2009-10 driver trainer inservice1 avoiding bus collisions

2009-10 Driver Trainer Inservice 1

AVOIDING BUS COLLISIONS


MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BUS COLLISIONS

• Striking parked vehicles.• Striking other objects.• Intersection collisions.• Sideswiping or improper lane changes.• Backing into another vehicle or object.• Rear-ending other vehicles.• Failure to yield right-of-way.


Striking Parked Vehicles

Common Occurrences:

• On school property.

• On side-streets, while on route.


Necessary Avoidance Skills• Check your mirrors before you move

the bus.

• Don’t move bus without checking for clearance.

• Avoid squeezing through tight areas.

• Report vehicles parked in bus loading zones.

• Follow your district’s reporting procedures.


Striking Other Objects

Common Occurrences:

• Over-hangs in apartment complexes and business lots.

• Basketball hoops in neighborhoods/schools.

• Mailboxes.

• Fences.


Necessary Avoidance Skills

• Look ahead and identify hazards ahead of time.

• Leave adequate space between bus and over-hanging object .


Intersection Collisions

Common Occurrences:

• Controlled Intersections.

• Uncontrolled Intersections.



• Before proceeding through “green lights”, make extra traffic checks

• As you approach intersections, slow down, place your foot over the brake and be prepared to stop


Sideswiping or Improper Lane Changes

Common Occurrences

• Failing to square corners when negotiating right turns examples: shortcuts, need to use reference point turns

• Traveling down the center of a four- lane road



• Use reference points to make square right hand turns

• Double check your mirrors before making turns or changing lanes

• Use turn signals properly, 100 feet prior to making a turn or lane change


Backing into a Vehicle or Object

Common Occurrences

• On school property

• In the bus parking lot area

• Mail boxes

• Road signs



• Get out and look around the bus and make certain the area is clear

• Avoid backing whenever possible. It is always a last resort

• Follow district procedures


Rear-Ending Other Vehicles

Common Occurrences

• At controlled intersections

• In route



• Look ahead and predict traffic conditions

• Allow adequate space to stop

• Be aware of road conditions (rain, snow/ice, fog, etc.)


Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Common Occurrences

• At controlled intersections (making free right turns)

• At uncontrolled intersections (vehicle to right goes first)

• Exiting driveways



• Check the intersection continuously for oncoming traffic.

• Before proceeding, allow the time and space you need

• Don’t trust the “turn signal” of approaching vehicles.

• Remain stopped until the other motorist slows and negotiates the turn


“At Fault” School Bus Collisions

Top Three Contributing Factors

• Inattention

• Rushing

• Failure to follow proper procedures


Inattention

Come Prepared for the Job• Be mentally aware of your

surroundings at all times• Get enough rest/sleep• Know the route. Look at your route

book while the bus is stopped. Avoid looking at it while driving.


Inattention

• Check your mirrors on a regular basis

• Be prepared for the unexpected

• If your thoughts start to wonder away from the road you need to refocus


Student Management Issues

• Know your students. Understand the behaviors and what to expect from students with medical conditions or disabilities

• Assign seats when necessary to better manage students


Student Management Issues

• Remind students of the rules and enforce them regularly and consistently.

• When the students are out of control, pull the bus off road and take appropriate action. Don’t try to solve uncontrollable disruptions while driving. Follow district procedures.


Rushing

Allow Adequate Time

• Do your pre-trip

• Review your route book

• Know about any last minute changes to the route

• Prepare yourself for driving both physically & emotionally


Communication is important

• Report to Administration

• Report Changes inTraffic

• New Road Construction Projects

• When School Scheduling has changed

• Unavoidable Congestion


How to Get Help

• Follow district procedures

• Report to school district administration or school


Steps to eliminate contributing factors

• Know the rules of the road and review them regularly

• Know the district’s transportation policies

• Know the district’s student discipline procedures

Failure to FollowProper Procedures


Steps to eliminate contributing factors

• When in doubt, ask administration for clarification

• Attend inservice programs and hone your skills

Failure to FollowProper Procedures


SUMMARYMost Frequent: • Striking parked vehicles or objects• Intersection collisions• Sideswiping or improper lane changes • Backing into or rear ending another vehicle• Failure to yield the right-of-way

Contributing Factors:• Inattention• Rushing• Failure to follow procedures


EVALUATION

1. Name three (3) of the most frequent causes of school bus collision claims.

2. Name three contributing factors to at fault collisions.


Answer

#1

• Striking parked vehicles

• Striking other objects

• Intersection collisions

• Sideswiping or improper lane changes

• Backing into other vehicle or object

• Rear ending other vehicle

• Failure to yield right-of-way


Answer

#2

• Inattention

• Rushing

• Failure to follow proper procedures

2009-10 driver trainer inservice1 avoiding bus collisions

Documents

driver trainer inservice2009

necessary avoidance

necessary avoidance

bus loading zones

lane road2009

lane change2009

report vehicles

square right hand turnsdouble