Driver’s Trainingg

FIRST THINGS FIRST

YOUR ATTITUDE

Be honest about your attitude on theBe honest about your attitude on the road – If you are someone who yells at other drivers or makes gestures towardother drivers or makes gestures toward someone who just cut you off – then you should NOT be driving an ERC bus orshould NOT be driving an ERC bus or ERC vehicle.

We need people who are safe calmWe need people who are safe, calm drivers and who obey the rules of the roadroad.

YOUR ATTITUDE

Be a defensive driver – do NOT get angryBe a defensive driver do NOT get angry at other drivers or frustrated by traffic situationssituations.

You cannot control anyone’s actions but your ownyour own.

Be alert to everything going on around you f 1 t t t lf d thfor 1 reason – to protect yourself and the clients you are driving.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Drive safely – obey traffic laws AT ALLDrive safely obey traffic laws AT ALL TIMES.

If you are ticketed even when you areIf you are ticketed – even when you are NOT providing transportation to an ERC client it could affect your employmentclient – it could affect your employment with ERC.

PROTECT YOURSELF – PROTECT OUR CLIENTS – DRIVE SAFELY!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We will ask you to sign a statement thatWe will ask you to sign a statement that says you have no health issues (physical or mental) that would interfere withor mental) that would interfere with providing safe transportation for our clients. c e ts

You are responsible for notifying Human Resources if you have any change inResources if you have any change in your health status (vision, physical or mental)mental).

ALL VEHICLES transporting ERC clientsERC clientsShould receive regular maintenance checks.This includes Waiver staff who are driving

their own vehicles.- Check brakesCheck brakes- Check tire tread and pressure regularly.- Heat and A/C should work correctly to provide

comfortable transportation for our clientscomfortable transportation for our clients.- Regular oil changes and fluid checks- Windshield wipers should be in good condition.

All li ht / i l h ld k l- All lights/signals should work properly.- Seatbelts should work properly and no driver

should ever start driving unless all passengers b lt d i tlare belted in correctly.

PRE and POST INSPECTIONS

1. Any ERC employee who drives any ERC vehicle at any time is responsible for checking out the following items BEFOREresponsible for checking out the following items BEFORE and AFTER they use the vehicle: - Check headlights and windshield to be sure they are clean Check for damage to vehicle Check tires for proper inflation and tread Check doors to see if they open and close properly Check seat belts and tie-downs. L k f t i h l tLook for tears in upholstery Check ramps and controls to make sure they are working

properly Check all gauges and instrumentsCheck all gauges and instruments

2. Report any and all malfunctions to the Transportation Coordinator

RULES OF THE ROAD

Speed Limitsp

1. Always observe the posted d li itspeed limit.

2. Reduce speed on wet, snow or ice covered roadsice covered roads.

Right Turns:g

1 In Arkansas it is legal to turn right1. In Arkansas, it is legal to turn right on a red light

2. Except where posted otherwise

3 After coming to a complete stop - if3. After coming to a complete stop if it is safe to do so

4. Always signal well in advance of any turn.

Left Turns

1 Always signal well in advance of any1. Always signal well in advance of any turn

2. Make sure that any turn will be clear of on-coming traffic

3. Always turn into the closest lane on a multi-lane streeta multi lane street

4. Stay in the proper lane.

Changing Lanesg g

1. Always signal before changing laneslanes.

2. Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection.

Highway-Rail Grade Crossingg y g

As you approaching a y pp grailroad crossing, slow down – whether you are driving a car or a van.g

Scan your surroundings and th ld d STOPuse the old adage STOP –

LOOK – LISTEN –especially if this crossing d hdoes not have a gate or lights and bells to warn of an approaching train. pp g

Highway-Rail Grade Crossingg y g

Make sure that drivers behind you th t l iare aware that you are slowing

down for the approaching railroad crossing.

Turn off any radio or noisy equipment, and ask anyone riding with you in the vehicle to be quiet so you can listen for an approaching train.approaching train.

Check the crossing signals or tracks again before proceedingtracks again before proceeding.

School Busses and School Zones

1. Maintain appropriate speed limits in school1. Maintain appropriate speed limits in school zones (20 mph when school children are present)

2. All vehicles either following a school bus or approaching a school bus MUST STOPor approaching a school bus MUST STOP when the yellow lights start flashing indicating that the bus will be stopping. d cat g t at t e bus be stopp g

3. Never go around or pass a school bus -4 l t teven on a 4 lane street.

Emergency Vehicles:g y1. Always yield the right of way to any emergency

vehicle that is using sirens or flashing lightsvehicle that is using sirens or flashing lights.

2. To "Yield the right of way" is defined: "As quickly ibl d i f t th las possible and in a safe manner, move to the lane

closest to the side of the road and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle(s) has p p g y ( )passed by your vehicle."

3. Before accelerating into the flow of traffic after an3. Before accelerating into the flow of traffic after an emergency vehicle has passed, check carefully to be sure that there are no more emergency vehicles comingcoming.

Be Sensitive to our Clients

Adults with Developmental Disabilities:

Age 15-20 years faster than the typical population.S li t h i 30 ld h f th iSo – a client who is 30 could have some of the issues

relating to aging of a 50 year old.Observable Physical Changes with Age:Observable Physical Changes with Age:Skin and face – wrinkles, sagging, leatheringHair – thinning and graying Height – decreases

Weight – increases during middle adulthood, i.e., the ‘middle-age spread’, and often decreases in old age,

i ll i ‘ h i ll f il ld d lt ’especially in ‘physically fragile older adults’

Changes that come with ageg g

Ch i h i C d b d t i ti fChanges in hearing – Caused by deterioration of mechanisms in the inner ear, long-term exposure to loud noises, certain drugs, an improper diet, or genetic g p p gfactors.

Changes in Vision – Caused by aging - eye conditions such as macular degeneration cataracts diabeticsuch as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.

Changes in how they feel things – Skin is moreChanges in how they feel things – Skin is more sensitive. They are more aware of temperature –especially cold. They are more sensitive to pain.

Think about the clients we serve

Sensitivity to those we serveyPerson-Environment Interaction

d O ti l A iand Optimal AgingKurt Lewin’s (1936) conceptualization:

B = f (P E)B = f (P, E)Behavior is the function of both the person and environment.

Competence – the theoretical upper limit of a person’s capacity to function.

Environmental press – the demands placed upon the person.Adaptation level –where press is in balance for particular level of

competence.p

Don’t think in stereotypesyp

Stereotypes linked with traits of older adults:Negative Stereotypes -> Traits

Severely impaired -> Slow-thinking, feeble, senile

Despondent -> Sad, hopeless, afraid, lonelyp , p , , y

Shrew/curmudgeon -> Ill-tempered, stubborn, bitterbitter

Recluse -> Quiet, timid, naive

Don’t think in stereotypesyp

What are some of the stereotypes that our clients have had to deal with?

Negative Stereotypes -> TraitsS SSeverely impaired -> Slow-thinking, stupid, retarded

Behaviors -> They’ll never get better, never get married, very dependent, too loud, can’t learn others?learn…others?

Sensitivity to those we servey

The less the competence levelThe less the competence level of the person, the greater the i f i l fimpact of environmental factors.

What does this mean to you asWhat does this mean to you as an ERC staff member when youyare interacting with our clients?

How YOU can enhance lives

Ways to enhance a sense of competency:

Speak to a person – recognize their individuality.Be respectful recognize independence andBe respectful - recognize independence and autonomy.Recognize abilities and skills & wisdom. We can learnRecognize abilities and skills & wisdom. We can learn from everyone.See development occurring despite disability and infirmity.Respect cultural differences in reaction to changes.

When you are driving…y gExtend common courtesies – Call them by their

t “ ti ” “ l” “kidd ” thname … not “sweetie”, “pal”, “kiddo” or other generic nickname.

D ’t ll if h b h i blDon’t yell – if you have a behavior problem…1. Pull over, stop the bus and turn it off.2 R th k d b k t th2. Remove the keys and go back to the

person who is causing the problem.3. Try to figure out what started the problem.4. Speak to them quietly – ask them to come

f t d itup front and sit near you.

When you are driving…y g

You are in control of their universe…doYou are in control of their universe…do everything you can to make them feel safe.

1. Drive slowly – even under the speed limit.y p2. Don’t stop suddenly…anticipate stops and

slow down gradually – especially if you have g y p y ysomeone in a wheelchair in the back of the van. It can feel like a roller coaster ride to h i h b k h i ithem in the back where every action is

exaggerated.

When you are driving…y g

3. Don’t accelerate from a stop quickly…3. Don t accelerate from a stop quickly… start slowly so that your passengers aren’t jerked around. j

4. Point out things that you think might interest them. Ask them to point out pthings that interest them. Try to engage them in learning about the world around hthem.

5. Treat your passengers with dignity and t!respect!

PRE-TRIP ROUTINE

Daily Pre-Trip Checks

Inspect all 4 tires forgouges cracks proper Check signals tailgouges, cracks, properpressure, adequate tread.

Check signals, tail lights, headlights, brake lights, & wipers.

Check operation of brakes, steering

and horn.

Ensure seats, seat belts, wheelchair tie downs, handrails, emergency equipment and exits, gauges, mirrors, and windows

are satisfactory BEFORE loading passengers.

Tire check•Wearing of the outside of a tire can indicateof a tire can indicate alignment problems.

•Ensure adequate tread•Ensure adequate tread depth.

•If unsure, seek help in u su e, see e pexamining tires.

•Black dust on the outside of the wheel might indicate a brake problem.problem.

Check Tire PressureThe correct tire pressure is locatedpressure is located on sticker inside driver’s door

Front 60 psi-cold

Back 80 psi-cold

Note difference: Front or BackNote difference: Front or Back•Requires a tire gauge with 0-100psi scale (not 0-50psi scale)

•CANNOT use small air compressor (quarter machine) to fill tire, must use “service station” full size compressorservice station full size compressor.

Access to spare tire

winch

E b d tEnsure bumper does not cover rear access cover to spare tire winch. Spare tire is under rear floor well and is lowered by inserting tire tool into access cover to lower the spare tire.

Pre-trip Routinep

To ensure a thorough Pre-trip inspectionTo ensure a thorough Pre trip inspection is completed is to develop a routine. We recommend you proceed around theWe recommend you proceed around the vehicle in a counter-clockwise manner to check the components and also checkcheck the components and also check for body damage and anything out of the ordinaryordinary

Check your lightsy g

Adjust and clean your mirrors

Check that fuel cap is on and secure

Check under vehicle for leaksCheck under vehicle for leaks

Check Tires

Irregular tire wear can be spotted early when tires are checked daily.Blow outs are frightening. They can cause loss of vehicle control as well as accidents, inconvenience, lost time, & increased cost because of road calls or towing feesbecause of road calls or towing fees.Worn tires create balance issues and alignment problems as wellproblems as well.If lug nuts are exposed, make sure they are tight and secureand secure.

Always check tire tread depth

Front tires 4/32 inch rear 2/32 inchFront tires 4/32 inch, rear 2/32 inch

Many vehicles may not have dual rear wheelsdual rear wheels

d fEdge of coin to top of head 4/32”

Check that all doors operate properly and easilyproperly and easily

Inside the VehicleInside the Vehicle

Clean & free of trash

Check all gauges g g

Inside the Vehicle

Check all gaugesCheck all gaugesCheck lights and signalsCheck that wipers operate properlyCheck that wipers operate properlyCheck that washer fluid operates properlyCheck the hornCheck the hornCheck inside mirrors for adjustmentCheck all lights and signalsCheck all lights and signalsCheck brake pressure and back up alarm

When you first start up the vehicle the brake light will

Anti-lock Breaking System (ABS) light will come ong

come on for a few seconds. If all is working correctly it will go out on it’s own

(ABS) light will come on for a few seconds and if all is working correctly -it ill go o t on it’s o nwill go out on it s own. it will go out on it’s own, as will the rest of the systems self checks.

If a indicator light stays on it is an indication of a problem with a ehicle s stem and sho ld bevehicle system and should be

checked by a qualified Technician

Inside the VehicleCheck that seat belts operate pproperlyCheck defrost and heater fansCheck defrost and heater fansCheck that windows are cleanCh k t b lt h l h i ti Check seat belts, wheelchair tie downs, handrails, flooring, emergency equipment emergency equipment Check for cleanliness

Inside the Vehicle

Check the lights and signalsCheck the lights and signalsCheck 4 way flashersCh k th t b k d l i Check that brake pedal pressure is presentCheck all gauges Check fuel level – never leave on a route if tank is less than ½ full.

Safety Equipment - Every ERC vehicle must Include:vehicle must Include:

ERC cell phone for that vehicle or a personal cell p pphone that is in working order/charged.First Aid Kit – synthetic vinyl gloves (No Latex) Body Fluid Clean up/Spill KitBody Fluid Clean up/Spill KitFire Extinguisher, charged and in the green zone on the indicator 3 Triangles-safety warning to other trafficSeat Belt Cutter - if you don’t know how to use it –find out!find out!Ensure that if you use any safety equipment youreplace it or notify a supervisor to have it replaced.

WHERE IS YOUR SAFETY EQUIPMENT?

First Aid Kit Triangles, to be placed on roadway toroadway to warn other traffic if you break down.

Fire extinguisher must be fully chargedbe fully charged. Verify by checking the charge indication arrow is in the green zone.

Emergency equipment properly secured g y q p p p y

Secure all emergency equipment to t t d i t lprevent movement during travel.

In this picture the equipment is mounted to the floor or it may be secured on the wallfloor or it may be secured on the wall.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Road Rage Article – web.mdg

Tips for controlling road rage

Following Distances:g

1. Most rear-end collisions are caused by yfollowing another vehicle too closely.

2. The recommended following distances: UNDER 40mph – 4 second following distanceOVER 40mph – 5 seconds or more

3. Driving at night - Increase your following distance and never “out drive” your headlights. g

4. Increase your following distance when it is foggy, raining, snowing or the roads are icy.

Cushion of Safety:y

The space around your vehicle:p y- The space between you & the vehicle in front

of you.The space between you & the vehicle behind- The space between you & the vehicle behind you.

- The spaces on either side of your vehicle.p yCONSTANTLY CHECK THESE AREAS IN YOUR MIRRORS & WORK TO KEEP THEM FREE OF VEHICLES d/ PEDESTRIANSFREE OF VEHICLES and/or PEDESTRIANS.

ADJUST YOUR SPEED and/or POSITIONas neededas needed.

Dealing with a tailgater:g g

- Most tailgaters are in a hurry. g yGradually slow down and allow them to pass you.

- Do NOT pump your brakes.

- INCREASE the following distance between you and any vehicle in frontbetween you and any vehicle in front of you.

DWD…Driving While DistractedDriving While Distracted

A moment ofA moment of distraction can have tragic consequences

DWD…Driving While DistractedDriving While Distracted

Never talk on cell phone when drivingNever talk on cell phone when driving.Do not write or text when driving.D t h di t ti hilDo not change radio stations while driving.Do not try to read a map or Mapquest directions while driving. Don’t reach down to pick up something while driving.g g

Backing out of parking spaces:

1. Many accidents happen when two vehicles are y ppbacking out of "angle parking spaces" at the same time. This is especially true with pickups, SUVs and vans which must rely exclusively onSUVs and vans which must rely exclusively on outside mirrors and have very large blind spots.

2. Look for parking spaces where it is possible to drive forward out of the space – even if you have to walk a little more.

3 Forward visibility is always better than to the rear3. Forward visibility is always better than to the rear -especially in large vehicles.

Avoiding Accidentsg

The best way to avoid an accident isThe best way to avoid an accident is

( ) T i th t ti l t bl(a) To recognize the potential trouble

( ) f(b) Act before becoming involved

(c) Eliminate the problem before there is one.

Accident Procedures

Vehicular Accident Procedures - When an accident occurs:an accident occurs:

1. You must always call the police and wait for them to arrive. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately – don’t wait for the police.

2. Report the accident to your supervisor, or transportation coordinator. At the ICF phomes, report to the Residential Services Manager (James Maginot).

3. Put out emergency flares or triangles to warn other drivers.

Vehicular Accident Procedures

4. Fill out Insurance forms that are kept in all ERC hi l R t th f t thERC vehicles . Return these forms to the Transportation Coordinator as soon as possible (within 24 hours)possible (within 24 hours)

5. If an employee is involved in any accident -no matter who is determined to be at fault -no matter who is determined to be at fault -the employee involved in the accident MUSTreport to Human Resources or to the nurse at the ICF homes for a mandatory drug test.

6. If accident occurs after regular business ghours – go to the ICF’s for drug testing.

Accident Report – should be in all ERC vehicles and Waiverall ERC vehicles …and Waiver

Weather-related Driving Tips

Heavy rainHeavy rainHeavy rainHeavy rain

Use your wipers!T li ht it’ th lTurn on your lights – it’s the lawSlow down!Maintain proper following distance N E V E R drive through moving water

HydroplaningHydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when water on theHydroplaning occurs when water on the roadway accumulates in front of your vehicle's tires faster that the weight of your e c e s t es aste t at t e e g t o youvehicle can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and “water-ski” on top of a thin layer of water between your tires and the road.

The 3 main factors that contribute to hydroplaning:to hydroplaning:

Vehicle speed. As speed increases, wet traction is p pconsiderably reduced. Since hydroplaning can result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle control, you should always reduce speed, paying attention to the y p p y gtraffic around you.

Tire tread depth. As your tires become worn, their bilit t i t h d l i i d dability to resist hydroplaning is reduced.

Water depth. The deeper the water, the sooner you will lose traction although even thin water layers canwill lose traction, although even thin water layers can cause a loss of traction, including at low speeds.

What to do if you start to hydroplanehydroplane

There are two absolutely essential no-There are two absolutely essential nono's to remember should you experience the beginning of hydroplaning: g g y p g

Do not apply your brakesDo not turn your steering wheel

YOU SHOULD…Ease your foot off the gas y gBrake with light pumping actions

Driving in Fog g g

Drive with lights on LOW beamDrive with lights on LOW beam Reduce your speed - and watch your speedometer Avoid crossing traffic lanesAvoid crossing traffic lanes Beware of other drivers

Driving in the Wind g

Slowing down reduces the reactionSlowing down reduces the reaction forces keep your eyes focused way down thekeep your eyes focused way down the road Sl d dSlow down around corners

Driving in Snow and Iceg

Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop Brake gently to avoid skidding Keep your lights and windshield clean

Don't use cruise control or overdrive Don't assume your vehicle can handle all yconditions

Snow and Ice

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveledoverpasses and infrequently traveled roads. They will freeze first.

Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might

t i i h d dencounter ice in shaded areas or on exposed roadways like bridges

WarningThis presentation contains photos of vehicle crashes that people have been seriously or f t ll i j d Th h t i l d dfatally injured. These photos are included only when needed to illustrate a specific

pointpoint.

Memphis Daycare Van Crash April 2002

5 fatalities

4 Children

1 Driver1 Driver

The only restrained passenger was an 8 year old girl She was riding in the front seatgirl. She was riding in the front seat.

Daycare Van Crash

The girl was killed by this g yair bag. She might have lived if she had been restrained in the backrestrained in the back seat.

The shoulder belt was behind her back and the lap belt was on herlap belt was on her tummy

Daycare Van Crash

The force of the crash imprinted the shape of the seat belt into the vehicle seat.

The driver died after being ejected through the windshield

15 Passenger Vansg

Increased rollover c eased o o erisk, especially at full capacity.

Should be operated by trained, experienced drivers.

Occupants shouldOccupants should wear safety belts at all times.

Arkansas Law

Secondary Law; Seat BeltSecondary Law; Seat BeltFront seat passengers. Fine $25 00 per personFine $25.00 per person

Arkansas Law

Primary Law; Child Passenger Protectiony ; g

All children under 15 must ride in a child passenger restraint systempassenger restraint system

Child safety seat until 6 years or 60 lbsy ySeat belt until age 15

Fine $25.00-$100.00 per child

FUEL MAN GAS:ERC has an account with Fuel Man gas stations.

If you are driving an ERC vehicle – there might be a Fuel Man card available for that vehicle. Checka Fuel Man card available for that vehicle. Check BEFORE you leave ERC to find out if you can use the Fuel Man card. If so, you must get the pin number for that card to pump fuelnumber for that card to pump fuel.

This is for ERC vehicles ONLY.

You may never use a Fuel Man card to put fuel in your own personal vehicle or give this information to anyoneinformation to anyone.

Transportation Paperwork

Pre-Trip/Post-Trip Inspection

VEHICLE LOG BOOK

If you have any transportation needs after 4:00p m call the Transportation Manager at 479-422-1663

Van #

TIME ODOMETER Van has

Name of Driver Date Start End Start End Destination no trash # of Passengers

If you have any transportation needs after 4:00p.m. call the Transportation Manager at 479 422 1663. Please LEAVE ALL LOG SHEETS IN BOOK. They will be removed when it is time to do quarterly reports.

Name of Driver Date Start End Start End Destination no trash # of Passengers

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Y N Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No es o

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No Yes No

Yes No

Waiver Mileage Logg g

VAN/BUS DRILL REPORT

 

Regular Route  (If so, give route # _________ )     ICF Vehicle   Community Employment 

vehicle 

Vehicle Safety Drill Report Drills to be completed once every six months

This drill Name of Driver: ____________________________________________________

Name of other staff on bus (if applicable):  

__________________________________________________ 

Is there a current Insurance Card and vehicle registration in the vehicle?    Yes     No 

What phone(s) were available to call for help/make emergency contacts?  ERC phone   

Personal cell 

should be done every

Is there a copy of ERC Transportation policies/Safety procedures is in the vehicle?   Yes    

No 

Date of Drill/Emergency: _______________  Start time of Drill/Emergency: ____:____ AM    

PM 

Was this an actual emergency?  Yes       No                 

  Where did this drill/emergency take place? Describe the alternative evacuation site used for this drill or 

y6 months with the

 

 

 

Did the driver use the Route Notebook or Emergency Information Notebook?       Yes     

No   

 Did every consumer on the vehicle have a current Face Sheet/EDF in the notebook?    Yes    No  

emergency?    clients who

ride this   

 

  

 

 

  

 

d e e y co su e o e e c e a e a cu e ace S ee / e o eboo es oIf “NO”…enter name(s) of consumer(s) who had Face Sheets or EDFs missing from the notebook or whose information was not current: 

Did staff have all emergency phone numbers & information they needed?     Yes    No  If “NO” – Please describe what emergency information was missing: 

van/bus.

ERC FORM – Vehicle Safety Drill report (Revised 4/2013) 

 

 

  

Did all staff and consumers exit the vehicle without prompting?     Yes      No    If “NO” – please list name(s) of staff / consumer(s) who refused to exit the vehicle. 

ANY QUESTIONS ???