Page 78 - 2021-2022 Commercial Drivers Manual

SECTION 10 : SCHOOL BUSES

LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE
FLAT MIRRORS CONVEX MIRRORS CROSSOVER MIRRORS

Figure 10.4

10.2.2 – Loading Procedures

• Perform a safe stop as described in subsec-
tion 10.2.1.

• Students should wait in a designated loca-
Figure 10.2 Figure 10.3 tion for the school bus, facing the bus as it
approaches.
• Students should board the bus only when

that begins at the rear bumper and could extend volve the proper use of mirrors, alternating flash- signaled by the driver.

up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. You must ing lights, and when equipped, the moveable stop • Monitor all mirrors continuously.

use the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic signal arm and crossing control arm.

that approaches and enters this area. When approaching the stop, you should: • Count the number of students at the bus stop
and be sure all board the bus. If possible, know

You should position the mirror to see: • Approach cautiously at a slow rate of speed.
names of students at each stop. If there is a

• The top of the rear window in the top of the • Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects student missing, ask the other students where

mirror. before, during, and after coming to a stop. the student is.

• All of the students, including the heads of the • Continuously check all mirrors. • Have the students board the school bus slowly,

students right behind you. in single file, and use the handrail. The dome

• If the school bus is so equipped, activate al- light should be on while loading in the dark.
ternating flashing amber warning lights at
10.2 Loading and Unloading least 200 feet or approximately 5-10 seconds • Wait until students are seated and facing for-
–

before the school bus stop or in accordance ward before moving the bus.
More students are killed while getting on with state law. • Check all mirrors. Make certain no one is run-

or off a school bus each year than are killed as • Turn on right turn signal indicator about 100- ning to catch the bus.

passengers inside of a school bus. As a result, 300 feet or approximately 3-5 seconds before

knowing what to do before, during, and after pulling over. • If you cannot account for a student outside,
loading or unloading students is critical. This secure the bus, take the key, and check around
section will give you specific procedures to help • Continuously check mirrors to monitor the and underneath the bus.

you avoid unsafe conditions which could result danger zones for students, traffic, and other • When all students are accounted for, prepare

in injuries and fatalities during and after loading objects. to leave by:
and unloading students. • Move as far as possible to the right on the trav- » Closing the door.

The information in this section is intended to eled portion of the roadway. » Engaging the transmission.

provide a broad overview, but is not a definitive » Releasing the parking brake.

set of actions. It is imperative that you learn and When stopping you should: » Turning off alternating flashing red lights.

obey the state laws and regulations governing • Bring school bus to a full stop with the front » Turning on left turn signal.

loading/unloading operations in your state.

bumper at least 10 feet away from students at » Checking all mirrors again.

the designated stop. This forces the students » Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop
to walk to the bus so you have a better view

Each school district establishes official routes of their movements. • When it is safe, move the bus to enter traffic
and official school bus stops. All stops should be flow and continue the route.

approved by the school district prior to making • Place transmission in Park, or if there is no The loading procedure is essentially the same
the stop. You should never change the location Park shift point, in Neutral and set the parking wherever you load students, but there are slight
of a bus stop without written approval from the brake at each stop. differences. When students are loading at the

appropriate school district official. • Activate alternating red lights when traffic is a school campus, you should:
You must use extreme caution when ap- safe distance from the school bus and ensure

proaching a school bus stop. You are in a very the safety arm and stop sign is extended. • Turn off the ignition switch.
demanding situation when entering these areas. • Remove key if leaving driver’s compartment.

It is critical that you understand and follow all • Make a final check to see that all traffic has

state and local laws and regulations regarding stopped before completely opening the door • Position yourself to supervise loading as re-
approaching a school bus stop. This would in- and signaling students to approach. quired or recommended by your state or local
regulations.
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