Page 83 - Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual 2020
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10SECTION : SCHOOL BUSES
LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE
FLAT MIRRORS CONVEX MIRRORS CROSSOVER MIRRORS
Figure 10.4
Figure 10.2 Figure 10.3 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures
• Perform a safe stop as described in subsec-
that begins at the rear bumper and could extend volve the proper use of mirrors, alternating flash-
up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. You must ing lights, and when equipped, the moveable stop tion 10.2.1.
use the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic signal arm and crossing control arm. • Students should wait in a designated loca-
that approaches and enters this area.
When approaching the stop, you should: tion for the school bus, facing the bus as it
You should position the mirror to see: • Approach cautiously at a slow rate of speed. approaches.
• The top of the rear window in the top of the • Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects • Students should board the bus only when
signaled by the driver.
mirror. before, during, and after coming to a stop. • Monitor all mirrors continuously.
• All of the students, including the heads of the • Continuously check all mirrors. • Count the number of students at the bus stop
• If the school bus is so equipped, activate al- and be sure all board the bus. If possible, know
students right behind you. names of students at each stop. If there is a
ternating flashing amber warning lights at student missing, ask the other students where
10.2 – Loading and Unloading least 200 feet or approximately 5-10 seconds the student is.
before the school bus stop or in accordance • Have the students board the school bus slowly,
More students are killed while getting on with state law. in single file, and use the handrail. The dome
or off a school bus each year than are killed as • Turn on right turn signal indicator about 100- light should be on while loading in the dark.
passengers inside of a school bus. As a result, 300 feet or approximately 3-5 seconds before • Wait until students are seated and facing for-
knowing what to do before, during, and after pulling over. ward before moving the bus.
loading or unloading students is critical. This • Continuously check mirrors to monitor the • Check all mirrors. Make certain no one is run-
section will give you specific procedures to help danger zones for students, traffic, and other ning to catch the bus.
you avoid unsafe conditions which could result objects. • If you cannot account for a student outside,
in injuries and fatalities during and after loading • Move as far as possible to the right on the trav- secure the bus, take the key, and check around
and unloading students. eled portion of the roadway. and underneath the bus.
When stopping you should: • When all students are accounted for, prepare
The information in this section is intended to • Bring school bus to a full stop with the front to leave by:
provide a broad overview, but is not a definitive bumper at least 10 feet away from students at »» Closing the door.
set of actions. It is imperative that you learn and the designated stop. This forces the students »» Engaging the transmission.
obey the state laws and regulations governing to walk to the bus so you have a better view »» Releasing the parking brake.
loading/unloading operations in your state. of their movements. »» Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop • Place transmission in Park, or if there is no »» Turning on left turn signal.
Park shift point, in Neutral and set the parking »» Checking all mirrors again.
Each school district establishes official routes brake at each stop. »» Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
and official school bus stops. All stops should be • Activate alternating red lights when traffic is a • When it is safe, move the bus to enter traffic
approved by the school district prior to making safe distance from the school bus and ensure flow and continue the route.
the stop. You should never change the location the safety arm and stop sign is extended. The loading procedure is essentially the same
of a bus stop without written approval from the • Make a final check to see that all traffic has wherever you load students, but there are slight
appropriate school district official. stopped before completely opening the door differences. When students are loading at the
and signaling students to approach. school campus, you should:
You must use extreme caution when ap- • Turn off the ignition switch.
proaching a school bus stop. You are in a very • Remove key if leaving driver’s compartment.
demanding situation when entering these areas. • Position yourself to supervise loading as re-
It is critical that you understand and follow all quired or recommended by your state or local
state and local laws and regulations regarding regulations.
approaching a school bus stop. This would in-
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