Emotional Stages x sic ER et AS REI Sese tese H 24 Things To Do in a Hostage Situation oooocccocococr eh H 24 Things Not to Do in a Hostage Situation o oooooocccoocnocr eee H 24 Tips to Help You in a Hostage Situation ooooocococcco eh H 25 H 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures UNIT H CRASH AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INTRODUCTION Professional drivers don t depend on their skills to get them out of potentially dangerous situations They depend on their judgment to avoid these situations It s a lot easier to avoid of potentially dangerous situations than to get out of them This was the focus in Units F and G However if you are involved in a crash or emergency situation you will need to take certain emergency actions This unit is divided into two major sections The first describes emergency driving techniques you can use as a last effort to avoid crashes The second covers crash and emergency procedures except for First Aid which is covered in Unit Student Emergencies EMERGENCY DRIVING TECHNIQUES As you lear
275. re of their own deficiencies and constantly strive to overcome them YOU are in control of these elements KNOWLEDGE Your experience in driving automobiles can provide a basis for learning to drive a school bus Automobile and bus operation require similar knowledge including rules of the road and general safe driving habits The skills needed to operate the steering transmission lights wipers and other mechanical components of a bus are similar to those for an automobile There is usually however a difference in scale Most differences between automobile and bus operation are due to the relatively large size and weight of the bus Always remember a bus has a longer stopping distance slower acceleration wider turning radius and higher and wider clearances Another difference is while school bus drivers sit higher and have a better forward view there is much more reliance on mirrors for adequate rear and side viewing Evaluate your knowledge of state and local driving rules and regulations driving fundamentals emergency procedures and defensive driving habits If you are uncertain or have questions ask before it s too late As described above school bus drivers need good information to operate their vehicles safely Since much of the information is communicated through traffic control devices learn about traffic control devices and methods by which they communicate information Also state laws applicable to all drivers both cars and sc
276. reas Recognize areas of the highway soaked with oil or grease Remember the early part of a rainfall is the most dangerous Roadside Conditions Another type of potential highway hazard is caused by conditions on the side of the road Physical features of the roadside include barriers e g guiderail obstacles e g noise barriers trees utility poles signs and other miscellaneous features embankment slopes ditches etc Under normal driving circumstances these should pose no problem They should however be included in your scanning as you drive and they should be evaluated for potential hazards if you leave the highway suddenly F 26 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving PEDESTRIAN HAZARDS The presence of pedestrians bicyclists roller skaters skateboarders and animals on or near the highway increases the need for vigilant scanning School bus stops are particularly dangerous areas as outlined in Unit C approach them cautiously and alertly When near playgrounds residential areas and schools be alert for children playing or darting into the path of your bus from behind vehicles structures or trees and bushes Figure F 7 Rural Pedestrian Hazards When driving on side streets be alert for pedestrians entering or crossing your path from any direction When making left and especially right turns at intersections check carefully for pedestrians crossing the street into the path of
277. reatening Do not stare or glance at your captor Keeping your eyes down will give the appearance of submission Do not appear aggressive in your body language or facial expressions Do not interfere Do not volunteer to assist the captor in any way Do not interfere with the actions of the captor For instance he she may be irritated with crying students and strike the students to quiet them Remember you are being held at gun knife point Challenging the captor will increase the risk of further harm to yourself and or the students Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures Do not negotiate for your own release Only the police will conduct negotiations If you involve yourself you may jeopardize a peaceful resolution to the hostage situation Do not negotiate for the release of the students Do not make offers or promises of money or possessions in exchange for the release of the students Only the police can negotiate and Do not be arrogant Give the captor whatever they want Do not resist It could result in harm to yourself and or the students TIPS TO HELP YOU IN A HOSTAGE SITUATION 1 10 11 12 Help keep the peace Prevent anyone from getting hurt Consider your actions so as not to put yourself or your passengers at risk Be patient If you as the driver show patience then your students will be more prone to follow your lead Remain calm Try not to show fear the
278. regarding behavior management for children one respected set of guidelines and disciplinary skills known as assertive discipline can assist school personnel including school bus drivers with handling disciplinary problems Canter 1976 1992 Assertive discipline was developed for classroom situations so teachers and other personnel would be able to understand and communicate their needs to students in order to meet the needs of the students A more productive environment results when needs of students and teachers are met Essentially a key to this technique is catching students being good recognizing and supporting them when they behave appropriately and on a consistent basis letting them know you like what they are doing Assertive discipline can and should be applied to school bus driver student situations School bus drivers need to have an orderly and quiet bus students need a safe ride to and from school The ride is much safer for the students when your needs are met Along with the differences in today s students individual bus drivers also differ Each bus driver operates in a different manner and may allow behaviors other bus drivers will not allow This creates a conflict for the student who expects you to react in the same manner previous bus driver Assertive discipline can help you communicate your particular needs to the students Although you should effectively maintain order on the school bus you also need to avoid alienating
279. rents place a great deal of confidence in you You should act deserving of this confidence including being A dependable person who can be relied upon to carry out your duties Emotionally stable to work effectively and patiently with students parents school officials and the public Mature enough to cope with unexpected and unusual situations Interested in the welfare and needs of others Willing to practice patience and understanding Observant of all traffic laws Pennsylvania Department of Transportation PennDOT regulations and local rules regulations and policies which includes conducting at least a minimum of two emergency evacuation drills on your bus every school year Neat and clean as a symbol of the entire school system Careful to refrain from using profanity Well rested so you are free from fatigue and Free from the effects of alcohol and drugs including prescription and over the counter medication A school bus driver also has the following specific responsibilities Your Driving Technique When you transport a bus load of children to school every day in a wide variety of highway and weather conditions you are charged with a serious responsibility The vital links to safety proper driver attitude knowledge and skills are developed through your interest in safe driving Your ability to cope with a constantly changing driving environment demands both pre employment preparation and continual in se
280. right on red This is a legal maneuver in Pennsylvania but it might not be the safest to make in a school bus Yellow light Prepare to stop for the red light that will follow Green light Check to be sure approaching traffic is stopped and proceed with caution Flashing yellow light Slowly proceed with caution Flashing red light Stop completely check for approaching traffic and proceed with caution when it s safe to move same as stop sign Circular Intersections Circular intersections such as the modern roundabout are becoming more common on Pennsylvania highways Figure F 6 Modern Roundabout Here are a few tips for travelling through circular intersections 1 Slow down as you approach the intersection 2 Keepto the right of the painted or raised island separating entering traffic from exiting traffic There may be a truck apron on which you may operate your bus Look left for traffic approaching in the circle Enter the roundabout circle by turning right when there is a safe gap in traffic approaching from your left Yield to traffic already in the roundabout If there is no traffic approaching you may enter without stopping Do not pass bicyclists or other vehicles when in the roundabout When in the roundabout do not stop except to avoid a crash you have the right of way over entering traffic 7 Use your right turn signal to indicate where you plan to exit the roundabout Turn it on
281. ritten report containing this information within 48 hours to the state or local police with jurisdiction where the incident occurred When someone is convicted of violating Pennsylvania s School Bus Stopping Law they will receive a 60 day driver s license suspension five points on their driving record and a 250 fine plus court costs Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 C 11 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities UNIT D TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES INTRODUCTION cuicos rada ex hd Reed eats deg efit RARE da da dd ae D 2 DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY ohh a ah ee leis AERA REFER e XE MES D 3 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ooo D 3 GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 0 000000 cece eee D 4 START A Memory Aid for Managing Students with Disabilities llle D 5 TYPES OE BISABIEELLIES 32 o SE eurer t esit hc e ub e ee IE D 5 AULUSITI RAN D 6 Deaf and Blind Deaf Blindness 0 2 2 0 000 cee RR I n D 7 Deafness Hearing Impairments oooocooccono e enn D 7 Emotional Disturbance eue ERR ERE CER E EN RR din ea ARR ADU ETUR D 8 Intellectual Disability 4 aaa AAA AAA CLER Ed de D 8 Multiple Disabilities sia Sucve Yer rete REN ES ex sere PER TEE Eds D 9 Orthopedic Impairments soi cscs ose tme dd DERI ER D 9 Other Health ImpairmentsS
282. river s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS IDEIA indicates that students who have visual impairments have vision that even with correction adversely affects their educational performance They may have partial sight meaning they can only see low light or shapes or be legally blind While the visual impairment may affect their educational performance it will not affect their intelligence unless they have cognitive disabilities as well The educational development of students with visual impairments may not be very different from students without a visual impairment The inclusion of students with visual impairments in general education transportation is fairly common Students with visual impairments should be allowed to move independently but they should be monitored for safety Students with visual impairments may use a cane service animal or other mobility device and may rely on auditory and tactile information Consultation with an orientation or mobility specialist may be warranted when transporting students with visual impairments If a student with a visual impairment rides your bus provide descriptive feedback during the ride to help the student orient especially in advance of their stop so they can prepare Having the student sit near the driver can help with this Some students may need assistance navigating the narrow steps and aisles on the bus Also be sure to address the
283. riving habits you may never be involved in a crash However the fact remains a percentage of school bus drivers will be involved in a crash sometime in their driving career Pennsylvania crash statistics show of the approximately 40 000 Pennsylvania school bus operators about 13 percent have been involved in one or more crashes If you have a crash CARRY OUT THE LOCAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE These include bus related and scene related procedures The following should serve as a guide Bus Related Procedures Immediately after a crash your first actions take place in and around the bus 1 Assess the situation You should immediately do the following a Stop the bus in as safe a place as possible b Setthe parking brake turn off all lights and electrical switches and turn off the ignition switch and c Remain calm assess the situation plan your actions and reassure the students Refer to Unit on Student Emergencies 2 Be alert for fire If a smoke or fire condition is present or imminent evacuate the students Do NOT fight the fire unless all of your students have been evacuated safely are in a secure location and you feel comfortable re approaching the bus to fight the fire Evacuation procedures and use of fire extinguishers are described later in this unit In determining the potential for fire check for the following a Ruptured fuel tank or fuel lines b Hottires which may catch fire c Presence
284. rm from your employer When completed make sure your employer gets a copy for your personnel file If you satisfactorily pass the physical examination the examining health care provider will issue a Physical Examination Certificate DL 742 You need to keep the DL 742 It is a credential that must be carried when driving a school bus The Physical Examination Certificate is valid for one 1 year You must self certify the type of driving in which you expect to engage using a DL 11CD Drivers engaged in Non excepted transportation are also required to submit a valid Medical Examiner s Certificate to maintain licensure Driving types are NI Non Excepted Interstate Transportation Interstate drivers who are subject to the Federal Physical Qualifications and Examination regulations A Medical Examiner s Certificate must accompany this form NA Non Excepted Intrastate Transportation Intrastate drivers who are subject to the Federal Physical Qualifications and Examination regulations A Medical Examiner s Certificate must accompany this form EI Excepted Interstate Transportation Interstate drivers who are not subject to the Federal Physical Qualifications and Examination regulations Therefore a Medical Examiner s Certificate is not required EA Excepted Intrastate Transportation Intrastate drivers who are not subject to the Federal Physical Qualifications and Examination regulations Therefore a Medical Examiner s Certificate is not requir
285. roundings Anyone who has been sighted within a school or school bus stop numerous times Anyone who has put a package in a public place and left quickly Anyone soliciting information on school facilities buses or schedules Anyone taking pictures or videotaping areas of school bus facilities schools or school bus stops Anyone looking lost or wandering around at school bus stops or school grounds or anyone who seems to be somewhere they are not supposed to be Anyone showing disruptive or potentially distracting behavior anyone showing an unusual interest in employees or students the school or school bus locations anyone wearing a uniform who appears to not be part of the setting Anyone wearing clothing that is not appropriate for the weather Any person possessing a weapon or dangerous item and 10 Using a vehicle in a suspicious way illegally parked erratic driving following Reporting Suspicious Items and Unusual Activities 1 5 Remain alert and calm Be as observant as possible paying attention to the location of the item or device IMMEDIATELY report suspicious items and behavior to your dispatcher or local authorities If you suspect a serious situation call 911 right away Be able to report the location color year make model and license plate number Be sure to include the direction of any suspicious vehicles Never touch a suspicious item You need to move as far away as possible and be aware you c
286. rtant you remain alert and attentive at all times Even the shortest lapses into daydreaming or inattention can cause severe crashes to occur Always be aware of what is happening in your surroundings and anticipate what other drivers will do and what road conditions will be in order to act appropriately Aggressive Driving One component of driving with the right attitude is not to engage in aggressive behavior while operating your bus Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of highway crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania However many motorists don t realize they in fact aggressive drivers Here are some questions to help you determine if you are an aggressive driver Do you speed excessively Do you tailgate slower vehicles Do you race to beat red lights or run stop signs Do you weave in and out of traffic Do you pass illegally on the right Do you fail to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 11 UNIT F Safe Driving If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be an aggressive driver and are putting yourself your passengers and other people on the road with you at increased risk of a crash While a driver must commit two or more of the following 16 offenses to be categorized as an aggressive driving violation and or crash ANY of these behaviors is aggressive and not acceptable for school bus operators Oo
287. ruck Ramps ica sser nen a a hh rers G 24 G 2 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus UNIT G FUNDAMENTALS OF DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS INTRODUCTION Unit F provided you with some basic safe driving techniques for school bus operators geared towards reducing the number of crashes related to driver error vehicle failure and hazardous roadway conditions As you well know operating a school bus requires additional often specialized knowledge and skills to transport your students safely and efficiently to and from their destinations In addition to learning a pattern of special driving skills you must practice each skill correctly until it becomes a habit If you can minimize and eliminate crashes resulting from driver error safe student transport will continue to be a hallmark of the school bus mode of transportation The following procedures have been developed to assist you in driving a school bus safely Remember as a professional school bus operator you are entrusted with the lives and safety of human cargo that cannot be measured in financial terms Study learn and practice the techniques PREPARING TO DRIVE As mentioned in previous units your experience in driving automobiles can provide a basis for learning to drive a school bus However there is a significant difference in scale To help prepare for this you must recognize the differences in your vehicle and prepare to operate y
288. rvice activity You must constantly reevaluate your driving technique It is important that you honestly evaluate yourself to ensure you are physically and mentally prepared for driving your bus A safe and defensive school bus driver must exercise self control alertness foresight judgment and skills in handling and maintaining control of the bus at all times A good attitude about safe driving and safety procedures is the best guarantee of the safest trip possible Your Passengers Try to establish a positive relationship with your passengers Their conduct will depend a great deal on what you say and do Greet your students in a personable and friendly manner whenever they board your bus and if possible learn their names Your expression of interest in each child will help you to gain the confidence of your riders Remember an essential part of your job is to maintain discipline according to procedures established by your local school system Since students desire recognition of their good traits and abilities compliment good conduct habits and deeds A 4 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements If you explain existing rules at the beginning of the school year you will usually have the cooperation of students If students know drivers are fair and have their safety in mind they usually accept the rules Drivers should recognize each student s individuality
289. rward in a wide circle to turn around Otherwise a turn around should be made in the following manner see Figure G 4 1 Activate the four way hazard warning lights at least 200 feet before your stopping point 2 Stop the bus in the proper position on the highway which is one full bus length ahead of the area into which you are backing G 12 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus 3 Check traffic to the front and rear as well as roadside obstacles such as poles trees mailboxes and culverts Clearance on all sides of the bus is important You should have traffic visibility for at least 500 feet in either direction 4 Use all mirrors and look carefully in all directions to observe traffic and obstacles back slowly and cautiously into the designated area see backing information above and 5 Make sure to check traffic both ways reenter the highway deactivate the hazard warning lights and proceed with extreme caution STOPPING Unit F included detailed information on stopping requirements for school buses Stopping a school bus smoothly and within the limits of safety is the sign of an expert driver Good drivers have their vehicles under control at all times and know braking distances increase greatly as speed and vehicle weight increase In addition to knowing the distance required to safely stop their bus under all driving conditions skillful drivers use corre
290. s D 3 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 00 000 e he D 3 GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 0 0 0 esee eene D 4 TYPES OF DISABILITIES curo etie eR eec ve ep e Cie xx dye eee Y Rea lett ord D 6 TRANSPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES leseseeee en D 13 UNIT E PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION 133 2r uk pies oA pete dtes NM e Lk M M d SAO D E 2 PRE TRIP INSPEGTION cuco zer Rec em er AE RUE HERR Da Er Goan ia E 2 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WHILE ON THE ROAD 00 00 0000 cece eee eee E 17 POST TRIP PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES sse cece eee E 22 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F SAFE DRIVING INTRODUGTION een hee med alee pCHEDHeSePO PETERE eae ange F 3 TEE DRIVING TASK ioa Rec a A ee a bx RR Eau que Ede F 5 DRIVER CONDLETIONS et tmn Ete d POE TUERI ENCORE EPI eas gud F 7 VEHICLE CONDITIONS tiie urgere E Iun rtt ta ea ex Db tube e e e Sue ew n F 17 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ROADWAY CONDITIONS ssseseee eae F 17 CONTROLLING SPEED weigh Stee Re ARIS E MARIAE NAMES oo F 30 STOPPING 053 eae IE Xe eR Pee yd Oa Pees A A CEDE PE F 31 UNIT G FUNDAMENTALS OF DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS INTRODUCTION rester pda wed bes wae bee Ania eo dia eed iodo G 2 PREPARING TO DRIVE contare apa Abbe pedi nix wes de dele bad eal wes G 2 KNOW YOUR ROUTES q be RM kebab aah tisha a edo dew ng xu putari edo n G 4 FIELD TRIP ATHLETIC TRIP CONCERNS sese nh G 5 STARTIN
291. s alike Everyone involved in drills should keep these points in mind Safety of the students is of the utmost importance and must be considered first Getting them off of the bus safely quickly and in an orderly fashion is the objective All drills should be supervised by the principal or by persons assigned to act in a supervisory capacity and held on school property You are responsible for conducting the drill in an organized manner In a real emergenoy you might be incapacitated and unable to direct the student emergency evacuation During the drill be sure to review procedures with students so they know what to do if you are unable to help Don t assign a student as a leader without written consent from a parent or legal guardian During the drill students should be instructed how and where to get help if the driver is unable to do so Instructions and telephone numbers should be posted or otherwise carried in the bus Students should be instructed to enlist several bystanders to go for help since some of those asked might not want to get involved in the situation Students should be instructed on how to use the radio and the location of emergency equipment on the bus Follow local policies in conducting evacuation drills and emergency procedures Explain to all passengers the procedures to be followed if an evacuation is necessary The following recommended procedures may be adapted to your local situation Front Door Evacuati
292. s during student loading and unloading are responsible for more school bus related fatalities than any other source While fatalities are very low you must be vigilant during student loading and unloading to help prevent these incidents from occurring Listed below are descriptions of a few fatalities Unfortunately students are often killed by their own school bus because the driver could not see them crossing in front of or behind the bus A particularly hazardous situation is when a student leaving the bus reaches a point of safety then re approaches the bus slipping under the wheels as it proceeds To prevent these situations you must be very attentive at all times during student loading and unloading FATALITIES DURING LOADING AND UNLOADING A student was waiting in his parent s vehicle across the street from the school bus stop As the school bus slowed to approach the stop with its amber lights flashing the student exited his mother s vehicle and darted in front of an oncoming vehicle The student a 6 year old male was struck and killed A student was waiting at his bus stop when a car drove up on the sidewalk striking the student from behind The student a 10 year old male was killed A student exited the school bus and crossed the street The bus driver completed student drop off and pulled up to make a left turn As the driver was turning the student a 9 year old male chose to run toward the bus and slipped on the ice and slid u
293. s she could not pick them up at the location when an approaching vehicle came over the hill One student was able to get out of the roadway but the other a 16 year old male was struck and killed by an approaching vehicle The bus did not have the eight way light system in operation A 4 year old male student ran back toward the bus to pick up something he had dropped and was struck and killed by the right rear dual wheels of the bus A student was late getting to her bus As she ran up on the right to catch her bus the 10 year old female was struck and killed by the right rear dual wheels of the bus Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT C Student Loading and Unloading Loading and unloading maneuvers expose students and drivers to many hazards You must be aware of the proper procedures for driving the bus and maintaining student behavior while performing these maneuvers Driving procedures can be found in Units F and G This unit presents procedures for maintaining safety during loading and unloading These procedures include controlling traffic assisting students crossing streets or highways seating the students and loading and unloading the students The procedures below also cover proper use of the eight way light system at the bus stop THE LOADING UNLOADING AREA While children are safest on the school bus the school bus loading and unloading area is a dangerous location because children are at a greater risk
294. s situations during transport Before transporting any student with special needs it is critical to understand the disability and potential behavior each student may exhibit Unloading Procedures Unloading procedures are similar to loading procedures but in the reverse order Never leave students unless a parent or other responsible person is there Since policies differ from area to area local school district officials must establish specific procedures to follow when no responsible person is present where the student is to be unloaded MODIFIED VEHICLES AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT Depending on the needs of students with disabilities in each school district various modifications can be made to vehicles and special equipment can be obtained You will be given additional training by the local school district or intermediate unit in the operation of modified vehicles and special equipment e g wheelchair securement devices car seats child safety restraints etc you will need to use Modified Vehicles Because students with disabilities have a wide variety of needs there is a wide range of vehicles available for their transportation State law Section 4551 of Title 75 requires modified vehicles to conform to standards set by regulations in Chapter 171 of Title 67 These regulations may be found at www pacode com Special Equipment State law Title 75 Section 4581 requires children under four years of age and transported in a school vehic
295. s to all types of evacuations Also keep in mind the fastest way to evacuate the bus may be to have half the students exit through the front door and half through the rear if feasible H 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures USING EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT When an emergency or crash happens it s too late to learn how and where to use emergency equipment All school buses are required to carry the following First Aid Kit Portable emergency warning devices at least three portable emergency reflective triangles Pry bar Fire extinguisher List of student names with their assigned pick up and delivery times Spare electrical fuses unless the bus has circuit breakers Seat belt cutter also known as a web cutter is required in every school bus equipped with passenger seat belts and Body Fluid Clean Up Kit You should know the location and operation of this equipment The use of emergency devices is discussed below The First Aid Kit is discussed in Unit I PORTABLE EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES Figure H 6 Placement of Warning Devices Buses in service are equipped with at least three triangular 100 Feet reflectors which serve as 100 Feet l AE warning devices as per Section 171 83 of Title 67 They are amp 10 Feet encased in a container in the A driver s compartment You will use three reflectors to warn oncoming vehicles of a disabled bus as per Sectio
296. se wrong ideas is more likely to get into trouble Here are some examples TABLE F 1 Statements About Alcohol FALSE TRUE Alcohol enhances your ability to drive Alcohol is a drug that will make you less alert and reduce your ability to drive safely Some people can drink a lot and not be affected by it Everyone who drinks is affected by alcohol If you eat a lot first you won t get drunk Food will not keep you from getting drunk Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up Only time will help a drinker sober up other methods just don t work Stick with beer it s not as strong as A few beers are the same as a few shots wine or whiskey of whiskey or a few glasses of wine What is a Drink It is the alcohol in drinks that affects human performance It doesn t make any difference whether that alcohol comes from a couple of beers two glasses of wine or two shots of hard liquor All of the following drinks contain the same amount of alcohol A 12 ounce glass of 5 percent beer A 5 ounce glass of 12 percent wine A 1 ounce shot of 80 proof liquor Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 9 UNIT F Safe Driving HOW DOES ALCOHOL WORK Alcohol goes directly from the stomach into the blood stream A drinker can control the amount of alcohol he or she takes in by having fewer drinks or none However you cannot control how fast your body gets rid of alcohol
297. se you only have a few seconds to react If your front tire has a blowout your bus will pull in the direction of the flat If your rear tire blows out the bus will swerve Fortunately most school buses have dual rear wheels which can minimize swerving in case of a tire blowout but you will still feel a pull The major signs of tire failure are Sound The loud bang of a blowout is an easily recognized sign Because it can take a few seconds for your vehicle to react you might think it is some other vehicle But any time you hear a tire blow you must assume it is yours and prepare to stop Vibration If the vehicle thumps or vibrates heavily it may be a sign one of the tires has gone flat With a rear tire it may be the only sign you get Feel If the steering feels heavy it is probably a sign one of the front tires has failed Sometimes failure of a rear tire will cause the vehicle to slide back and forth or fishtail However dual rear tires usually minimize this If a tire blows out Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer your vehicle straight down the center of your traffic lane Accelerate for a short period to help maintain steering Once steering is controlled let up on the accelerator and let the bus slow down Do not jam on the brakes apply them slowly only after you have regained control of the steering If the bus starts to skid follow skid control procedures outlined above Activate right turn
298. sharing common problems may be discovered and new techniques explored Support is also available from your supervisors and from the school district usually via the principal Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 7 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline SERIOUS DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS For problems of a more serious nature such as a fight on the school bus follow your school district s procedures for discipline or refusal of rights to ride the bus and apply the following general procedure 1 Drive out of traffic to a safe location stop and secure the bus This may be in a parking lot or a driveway The fact you have taken this action makes the students realize the situation is one out of the ordinary 2 After stopping the engine and removing the ignition key get out of your seat and stand and face the students Address the offenders in a courteous manner but in a firm voice Don t show anger but all students must realize you expect an immediate positive response 3 Address the student s involved by name and state specifically what behavior you will not allow Explain the district guidelines you expect the student to obey and you can enforce Maintain control of yourself and avoid projecting hostility 4 Relate your comments to a specific unacceptable behavior you want changed don t humiliate the child involved This may require repeating the action you expect using the same words several times Limit this commu
299. shield Lights Headlights Dimmer switch Turn signal Four way flashers Clearance identification marker light switch es lt School bus eight way light system and Strobe light if applicable 3 Check AII Mirrors Mirrors play a critical role in the safe operation of your vehicle because they allow an operator to observe the zone around the bus and look for students traffic and other objects in this area Refer to Unit B For example children standing in front of the bus may not be visible in any other way Therefore all mirrors must be secure clean and unbroken Check mirrors to make sure they are clean and adjusted so you can see all areas around the bus from the driver s seat and you can obtain the maximum viewing area consistent with the vision requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No 111 Rearview Mirrors Refer to 49 CFR 571 111 See Figure E 2 below The interior rearview mirror must provide a good view of passengers and the area directly behind the bus The right and left side mirrors must provide a clear view past the right and left rear of the bus The right and left front fender mounted rear mirrors convex mirrors must provide a clear view from the forward most point of the front fenders past the rear of the bus The left front fender mounted crossover mirror convex must provide a view of the blind area directly in front of the bus Figure E 2 Location of Test Cylinders for Sch
300. shing lights and two red flashing lights mounted on the front and rear of the bus School buses also have a side stop arm with a stop sign and a crossing arm The crossing control arm which is attached to the front of the bus causes students to walk far enough in front of the bus so the bus driver can easily see them WHEN LOADING AT A BUS STOP FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES CAREFULLY 1 Load students only at designated bus stops approved by the school board NEVER change a bus stop without approval by your supervisor Student loading zones should be on the right side of the highway where visibility is clear Refer to Chapter 104 of Title 67 for loading zone standards Visit www pacode com 2 Students should wait at a specific designated place This place should be at least 10 feet from the edge of the highway at the approved bus stop You may often have to remind students after they board to stay back from the bus as it approaches 3 Tell students to be on time according to district policy Typically this means students are to be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick up time The driver and students share the responsibility of maintaining the bus schedule 4 Asa bus operator if you are running late don t speed to make up the lost time Remember it is safety first and schedule second 5 If you arrive at a pick up location early or on time and the student is not present proceed with extreme caution The student may be running
301. shock conditions are more gradual in their onset and should be anticipated in all injuries Listen to your students if they warn you of an onset of symptoms By being aware shock may develop you may be able to prevent it before you see clear signs or symptoms In summary 1 Signs and symptoms Itching Unconsciousness Red raised blotchy skin hives Unable to speak more than one or two words Wheezing Sitting straight up or with hands on knees Confusion Gasping for breath Weakness Pursing lips to breathe and Pale color Using neck muscles to take breaths 2 Care and treatment Asthma Call your dispatcher and report the situation Call 911 immediately and If you district procedures and guidelines allow you are qualified and you have received training administer epinephrine Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the student suffers constricted passages in the lower airway and it becomes progressively more difficult to breathe Asthma can be a life threatening condition that may develop suddenly or over several days Students with asthma are subject to unexpected severe attacks Minor respiratory infections such as colds flu and seasonal changes can cause the condition to worsen 1 Signs and symptoms Pale cool clammy skin Shortness of breath using all the chest and diaphragm muscles to breathe Wheezing a high pitched raspy sound when breathing Anxiety exhaustion a rapid or weak pulse
302. signal move slowly toward the right out of the traffic lane and stop Be sure to activate the hazard warning lights not the school bus eight way warning system and N Oa PF 0o Set up portable emergency warning devices to warn other motorists of your position on the road This is discussed below LOSS OF BRAKES Anytime you lose your brakes slow down as described below and attempt to maneuver the bus out of traffic before it comes to a stop steering to avoid a crash If this is impossible and the bus stops on the highway activate hazard warning lights place appropriate warning markers on the roadway and evacuate the bus to a place of safety where the students can wait for help Emergency parking and evacuation procedures are described later in this unit If you have brake failure Downshift Putting the bus into a lower gear will help to slow the bus Sound the horn and DO NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 5 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures If your bus has a hydraulic braking system and you experience a partial or total loss of brakes Pump the brake pedal firmly and very rapidly several times and Use the parking brake On a hydraulic brake bus the parking brake is separate from the hydraulic brake system It can be used to slow the bus if the hydraulic system fails Gradually apply the parking brake by pressing the release button or pulling the release lever at
303. speed There is usually one inside mirror you must monitor although a rearview mirror may be present on some Class C buses The interior mirror is used to monitor the students most frequently when there are behavioral problems If you have a rearview mirror monitor it frequently throughout the trip to watch the behavior patterns of the traffic behind the bus You should always be aware of and monitor your hand position on the steering wheel As indicated in Unit G your hands should be placed on opposite sides of the wheel and the hand over hand method or the push pull method should be used for turning Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 13 UNIT F Safe Driving Constantly monitoring the traffic in front of the bus is a necessity Your eyes should move back and forth across the road scanning the activity Always be on the lookout for pedestrians especially at intersections near parks houses and parked cars Use efficient eye scanning habits and a systematic search pattern to search for conflict situations There are many ways to pay attention to your surroundings while driving the bus Use the method that is most comfortable to you and allows you to be more aware of everything around you For example when stopped at a bus stop and loading passengers you should concentrate on the students outside the bus Most of your time should be spent focusing on the cross view mirrors and directly at the students through the front a
304. strict regulations and policies regarding communicable diseases Have a clean criminal history record as evidenced by Pennsylvania State Police criminal history check Have a clean child abuse history record Have no record of motor vehicle crashes or traffic violations determined to be excessive in number by your employer Complete FBI clearance checks fingerprinting and Be drug and alcohol free when driving and you must not consume any alcoholic beverages within eight 8 hours prior to operating a school bus and never consume illegal substances Local requirements may be more stringent than those listed above A 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers All CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles CMVs i e transporting more than 16 passengers on public roadways must be DOT drug and alcohol tested This means any school bus driver required to possess a CDL whether a full or part time driver must also be included in an employer s drug and alcohol testing program The regulations require a five panel testing for the following classes of controlled substances marijuana cocaine opiates amphetamines and phencyclidine PCP Drug testing is accomplished by a urine sample while alcohol testing is accomplished by breath analysis or other screening test approved by NHTSA There are many dif
305. student clearly and specifically by name so he she is sure you are communicating with him her As the student becomes more familiar with riding your bus he she may need less assistance as the school year progresses Exercise particular caution during pickup and drop off TRANSPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES As indicated in the sections above transporting students with disabilities may involve special equipment and procedures in addition to basic bus driving skills This section describes general procedures unique bus stop procedures the modified vehicles and special equipment used in transporting students with disabilities as well as emergency procedures and evacuation drills Talk to your employer about obtaining specialized training in the use of unique equipment or procedures You must become familiar with local guidelines and training GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS When determining the level of support a given student may require related to transportation it is important to consider the following factors 1 Length of Ride Health factors and the impact of the student s disability should be considered as they influence the safety of the student during transit Young students may show limited tolerance for extended bus rides and the behavior of students with emotional disturbance or behavioral disorders tends to deteriorate as the length of the bus ride increases There may also be unique issues for students requiring medication 2 Level
306. students or infringing upon their rights Setting limits for the students must be balanced with showing compassion and warmth An assertive discipline plan can be used by you to Provide students with clear expectations Help you handle all behavior major and minor problems consistently Provide a common approach everyone understands Prevent you from reacting emotionally or overreacting and Remind you to frequently praise students and acknowledge positive behavior Disciplinary measures can be categorized into three types non assertive hostile and assertive These terms describe the methods used not the person using them Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 13 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline NON ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE There are two basic situations that can be classified as non assertive discipline First if you do not clearly convey your wants and needs then the student cannot be expected to follow them A second non assertive technique is to state your needs but not back up the statements with actions A bus driver who acts in a non assertive manner is passive Students will not usually cooperate with a non assertive individual If you feel you cannot handle student behavior let students misbehave back down when challenged or feel overwhelmed you are most likely a non assertive driver and you will need to change to manage student behavior HOSTILE DISCIPLINE On the other hand hosti
307. t difficulty is to learn speech and language To communicate the student often learns to respond to lip movement facial expression signs and or finger spelling When reading lips students may not understand all of what is said so repetition may be necessary As a driver you may need to gain the student s attention by tapping him her on the shoulder or waving your hand Remember to look directly at the student maintain eye contact and speak clearly naturally and slowly shouting is useless Repetition facial expressions and gestures can also help with communication Ask the teacher or parent to explain the nature and extent of the student s hearing loss and the best way to communicate with him or her If the student communicates using sign language you should attempt to learn a few common useful signs the student will understand Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 7 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE Students who are emotionally disturbed have a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects their educational performance An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual sensory or health factors An inability to build or maintain satisfactory relationships with peers and teachers Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances Ageneral p
308. t other people as if they were objects and just in the way They may bump into you as if you were a piece of furniture without excusing themselves or noticing they bumped into another person Difficulty looking people in the eye When you talk to students with autism you may have to work hard to get and keep their attention especially if they are not facing you The students may not notice or pay attention to other students or adults Problems with their speech and language Some students with autism cannot speak at all and others may just scream or make other noises Students who do speak may have some unusual speech patterns For example some students have trouble with pronouns and may use you instead of I when speaking Some students tend to repeat what they hear instead of responding in a more typical way For example a student may repeat How are you instead of responding to the question Unusual reactions to different parts of their environment They are very resistant to any change in routine or environment They are easily upset and anxious about changes other students may not even notice such as if a different type of bus picks them up if they are in the window seat instead of the aisle seat or if they are sitting next to someone new They are often very sensitive to changes in temperature loud noises or physical touch and may have a panic reaction at times to some of these changes Unusual interest in objects Th
309. t the vehicle at a safe speed turn on the right turn signal and then move back into the right lane when you are at least one and one half bus lengths ahead of the passed vehicle and 7 Turn off the right turn signal G 22 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus MOUNTAIN DRIVING AND STEEP DOWNGRADES In mountain driving the force of gravity plays a major role If you have a heavy load you will have to use lower gears and go slower to climb hills In coming down steep hills gravity will tend to speed you up You must go slow enough your brakes can hold you back without getting too hot If the brakes become too hot they may start to fade This means you have to apply them harder and harder to get the same stopping power If you continue to use the brakes hard they can continue to fade until you can t slow down or stop at all You can avoid these dangers by going slow when going downhill BEFORE STARTING THE DOWNGRADE Two key elements for your driving procedures before you start the downgrade are 1 Downshift as necessary to help control engine speed and 2 Test your brakes by gently applying the foot brake to ensure they are functioning properly USING GEARS GOING DOWNHILL Use Lower Gears When Going Downhill No matter how big your vehicle is going down long steep grades can cause your brakes to fail if you go too fast Using lower gears will help you keep from going to
310. tain extent vehicular factors practicing good preventive maintenance techniques as discussed in Unit E On the other hand as a school bus operator there is not much you can control in the roadway environment You cannot engineer a roadway to eliminate shoulder edge drop offs nor can you control the weather However you can learn how to safely operate your bus if you encounter dangerous roadway conditions Therefore safe driving techniques can be applied to counteract many crash causes especially those involving driver error and even some involving roadway and vehicular issues Crashes can be reduced through the knowledge and practice of safe driving techniques Learning safe driving procedures and techniques designed to help you the driver avoid getting yourself your vehicle and your passengers into hazardous situations are a critical part of your job as a school bus operator A number of short courses on the basics of defensive driving are offered throughout the state You should consider enrolling in one of these courses to improve your driving skills and to become aware of your limitations as a driver There is nothing new or magical about the concept of defensive driving The formula is simply Figure F 2 Safe Driving Formula Recognize Decide Potential on the Hazards Defense This unit considers how you can apply these steps to the following types of normal and unusual conditions you must face while driving a school bus T
311. takes can happen Figure F 3 The Driving Task There are three distinct phases to the task of driving information decision and action Roadway information leads the bus operator to decide to do something and take action The results of that action provide more information which then starts the process over again This can be shown graphically in Figure F 3 INFORMATION School bus operators indeed ALL drivers need good information to perform the driving task safely In this fashion operators can properly PERCEIVE the information and RECOGNIZE its meaning As the following points indicate how drivers get information is important to safety Signs have standardized shapes and colors to help drivers easily recognize their message Most agencies rely on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices MUTCD for information on sign design and messages For example studies on human factors have shown most drivers can read only three or four familiar words at a glance so signs are designed and installed to avoid overloading drivers with information They also consider information needs of both older and novice drivers If there are confusing sign messages report them to your supervisor who can follow up with the appropriate entity responsible for traffic control devices in the area Signs should be placed at locations where drivers expect them and can see them Often the message is repeated for emphasis As a school bus driver pay attent
312. tarts Not signaling failure to use lights Running stop signs and red lights and or Improper passing All of these increase the chances of a crash losing your driving privilege or injuring or killing yourself and or others Crash statistics show that the chance of a crash is much greater for drivers who have been drinking than for drivers who have not F 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving DRUGS AND DRIVING OTHER DRUGS Besides alcohol other legal and illegal drugs are common in our society Laws prohibit you from possessing or using certain drugs while on duty These same laws prohibit you from being under the influence of any controlled substance including amphetamines such as pep pills and bennies narcotics or any other substance that can make you unsafe While illegal drugs are always unlawful to possess and use you should be aware that many medicines prescribed and over the counter e g cold medicines can affect your eyesight hearing and judgment They may make you drowsy or otherwise affect your safe driving ability While possession and use of a drug given to a driver by a doctor is permitted if the doctor informs the driver it will not affect safe driving ability you should always read the labels on patent medicine bottles to check for possible side effects Ask your doctor or pharmacist about prescriptions or over the counter medications you are taking to
313. te the test your passing test results will be credited to your driving record Once your record reflects that all minimum requirements have been met you will receive a CDL displaying the S endorsement and a School Bus Endorsement card from PennDOT If the full 20 hours of the training has been completed the school bus endorsement card is valid for one 1 year The School Bus Endorsement card is reissued annually by PennDOT if the requirement for the annual physical examination is met If you successfully pass the driving examination after completing only 10 hours of instruction you must complete the additional ten 10 hours of instruction seven 7 hours of classroom and three 3 hours of one on one in bus instruction within 120 days of the endorsement card issue date or PennDOT will cancel your School Bus Endorsement card PLEASE NOTE School bus drivers are required to carry three credentials when operating a school bus in Pennsylvania a valid CDL displaying the S endorsement a valid School Bus Endorsement card and a valid physician s certificate If you are going to operate a bus with air brakes you must have the air brakes restriction removed passing applicable knowledge and skills tests HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS You must be fit to operate a school bus with regard to the health and safety of the students being transported To establish fitness you must Comply with Pennsylvania Department of Health and any local school di
314. the Drivers Side liliis G 11 Look at Your Path unicas ba seda dd aa ee aL xe dade be eg G 11 Back Slowly and Smoothly octies CA A AAA aed G 11 Use a Helper Whenever Possible 000 e G 12 If No Helper Is Available ooooooocoroooooroo RR RII Ahn G 12 MAKING ATURN AROUND ooo G 12 STOPPING 22 A ois Se eet nee Paes ea dete edt G 13 Anti lock Braking Systems oooooooocoo hh G 13 How ABS Helps YOU amb RR RE EM RA ERR a A mead RR pma kx a PS G 13 BrakingiWith ABS uta El a ines den tate A wend Rd G 13 Braking if ABS is Not Working 0000 cece hr G 14 Safety Reminders yo veo wee aed ee ai a ed 2 sae bbe G 14 General Stopping Technique lsssslsesseeseee hh G 14 Stopping Procedures for Standard Transmissions 0 0 00 e eee llle G 15 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 1 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus Low Speed Stopping tiii rera a ae wes haw apa d nee bass Phe emt ke PL ENSE G 15 Stopping at Speeds Greater than 10 MPH 0 00 cee eee tenes G 15 Stopping on an Upgrade i72 er XML wes fhe A NERA RET A G 15 Stopping on a Bowngrade menorca bn a ee ea See REPERI ES G 15 CHECKING OVERHEAD CLEARANCE 00 000 ehh G 15 APPROACHING RAILROAD CROSSINGS 0 0 000 0c ehh G 16 When a Bus Must Stop at a Railroad Crossing llis G 16 Procedures for Stopping at a Railroad CrosSsSin9 o oo ooooocoooccrn eA G 17
315. the dipstick Push the dipstick back into the hole making sure to push it all the way back in until it seats Pull out the dipstick again and see where the oil has left a residue in relationship to the indicators Make sure the level is between the add and the full line Coolant level in radiator While the engine may not be running you may be doing this check after someone else has used your bus and it has not completely cooled yet Because of this never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot The fluid is under pressure and you can be burned seriously Indentify the full hot and full cold level markings on the opaque white plastic coolant overflow tank located right next to the radiator If the engine is hot fill to the hot line If the engine is cold fill to the cold line If you re low top it off with a 50 50 mixture of coolant and water There is more than one type of coolant Only use the type of coolant specified by the mechanic To add the coolant unscrew or pop the top of the opaque plastic reservoir and add your mixture until it reaches the full mark Replace the cap tightly If you spill any coolant on the ground wipe it up Certain coolants are deadly to animals but they like to drink it because it tastes sweet If there is no fluid in the reservoir notify the mechanic for instructions before starting the bus Condition of hoses To check the condition of the hoses when the engine is cold squeeze
316. the driver must dress in a manner designed to instill a degree of respect If one dresses in a careless way the driver cannot expect to receive the appropriate level of respect from the students on the bus needed to maintain good discipline Types of shoes should comply with school district safety recommendations This typically eliminates wearing open toed shoes sandals clogs wooden soled shoes of any type or heels of more than two inch height The best driving shoe is one that has a flat sole covers the entire foot and fastens securely The type of shoe you wear could affect your ability to perform in a safe manner during an emergency situation Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 A 5 UNIT A The School Bus Driver Role Responsibilities and Requirements Your Supervisor and Fellow Employees Someone in your school district or company is assigned the responsibility of supervising you as an employee The person is another member of the safety team and is vitally interested in the safety of your riders Cooperation with your supervisor and fellow employees is essential to transportation safety The following are ways you can cooperate with them Understand and support your written school policy Communicate often with your immediate supervisor and accept his her authority Willingly accept your responsibilities and assignments Don t repeat personal or confidential information Always inform your supervisor of discipline pr
317. them from disrespectful and disruptive behavior In cases of bullying or harassment you as the school bus operator must document and report all incidents and allegations Take all your concerns to your supervisor principal or other designated school personnel REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND OR NEGLECT In some unfortunate circumstances you may encounter a situation where levels of bullying or harassment have severely escalated School bus drivers have the unique opportunity to get to know their students Often the same driver will be assigned to a route transporting the same students for several years This gives drivers the chance to develop relationships with students that other district staff may not have Because of this level of trust it is possible that a student may disclose information to a driver or the driver may begin to observe behavior leading to a suspicion of child abuse or neglect Each school district and or transportation department should have specific policies and procedures that must be followed to facilitate reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect This may include specific forms for documentation or a designated contact person Know your district s policies and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect Whether you are reporting through district channels or directly to Child Protective Services CPS the following information is needed to the extent available Name address and age of child
318. ther pertinent information to any other driver involved and to obtain the same information from any other driver s involved in the crash Get the names addresses and license numbers of all witnesses both for and against you A school bus driver involved in a crash meeting Federal Highway post crash testing thresholds is also required to submit to testing for alcohol and controlled substances Note Pennsylvania state law requires testing after any reportable crash in a school bus Keep students at the scene During the crash investigation do not release any of your students to anyone unless instructed by school administration officials or unless medical aid is required Always keep students on the bus unless the situation requires emergency evacuation Keep the following in mind when speaking with others involved in the crash or bystanders ADMIT NOTHING PROMISE NOTHING AND DO NOT ARGUE Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures REPORTING PROCEDURES Every crash must be reported to your supervisor There are no minor crashes involving a school bus Remember the information you need for your crash report School bus ID number Driver s name address and driver s license number Date time weather and direction of travel Damage to vehicle Name of owner of other vehicle or property address license number make and model of vehicle and damage to other vehicle In
319. thing important The following is a pre trip inspection that should take an operator about 15 minutes to complete This is only a recommended procedure that makes logical sequential sense If you have a more efficient process that still covers the requirements in 49 CFR Section 396 13 Driver Inspection or if your school district or contractor requires something different use their procedures Remember federal regulations require you to ALWAYS be satisfied your bus is in good operating condition and you review the last driver inspection report It is also good practice to always complete your pre trip inspection the same way each time so you will be less likely to forget a step A few items to have on hand when you complete your pre trip inspection include Work gloves to keep your hands clean Rags for removing caps and checking fluid levels under the hood Paper towels for cleaning small spills Window cleaning fluid for washing windows mirrors and headlights It is good practice to clean all lights reflectors and glass as you go along and A checklist provided by your employer may be company specific for making sure you check all important items Remember federal regulations require that before driving your bus you shall 1 Be satisfied it is in safe operating condition Review the last driver vehicle inspection report and Sign the report only if defects or deficiencies were noted by the driver who prepared the report t
320. tial This means you cannot share records or information about a child with anyone who does not have an educational interest More specifically you cannot talk about a child s special needs with other students parents of other students or other bus drivers who do not provide transportation services for the child You will have to talk occasionally to parents and teachers about transporting a student Apart from these practical conversations do not discuss anything concerning students parents teachers classes or vehicles with parents or neighbors If anyone raises a question refer them to the proper source i e teacher principal or supervisor Never hold any discussions in front of the students Obtain medical and emergency information for each student from your transportation director or supervisor Any medications used by the student their administration and any possible side effects should be included for each student as applicable This information must be kept current and accessible to aides and substitute Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 D 3 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities drivers who will work with the students on your bus Note any unique behavior patterns to watch for and procedures for managing any circumstances that might arise while the student is under your supervision If you feel behavior patterns warrant additional attention contact your supervisor Work closely with your employe
321. tion to seat assignment Stick to a routine as much as possible and Keep your rules and directions short ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD includes primarily inattentive type primarily hyperactive impulsive type and combined type Students with ADHD have significant difficulty maintaining their attention to effortful tasks excessive physical activity and impulsivity or both Common symptoms include Impulsiveness A child who acts quickly without thinking first or exhibits uncontrolled abrupt and sudden changes in behavior Students often act without considering the consequences and may endanger or harm themselves or others Hyperactivity A child who can t sit still walks runs or climbs around when others are seated talks when others are talking They may also be unable to stick to one task for very long before looking for something else to do nattention A child who daydreams or seems to be in another world or is sidetracked by what is going on around him or her Forgetfulness The student may forget items or have a tendency to misplace them Have patience with a student with ADHD Like other students with impairments have firm fair and consistent expectations You may need to provide verbal clues to let your student know when his her stop is nearby so he she can gather his her belongings For some students permission to use electronic devices i e
322. to receive the student in the afternoon If not contact your supervisor Never leave a student with a significant disability alone especially if help at home is expected To ensure students safety in case of a crash Keep a written description of your route pupils addresses and their telephone numbers in a safe place This information is critical to emergency response personnel If you assign permanent seats in your bus keep one copy of the seating arrangement in the bus and turn one copy in to the office Coordinate activities with any aides paraprofessionals personal care assistants or therapeutic support staff TSS who may be assigned to assist specific students or the entire bus Also keep written emergency seizure plans local policies on allergy management use of medication etc Be familiar with the plans and policies as described throughout this unit and in Units H and I CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION By law information contained in school records is confidential No one should see school records unless he she has an educational interest in the child Typically only individuals who are responsible for some aspect of a child s educational program have an educational interest As a bus driver you are entitled to know certain information regarding a child s disability and it may be shared with you if you have a legitimate educational interest as a service provider However it is your duty to keep the information confiden
323. to someone about sexual acts Examples of nonverbal harassment could include looking at another person in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable suggestive looks leering staring obscene gestures or whistling Examples of visual harassment could include glaring or staring obscene suggestive letters notes or graffiti obscene suggestive pictures taped on notebooks Examples of physical harassment could include purposely brushing against someone s body friendly pats pinches grabs and holds pulling down someone s gym shorts or using force to physically hold corner a person in one place Examples of cyber bullying could include the use of e mail instant messaging chat rooms pagers cell phones or other forms of information technology to deliberately and repeatedly harass taunt ridicule threaten or intimidate someone This can occur on the bus or at a bus stop The word unwelcome places responsibility on the receiver to tell the sender the behavior is unwanted The student who is a victim may a Suffer from loss of confidence or self esteem b Find it hard to study and pay attention and c Dread or even avoid going to school or sports in which they anticipate harassment School personnel have a legal responsibility to protect students from known or reasonably foreseeable harm occurring during or in connection with school activities Harassment and bullying are not limited to children Often the school bus
324. top braking to allow your rear tires to start rolling again If you have your foot on the accelerator gradually lift your foot from the accelerator smoothly not suddenly Turn quickly in the direction you want the vehicle to go Countersteer as your vehicle turns back on course If you do not turn the steering wheel quickly in the other direction you will skid in the opposite direction and 6 Keep your eyes in the direction you want to go Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is a unique situation where your bus loses traction on a slippery surface If your bus is traveling straight it may begin to feel slightly loose If there was a high level of road feel in normal conditions it may suddenly diminish If the drive wheels hydroplane there may be a sudden audible rise in engine RPM and indicated speed as they begin to spin In a broad highway turn if the front wheels lose traction the bus will suddenly begin to drift toward the outside of the bend If the rear wheels lose traction the back of the bus will begin to slide out sideways into a skid If all four wheels hydroplane at once the bus will slide in a straight line again toward the outside of the bend if in a turn When any or all of the wheels regain traction there may be a sudden jerk in whatever direction that wheel is pointed To recover while traveling in a straight line you should not turn the steering wheel of the bus or apply the brakes Either action could put the bus into a skid
325. trol and d When both front tires are on the paved surface countersteer immediately The two turns should be made as a single steer countersteer move Choosing a Lesser Collision In any case where collision is absolutely unavoidable try to reduce speed as much as possible Also avoid a head on collision collision at an angle reduces the force of impact Remember you re more likely to avoid hitting any obstruction in the path of the bus if you always anticipate the unexpected Mentally practice effective evasive action until it becomes automatic EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Crashes are events that can cause injury death or property damage If you have a crash or find yourself in some other emergency situation you should know the proper procedures to follow and the proper use of emergency equipment on the bus As a bus driver you must be prepared for any kind of emergency situation It doesn t happen very often but there is always the possibility of a crash mechanical breakdown or other emergency In any case your first priority is to see all students are as safe as possible It is important in an emergency to remain calm Some rules to remember if your bus is involved in a crash are represented by the word KNOW K Keep all students on the bus calm It is safer for the students to remain on the bus if there is no other immediate danger N Notify authorities Always call for help Use an available cellular phone two way radio or
326. ts in the middle school are often centered on themselves and will argue to convince others or to clarify their own thinking They begin to think more independently and critically and also tend to become more focused on acceptance and popularity among peers With adolescence and hormonal changes middle school students may experience mood swings and begin to test the limits of adult authority Social interactions may involve changing seats or loud conversations Verbal and sometimes physical aggression can occur sometimes in the form of bullying and harassment Fads and conformity in communication and dress develops among peer groups Some youth begin exploring with sexual activity and a small percentage especially boys may become involved in gangs and other delinquent social activities Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 B 9 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline SECONDARY AGE STUDENTS GRADES 9 12 In the junior and senior high school age groups girls tend to be more mature than boys but teens remain highly socially self conscious Relationships between romantic couples emerge and sometimes may cause trouble on the school bus when some of the students are going steady Other students often shield making out in the rear of the bus Be alert to stop such actions as soon as you spot them Ingenuity in seating arrangements can help to prevent this problem For instance placing the senior girls opposite seventh grade boys m
327. tudents and parents need to know and understand the rules and that these rules were established for the safety of the students who ride the bus Further students and parents must also understand the consequences of unacceptable behavior Often your school administration will prepare lists of rules and regulations covering student behavior and distribute them to students and parents The parents active cooperation is also helpful Therefore students should Know the rules and understand and accept responsibility for their actions Be respectful of the rights of other students Be on time at bus stop locations at home and at school They should leave home in time to reach the bus stop five 5 minutes before scheduled pickup and avoid playing when waiting for a bus especially right next to the roadway Present clear safety procedures for walking on the highway or crossing roadways 4 Be aware of the dangers involved in the loading and unloading zones including the dangers involved with loose clothing clothing accessories and personal items that can drop under the bus 5 Enter and leave the bus at school loading and unloading zones and at bus stops in an orderly fashion and follow instructions They must be careful about their own safety and the safety of others They must move without haste crowding or pushing 6 Upon entering the bus go directly to their seats and remain seated until instructed to stand and unload 7 Keepthe aisle
328. tudents do not behave and Reward students when they do behave Canter 1987 To become an assertive bus driver 1 Start with an assertive attitude No student will stop me from driving a safe bus 2 Speak assertively calm firm clear and without anger 3 Have an assertive discipline plan a Set clear simple rules for behavior on the bus b Have consequences when students don t follow the rules and be sure consequences match the problem behavior and c Provide positive rewards when students do behave B 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT B Student Management and Discipline Several obstacles may stand in your way as you try to achieve assertive discipline First you will not be able to influence a student if you do not believe you can It s easy to make excuses for poor student behavior such as heredity ignorance peer pressure inadequate parenting socio economic background or environment You need to recognize the difference between students who cannot control their actions and those who can but choose not to control them Even many students with disabilities can choose whether to display good or poor behavior as referenced in Unit D Don t forget you must identify a student s individual needs for a given bus trip they may be different for field trips than for routine trips You must also be able to clearly state these needs to all students on the bus Tell all students you expect them to beha
329. u know your depth perception is not as good as it might be or used to be this is a normal eye aging condition it does not mean you may have to give up driving You must be aware of the problem however and adjust your driving to it Illness Once in a while you may become so ill you cannot operate your bus safely If this happens to you you must not drive However in case of an emergency you may drive to the nearest place where you can safely stop F 8 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT F Safe Driving DRUGS AND DRIVING ALCOHOL Alcohol and drugs affect the driver and make them unfit to drive Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious violation of state law and a very dangerous mistake People who drive under the influence are involved in crashes resulting in over 20 000 deaths every year As a school bus driver your personal decisions affect the lives of many others You should know How alcohol works in the human body How alcohol affects driving Laws regarding drinking and driving Note that Pennsylvania has zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use by school bus and school vehicle drivers Refer to Sections 1612 1606 and 3802 of Title 75 and Legal financial and safety risks of drinking and driving If you have questions about the law ask your supervisor to provide clarification The Truth about Alcohol There are many dangerous ideas about alcohol use The driver who believes in the
330. u will be better informed when managing the students on the bus KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS GRADES K 5 The kindergarten or elementary school age student tends to prefer a great deal of physical activity Normally these students have a problem staying in their seats When they can t move they often talk instead Loud talking on the bus is a problem you will need a lot of patience to deal with but absolute silence among students is not a healthy school bus atmosphere Students vary in the amount of activity they need and their behavior will vary from day to day Students of this age have limited attention spans and short memories and the day after an occurrence they may have forgotten all about it For this reason they rarely hold grudges against those who discipline them Beginning bus drivers should not try to gain the children s favor by letting small misdeeds go unnoticed Take prompt and continued action for all infractions of bus conduct These younger students tend not to pay attention to the feelings of adults but on the other hand they care a lot about what the adults think of them Some children can be actively rejected by their peers sometimes because they are perceived as odd or have poor social skills They also are sensitive to the opinions of other youngsters and sometimes tend to pick on children who do not fit in well with the group If you transport students in special education and students in general edu
331. uching the ground and The area from the front of the bus to the service door These mirrors along with the convex and flat mirrors should be viewed in a logical sequence to ensure a child or object is not in any area of the danger zone Figure E 5 Left and Right Cross View Mirrors LEFT CROSS VIEW MIRROR RIGHT CROSS VIEW MIRROR 9 gt e c x o o r e e sna 100H9S Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror This mirror is mounted directly above the windshield on the driver s side area of the bus This mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus It may provide limited visibility directly in back of the bus if the bus is equipped with a glass bottomed rear emergency door There is a blind spot area directly behind the driver s Seat as well as a large blind spot area beginning at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus You must use the exterior side mirrors to monitor approaching traffic and enter this area Ensure the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror and All of the students including the heads of the students right behind you Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 E 11 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Passenger Entry 1 Check Service Doors Open and close your service door to ensure it operates smoothly and there is no broken or obscure glass 2 Check the Stairwell Ensure the s
332. udden change in road conditions which violates your expectancy tends to increase your reaction time and increases the likelihood of you making an error because you take longer to understand the situation and respond to it If extra time is not available the result may be a crash That is why expectancy violations cause problems and removing expectancy violations helps improve safety Keep in mind however not to become complacent Most likely you are on the same route day after day and it can be easy to become complacent regarding driving habits Defensive driving techniques and anticipating hazardous conditions is critical SKILLS If you need practice in driving maneuvers operating safety equipment or other driving related skills ask your certified school bus driver instructor or supervisor for help then practice with your supervisor or on your own If you have been involved in a crash some school districts and or employers will require you to complete remedial training with an instructor Always practice in an empty bus rather than in one filled with students Unit G and H provide you with descriptions of the many skills you will need to acquire to safely operate a school bus HEALTH Check yourself for fatigue sickness deficient eyesight and deficient hearing If you have any of these health problems you should not drive until cleared by health services or your doctor For example if you have problems with judging distance or yo
333. uency of Occurrence As shown driver error is the cause of most crashes followed by road condition and vehicle defect or malfunction A human factor may be speeding while operating a vehicle In fact Pennsylvania school bus crash statistics show the top five driver actions implicated when the school bus was the prime unit in the crash were failure to stop improper turn speeding tailgating and other improper driving Distracted driving and careless backing were other significant factors All of these are human factors Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 3 UNIT F Safe Driving Vehicle factors may be mechanical failures such as bad brakes or tires Road related factors can be limited sight distance poorly marked roads or missing road signs or sudden changes in roadway width Weather is also a major factor affecting road conditions Too often drivers fail to consider wet roads or fog when they drive Pennsylvania school bus crash statistics indicate school bus drivers were more likely to be noted for driving too fast for conditions in crashes occurring in rain fog conditions and especially snow sleet conditions than in clear weather conditions Remember Safety first schedule second When you consider road transportation as a system it is clear that as school bus operators you can directly control some factors but not others For example you can control driver factors how you operate a vehicle and to a cer
334. ulty focusing or keeping your eyes open You tailgate or miss traffic signs and You have to jerk your vehicle back into the lane At Risk Groups Several groups are more likely to be involved in driving fatigue crashes according to NHTSA Men under the age of 30 shift workers and people who are chronically sleep deprived are more likely to drive drowsy and suffer driver fatigue injuries Many school bus operators have second jobs If fatigued from the first it could lead to problems when operating a bus Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 15 UNIT F Safe Driving Avoiding Consequences of Driving While Fatigued There are ways to prevent driver fatigue starting even before you get behind the wheel Get a good night s sleep While this varies from individual to individual the average person requires about eight hours of sleep a night Be alert and recognize early warning signs of fatigue Avoid alcohol and medications over the counter and prescribed that may impair performance Don t rely on your students the radio or opening a window to keep you awake Eat sensibly and avoid heavy meals and Remember not to use any drug that hides fatigue the only cure for fatigue is rest Clearly your physical condition affects your ability to drive safely Be sure to get plenty of sleep and only drive the school bus if you are in good physical and mental health Finally be as familiar with the route as possible The
335. unication methods for that student Some students may use an augmentative communication device such as a laminated card with pictures or a computer with a voice simulator to express their needs It may be helpful to ask simple yes no questions in order to communicate effectively Give students with emotional or behavioral disorders some responsibility in setting the standards of behavior they must meet If a student with an emotional disorder becomes agitated or loses self control you should verbally intervene and attempt to calm the situation Do so in a calm directive manner Be aware that bad days happen The student s efficiency and self control may vary from day to day or from week to week These puzzling shifts may lead you to feel much of the student s behavior is willful disobedience Remember these fluctuations may not be under the student s control Document these incidents and report them to your supervisor if you feel additional attention is needed In some cases you may work with a classroom teacher and parent to implement a Behavior Intervention Plan BIP reflecting the goals identified for that student s development Always put safety first If a student s behavior is distracting or dangerous to others report the situation to your supervisor immediately Introduce a substitute driver to the students in advance if possible since a change in routine or environment e g driver change may cause some students to react emotion
336. us Enter the vehicle unlock the brakes and secure the wheelchair into position Always position the wheelchair and secure it to the floor using four tie downs a lap shoulder belt and the independent wheelchair seat belt if it has one Check with your supervisor for the correct method of tie downs Here are a few additional tips for working with wheelchairs There are separate brakes for each side of the wheelchair use them both Always make sure the wheelchair brakes are engaged when the wheelchair is unattended and when the student is moving in and out of the wheelchair Never lift a wheelchair by its arms or footrests as they may come off of the chair or by the wheels always use the frame Keep loose clothing away from the wheels Always secure the passenger with a three point seat belt system attached to the wall of the bus The seat belt on the wheelchair is NOT a proper occupant restraint If assisting a student in a wheelchair don t forget to use the tilt bars when necessary Note Lifts should be operated in accordance with manufacturer s recommendations No standees should be permitted on the lift while in operation and the operator should not be on the lift during operation D 16 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students with Disabilities EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND EVACUATION DRILLS The procedures to follow in case of a crash or any serious incident forcing you to sto
337. us wounds e Use universal precautions to protect yourself from bloodbourne pathogens Apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding by using a sterile bandage and Raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart Elevation of an injured limb forces the blood to flow to the heart and keeps the blood from pooling in the lower part of the affected limb Internal Bleeding Internal bleeding can be visible or concealed and may occur after a crash If there is no evidence of bleeding this can be very serious and medical attention is required immediately Visible internal bleeding Self evident Bleeding in the lungs Frothy bright red blood coughed up by the student and Bleeding in the stomach May look like dark coffee grounds or red blood in vomit 1 Signs and symptoms if none of the above are present e Pale cool clammy skin Thirst Rapid weak pulse Rapid shallow breathing Guarding of the abdomen in fetal position Pain or discomfort e Nausea and or vomiting and Swelling 1 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT I Student Emergencies 2 Care and treatment Get expert medical help e f you can position the student on his her back elevate legs if possible Give nothing by mouth Choking Younger children often put things in their mouth which may result in choking The first sign may be coughing Coughing with an object in the airway will generally dislo
338. use the hazard warning lights Sometimes students will need your help boarding or carrying their belongings Assisting in the loading of a student with a disability usually a student with a physical disability is a time when you are permitted to leave the wheel of your vehicle If you must leave the wheel put the transmission in park or neutral and turn off the ignition Be sure to remove the keys and set the emergency brake On some vehicles with special equipment such as a lift you must leave the engine on during loading and unloading In these situations make sure the transmission is in park or neutral and the emergency brake is engaged before you leave the vehicle for loading or unloading Know your vehicle In order to board or exit the bus some students may need the help of several people e g parents aides in addition to you Be sure all persons involved know their role in this procedure ideally before the beginning of the school year Most vehicles that transport students with disabilities have seat belts or other forms of child safety restraint systems CSRS you must help students secure Before turning on the engine again make sure all seat belts are fastened all doors and windows are locked all security devices are engaged and all belongings are securely placed Keep messages and supplies for delivery to parents or teachers in a secure place D 14 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of
339. uspension Same as front right suspension previously outlined in this unit Condition of spring spring hangers shackles U bolts Axle is secure Brakes Same as front right suspension previously outlined in this unit Condition of brake drum s Condition of hoses Slack adjuster for air brakes Brake chamber for air brakes Lights and Reflectors Side marker lights are clean operating and proper color red at rear others amber Side marker reflectors are clean and proper color red at rear others amber E 16 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance Check Rear Side Lights and Reflectors Rear clearance and identification lights are clean operating and proper color red at rear Reflectors are clean and proper color red at rear Tail lights are clean operating and proper color red at rear Rear turn signal is operating and proper color white red or amber at rear License plate s is present clean and secured Splash guards are present not damaged properly fastened not dragging on ground or rubbing tires Rear emergency door and side emergency door exits open and close properly from outside the bus Exhaust system Pipes muffler tailpipe and hangers are securely mounted without cracks holes or severe dents Muffler and pipes should not be touching wires fuel hoses or air hoses Noexcessive smoke hissing v
340. ve no more than about 1 front brake Brake chamber for air brakes NOTE Valves and brake shoes cannot be checked by the operator during the pre trip inspection Check Front Side Condition of front axle Condition of steering system See Figure E 8 No loose worn bent damaged or missing parts Grab the steering wheel to test for looseness Steering wheel play should not be more than 10 degrees or two inches of movement at the rim of a 20 inch diameter steering wheel Steering box and steering linkage Look for missing nuts bolts fluid leaks and damage to the power steering hose No connections to the front wheels should be cracked Condition of windshield Figure E 8 Steering System Check for damage i ea i soii oi Clean it if dirty Never wipe a dry window or mirror this can cause fine scratches When cleaning the windshield never move the wiper arms from side to side because this breaks the gear in the motor You can lift the wiper straight off of the windshield and then drop it back into place after cleaning Steering Arms Check the windshield wiper arms for proper spring tension Drag Link Check wiper blades for damage Steering Gear Box stiff rubber and secure Pitman Arm Steering Ring Knuckle attachment Lights and reflectors Parking clearance and identification lights are clean operating and proper color amber at front Reflectors are clean
341. ve well and tell them the consequences should they choose to behave poorly Reinforce these directives by following through with appropriate actions This includes praise when a student does something well and discipline for poor behavior All students must receive the same disciplinary sanctions but recognize some students need more attention and support than others Misbehavior in a student may indicate the need for extra attention No disciplinary plan is foolproof Some students will continue to misbehave even when you have acted correctly Sometimes you will need to ask the help of other drivers a teacher or the principal in dealing with a particular student or situation The assertive discipline plan is a necessary tool for routine student management BE ASSERTIVE GANG AWARENESS One unique student discipline problem that may arise is gangs Gangs have become commonplace in most cities and unfortunately their members and activities are present on the school bus Kids are entering gangs as early as elementary school While you as a school bus driver cannot control who is or is not recruited you can report unusual or inappropriate behavior to your supervisor Under no circumstances are you the bus driver to confront gang leaders or potential gang members Explain to your bus riding students the rules of the bus what is and is not acceptable behavior If they misbehave follow district policy Gang activity is extremely serious and som
342. ver saw a car in her mirrors that was obviously committed to passing the bus on the right side The bus door was open and the child was going down the steps The driver grabbed the child s coat and pulled her down onto the bus step Hopefully you will be prepared to act in a similar manner if the situation arises UNIQUE DANGERS OF LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONES Dropped or Forgotten Objects Always focus on students as they approach the bus and watch for any who disappear from sight Students may drop an object near the bus during loading and unloading Stopping to pick up the object or returning to pick up the object may cause the student to disappear from the driver s sight at a very dangerous time Students should be told to leave any dropped items and move to a safe place out of danger and attempt to get the driver s attention to retrieve it Handrail Dangers Students have been injured or killed when clothing accessories or even parts of their body get caught in the handrail or door as they exit the bus You need to closely observe all students exiting the bus to confirm they are in a safe location prior to moving the bus Schools Another area where serious incidents occur is the loading and unloading zones at the schools You as a driver must train your students not to push and shove other students when they get on or off the bus Teach the students to use handrails and go directly to their seats and face forward at all times Students L
343. veral times when you will be driving during hours of darkness These may be during field trips or special events or just early morning routes Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 F 21 UNIT F Safe Driving during the winter As nighttime hours increase so does your exposure to the perils of night driving Unlike the temporary hazards associated with snow and ice the dangers of night driving exist all winter and to a lesser extent all year Why is night driving particularly challenging The challenges are greater than during the day because many of the visual cues necessary for safe driving such as warning signs and pavement markings are harder to see In addition even drivers with the best visual acuity have reduced visual efficiency at night Namely your peripheral vision is sharply reduced your depth of field is reduced and the low light makes it more difficult to focus on objects Further artificial light can t compare in efficiency to natural light and the narrow beams of light from headlights give you an automatic case of tunnel vision Daytime visual cues such as colors are nearly worthless at night At night take the following driving precautions SLOW DOWN Just because the speed limit is 40 mph it doesn t mean you have to drive that fast Remember the speed limit is an indication of the maximum safe speed during optimal driving conditions Change other driving techniques For example don t overdrive your h
344. verhanging branches along your route consider reporting them to your supervisor who can notify the proper entity responsible for removing them This can be important especially with dead limbs overhanging the route which are typically the ones to fall on the roadway after the first snow ice storm Know the height of your vehicle including roof hatches and strobe lights APPROACHING RAILROAD CROSSINGS Crossing railroad tracks represents one of the greatest hazards in terms of mass injuries and fatalities for students riding in school buses Planned safety procedures for vehicles crossing railroad tracks can help eliminate these crashes Practice the procedures discussed below until they become automatic actions At the same time don t let repetition create a false sense of security Trains cannot stop quickly as its response is limited by its size weight and the engineer s view down the track A train cannot swerve to avoid a school bus Also due to their large size trains appear to be moving more slowly than their actual speed Drivers often mistakenly judge they have enough time to safely cross before the train reaches the crossing Be aware of this fact and whenever in doubt wait for the train to pass You have a number of young lives depending on you always use extra caution when making decisions at railroad crossings WHEN A BUS MUST STOP AT A RAILROAD CROSSING State law Section 3342 of Title 75 the PA Vehicle Code requires all s
345. verything has been completed check for all required papers trip manifests permits etc and secure all loose articles in driver s compartment E 18 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT E Preventative Maintenance PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WHILE ON THE ROAD The previous section detailed checks you should make before leaving on your daily route This section deals with preventive maintenance while on the road The section is divided into two parts detecting abnormal vehicle behavior and following good driving habits that will extend the life of the vehicle and its components DETECTING ABNORMAL VEHICLE BEHAVIOR Detecting abnormal vehicle behavior requires you to use most of your senses sight sound smell and touch As a first step you must learn to recognize the normal running condition of the vehicle while at the wheel so you can compare normal conditions with unusual steering rattles odd smells or other conditions For this reason and as a vital safety practice it is important to road test the vehicle every morning before picking up the first passenger This is not to say that after the road test your preventive maintenance responsibilities are over Throughout a trip you should constantly monitor the engine gauges and the general operating condition of the vehicle in the same manner as during the road test Continuous Checks Watch gauges and instruments for trouble Instruments Air pressure gauge if
346. w these steps to minimize any injuries to the student Listen to the student Sometimes a student with epilepsy experiences a peculiar sensation known as an aura before a seizure If the student warns you pull the bus over to a safe location Keep calm The student is usually not suffering or in danger Help the child to a safe place but do not restrain his or her movements Move anything the student may strike against with his or her head arms or legs Most injuries occur from bumping hard objects Do not force a hard object between the student s teeth Do not give the student anything to drink Saliva may flow from the student s mouth Wipe it away with a tissue Stand by until the student has fully recovered consciousness and seems clearheaded The student may seem dazed and incoherent for awhile after a seizure Encourage deep breathing after the student regains consciousness Assure the student all is well and encourage him or her to go about regular activities If the student is unconscious after the seizure call for assistance and place him her on his her side in the recovery position Occasionally after a seizure the student may want to sleep Help him or her to a safe place to rest Refer to local guidelines and procedures regarding the administration of medications and any supervisor parent notification requirements D 10 Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 UNIT D Transportation of Students wit
347. windshield 1 Remove your foot from the accelerator and turn on the wipers 2 While doing so apply the brakes cautiously and 3 Look out the side windows to keep sight of the road Windshield Wiper Failure If windshield wipers fail during rain sleet or snow 1 Lookout the side windows to keep sight of the road 2 Apply the brakes cautiously and 3 Activate your turn signal to get off of the road and stop Activate hazard warning lights Headlight Failure If the headlights fail immediately Hit the dimmer switch to determine if a portion of your lights may be functional Activate the hazard warning lights Try to keep sight of the road Brake slowly and 9v cR o wo Steer out of traffic lane and stop Try to use available light along the way to keep sight of the road In an extreme emergency a good source of available light would be the flashing hazard lights on the school bus Hood Flying Up If the hood flies up Look out the left and right windows to help keep your sense of direction Apply brakes moderately Activate your turn signal Steer out of the traffic lane to stop and Qu de cs qw a When stopped activate the hazard warning lights not the school bus eight way warning lights Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 H 7 UNIT H Crash and Emergency Procedures Patch of Fog If you enter a patch of thick fog limiting your vision Activate the low beams and hazard warning lights and
348. wo classifications Type B1 with a GVWR less than or equal to 10 000 pounds and Type B2 with a GVWR greater than 10 000 pounds Type C Conventional A Type C school bus is a school bus constructed utilizing a chassis with a hood and front fender assembly without a left side driver s door and with the entrance door behind the front wheels Pennsylvania School Bus Driver s Manual PUB 117 G 3 UNIT G Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus Type D Transit Type A Type D school bus is a school bus constructed utilizing a stripped chassis with the entrance door ahead of the front wheels Most differences between automobile and bus operation are due to the relatively large size and weight of the bus Always remember a bus has a longer stopping distance slower acceleration wider turning radius and higher and wider clearances Another difference is while school bus drivers sit higher and have a better forward view there is much more reliance on mirrors for adequate rear and side viewing In preparing to drive refer to Unit E Preventive Maintenance procedures for a detailed review of the pre trip inspection Getting the bus ready for your daily run is an important part of safe driving Always check your vehicle for safety defects or problems State law and regulation require passengers and drivers in vehicles equipped with seat belts to wear them whenever the vehicle is in motion In summary Complete your pre trip inspection Adjust

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