Flrida CDL Handbk 2007 10. Schl Bus 10.1. Danger Znes and Use f Mirrrs 10.2. Lading and Unlading 10.3. Emergency Exit and Evacuatin 10.4. Railrad-highway Crssings 10.5. Student Management 10.6. Antilck Braking Systems 10.7. Special Safety Cnsideratins This Sectin Cvers Danger Znes and Use f Mirrrs Lading and Unlading Emergency Exit and Evacuatin Railrad-highway Grade Crssings Student Management Antilck Braking Systems Special Safety Cnsideratins Because state and lcal laws and regulatins regulate s much f schl transprtatin and schl bus peratins, many f the prcedures in this sectin may differ frm state t state. Yu shuld be thrughly familiar with the laws and regulatins in yur state and lcal schl district. 10.1.1 Danger Znes
Figure 10-1 The danger zne is the area n all sides f the bus where children are in the mst danger f being hit, either by anther vehicle r their wn bus. The danger znes may extend as much as 30 feet frm the frnt bumper, 10 feet frm the left and right sides f the bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper f the schl bus. In additin, the area t the left f the bus is always cnsidered dangerus because f passing cars. Figure 10.1 illustrates these danger znes. 10.1.2 Crrect Mirrr Adjustment Prper adjustment and use f all mirrrs is vital t the safe peratin f the schl bus in rder t bserve the danger zne arund the bus and lk fr students, traffic, and ther bjects in this area. Yu shuld always check each mirrr befre perating the schl bus t btain maximum viewing area. If necessary, have the mirrrs adjusted. 10.1.3 Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrrs These mirrrs are munted at the left and right frnt crners f the bus at the side r frnt f the windshield. They are used t mnitr traffic, check clearances and students n the sides and t the rear f the bus. There is a blind spt immediately belw and in frnt f each mirrr and directly in back f the rear bumper. The blind spt behind the bus culd extend up t 400 feet depending n the width f the bus. Ensure that the mirrrs are prperly adjusted s yu can see:
200 feet r 4 bus lengths behind the bus. Alng the sides f the bus. The rear tires tuching the grund. Figure 10.2 shws hw bth the utside left and right side flat mirrrs shuld be adjusted. Figure 10-2
Figure 10-3 10.1.4 Outside Left and Right Side Cnvex Mirrrs The cnvex mirrrs are lcated belw the utside flat mirrrs. They are used t mnitr the left and right sides at a wide angle. They prvide a view f traffic, clearances, and students at the side f the bus. These mirrrs present a view f peple and bjects that des nt accurately reflect their size and distance frm the bus. Yu shuld psitin these mirrrs t see: The entire side f the bus up t the mirrr munts. Frnt f the rear tires tuching the grund. At least ne traffic lane n either side f the bus. Figure 10.3 shws hw bth the utside left and right side cnvex mirrrs shuld be adjusted. 10.1.5 Outside Left and Right Side Crssver Mirrrs
Figure 10-4 These mirrrs are munted n bth left and right frnt crners f the bus. They are used t see the frnt bumper "danger zne" area directly in frnt f the bus that is nt visible by direct visin, and t view the "danger zne" area t the left side and right side f the bus, including the service dr and frnt wheel area. The mirrr presents a view f peple and bjects that des nt accurately reflect their size and distance frm the bus. The driver must ensure that these mirrrs are prperly adjusted. Ensure that the mirrrs are prperly adjusted s yu can see: The entire area in frnt f the bus frm the frnt bumper at grund level t a pint where direct visin is pssible. Direct visin and mirrr view visin shuld verlap. The right and left frnt tires tuching the grund. The area frm the frnt f the bus t the service dr. These mirrrs, alng with the cnvex and flat mirrrs, shuld be viewed in a lgical sequence t ensure that a child r bject is nt in any f the danger znes. Figure 10.4 illustrates hw the left and right side crssver mirrrs shuld be adjusted. 10.1.6 Overhead Inside Rearview Mirrr This mirrr is munted directly abve the windshield n the driver's side area f the bus. This mirrr is used t mnitr passenger activity inside the bus. It may prvide limited visibility directly in back f the bus if the bus is equipped with a glass-bttmed rear emergency dr. There is a blind spt area directly behind the driver's seat as well as a large blind spt area that begins at the rear bumper and culd extend up t 400 feet r mre behind the bus. Yu must use the exterir side mirrrs t mnitr traffic that appraches and enters this area. Yu shuld psitin the mirrr t see: The tp f the rear windw in the tp f the mirrr.
All f the students, including the heads f the students right behind yu. Mre students are killed while getting n r ff a schl bus each year than are killed as passengers inside f a schl bus. As a result, knwing what t d befre, during, and after lading r unlading students is critical. This sectin will give yu specific prcedures t help yu avid unsafe cnditins which culd result in injuries and fatalities during and after lading and unlading students. The infrmatin in this sectin is intended t prvide a brad verview, but is nt a definitive set f actins. It is imperative that yu learn and bey the state laws and regulatins gverning lading/unlading peratins in yur state. 10.2.1 Appraching the Stp Each schl district establishes fficial rutes and fficial schl bus stps. All stps shuld be apprved by the schl district prir t making the stp. Yu shuld never change the lcatin f a bus stp withut written apprval frm the apprpriate schl district fficial. Yu must use extreme cautin when appraching a schl bus stp. Yu are in a very demanding situatin when entering these areas. It is critical that yu understand and fllw all state and lcal laws and regulatins regarding appraching a schl bus stp. This wuld invlve the prper use f mirrrs, alternating flashing lights, and when equipped, the mveable stp signal arm and crssing cntrl arm. When appraching the stp, yu shuld: Apprach cautiusly at a slw rate f speed. Lk fr pedestrians, traffic, r ther bjects befre, during, and after cming t a stp. Cntinuusly check all mirrrs. If the schl bus is s equipped, activate alternating flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet r apprximately 5-10 secnds befre the schl bus stp r in accrdance with state law. Turn n right turn signal indicatr abut 100-300 feet r apprximately 3-5 secnds befre pulling ver. Cntinuusly check mirrrs t mnitr the danger znes fr students, traffic, and ther bjects. Mve as far as pssible t the right n the traveled prtin f the radway. Bring schl bus t a full stp with the frnt bumper at least 10 feet away frm students at the designated stp. This frces the students t walk t the bus s yu have a better view f their mvements. Place transmissin in Park, r if there is n Park shift pint, in Neutral and set the parking brake at each stp. Open service dr, if pssible, enugh t activate alternating red lights when traffic is a safe distance frm the schl bus.
Make a final check t see that all traffic has stpped befre cmpletely pening the dr and signaling students t apprach. 10.2.2 Lading Prcedures Perfrm a safe stp as described in subsectin 10.2.1. Students shuld wait in a designated lcatin fr the schl bus, facing the bus as it appraches. Students shuld bard the bus nly when signaled by the driver. Mnitr all mirrrs cntinuusly. Cunt the number f students at the bus stp and be sure all bard the bus. If pssible, knw names f students at each stp. If there is a student missing, ask the ther students where the student is. Have the students bard the schl bus slwly, in single file, and use the handrail. The dme light shuld be n while lading in the dark. Wait until students are seated and facing frward befre mving the bus. Check all mirrrs. Make certain n ne is running t catch the bus. If yu cannt accunt fr a student utside, secure the bus, take the key, and check arund and underneath the bus. When all students are accunted fr, prepare t leave by: Clsing the dr. Engaging the transmissin. Releasing the parking brake. Turning ff alternating flashing red lights. Turning n left turn signal. Checking all mirrrs again. Allwing cngested traffic t disperse. When it is safe, mve the bus t enter traffic flw and cntinue the rute. The lading prcedure is essentially the same wherever yu lad students, but there are slight differences. When students are lading at the schl campus, yu shuld: Turn ff the ignitin switch. Remve key if leaving driver's cmpartment. Psitin yurself t supervise lading as required r recmmended by yur state r lcal regulatins. 10.2.3 Unlading Prcedures n the Rute Perfrm a safe stp at designated unlading areas as described in subsectin 10.2.1. Have the students remain seated until tld t exit. Check all mirrrs. Cunt the number f students while unlading t cnfirm the lcatin f all students befre pulling away frm the stp. Tell students t exit the bus and walk at least 10 feet away frm the side f the bus t a psitin where the driver can plainly see all students. Check all mirrrs again. Make sure n students are arund r returning t the bus.
If yu cannt accunt fr a student utside the bus, secure the bus, and check arund and underneath the bus. When all students are accunted fr, prepare t leave by: Clsing the dr. Engaging transmissin. Releasing parking brake. Turning ff alternating flashing red lights. Turning n left turn signal. Checking all mirrrs again. Allwing cngested traffic t disperse. When it is safe, mve the bus, enter the traffic flw and cntinue the rute. Nte. If yu have missed a student's unlading stp, d nt back up. Be sure t fllw lcal prcedures. Additinal Prcedures fr Students That Must Crss the Radway. Yu shuld understand what students shuld d when exiting a schl bus and crssing the street in frnt f the bus. In additin, the schl bus driver shuld understand that students might nt always d what they are suppsed t d. If a student r students must crss the radway, they shuld fllw these prcedures: Walk apprximately 10 feet away frm the side f the schl bus t a psitin where yu can see them. Walk t a lcatin at least 10 feet in frnt f the right crner f the bumper, but still remaining away frm the frnt f the schl bus. Stp at the right edge f the radway. Yu shuld be able t see the student's feet. When students reach the edge f the radway, they shuld: Stp and lk in all directins, making sure the radway is clear and is safe. Check t see if the red flashing lights n the bus are still flashing. Wait fr yur signal befre crssing the radway. Upn yur signal, the students shuld: Crss far enugh in frnt f the schl bus t be in yur view. Stp at the left edge f the schl bus, stp, and lk again fr yur signal t cntinue t crss the radway. Lk fr traffic in bth directins, making sure radway is clear. Prceed acrss the radway, cntinuing t lk in all directins. Nte: The schl bus driver shuld enfrce any state r lcal regulatins r recmmendatins cncerning student actins utside the schl bus. 10.2.4 Unlading Prcedures at Schl State and lcal laws and regulatins regarding unlading students at schls, particularly in situatins where such activities take place in the schl parking lt r ther lcatin that is ff the traveled radway, are ften different than unlading alng the schl bus rute. It is imprtant that the schl bus driver understands and beys state and lcal laws and regulatins. The fllwing prcedures are meant t be general guidelines. When unlading at the schl yu shuld fllw these prcedures:
Perfrm a safe stp at designated unlading areas as described in subsectin 10.2.1. Secure the bus by: Turning ff the ignitin switch. Remving key if leaving driver's cmpartment. Have the students remain seated until tld t exit. Psitin yurself t supervise unlading as required r recmmended by yur state r lcal regulatins. Have students exit in rderly fashin. Observe students as they step frm bus t see that all mve prmptly away frm the unlading area. Walk thrugh the bus and check fr hiding/sleeping students and items left by students. Check all mirrrs. Make certain n students are returning t the bus. If yu cannt accunt fr a student utside the bus and the bus is secure, check arund and underneath the bus. When all students are accunted fr, prepare t leave by: Clsing the dr. Fastening safety belt. Starting engine. Engaging the transmissin. Releasing the parking brake. Turning ff alternating flashing red lights. Turning n left turn signal. Checking all mirrrs again. Allwing cngested traffic t disperse. When it is safe, pull away frm the unlading area. 10.2.5 Special Dangers f Lading and Unlading Drpped r Frgtten Objects. Always fcus n students as they apprach the bus and watch fr any wh disappear frm sight. Students may drp an bject near the bus during lading and unlading. Stpping t pick up the bject, r returning t pick up the bject may cause the student t disappear frm the driver's sight at a very dangerus mment. Students shuld be tld t leave any drpped bject and mve t a pint f safety ut f the danger znes and attempt t get the driver's attentin t retrieve the bject. Handrail Hang-ups. Students have been injured r killed when clthing, accessries, r even parts f their bdy get caught in the handrail r dr as they exited the bus. Yu shuld clsely bserve all students exiting the bus t cnfirm that they are in a safe lcatin prir t mving the bus. 10.2.6 Pst-trip Inspectin When yur rute r schl activity trip is finished, yu shuld cnduct a psttrip inspectin f the bus. Yu shuld walk thrugh the bus and arund the bus lking fr the fllwing: Articles left n the bus. Sleeping students.
Open windws and drs. Mechanical/peratinal prblems with the bus, with special attentin t items that are unique t schl buses - mirrr systems, flashing warning lamps and stp signal arms. Damage r vandalism. Any prblems r special situatins shuld be reprted immediately t yur supervisr r schl authrities. An emergency situatin can happen t anyne, anytime, anywhere. It culd be a crash, a stalled schl bus n a railrad-highway crssing r in a highspeed intersectin, an electrical fire in the engine cmpartment, a medical emergency t a student n the schl bus, etc. Knwing what t d in an emergency-befre, during and after an evacuatin-can mean the difference between life and death. 10.3.1 Planning fr Emergencies Determine Need t Evacuate Bus. The first and mst imprtant cnsideratin is fr yu t recgnize the hazard. If time permits, schl bus drivers shuld cntact their dispatcher t explain the situatin befre making a decisin t evacuate the schl bus. As a general rule, student safety and cntrl is best maintained by keeping students n the bus during an emergency and/r impending crisis situatin, if s ding des nt expse them t unnecessary risk r injury. Remember, the decisin t evacuate the bus must be a timely ne. A decisin t evacuate shuld include cnsideratin f the fllwing cnditins: Is there a fire r danger f fire? Is there a smell f raw r leaking fuel? Is there a chance the bus culd be hit by ther vehicles? Is the bus in the path f a sighted trnad r rising waters? Are there dwned pwer lines? Wuld remving students expse them t speeding traffic, severe weather, r a dangerus envirnment such as dwned pwer lines? Wuld mving students cmplicate injuries such as neck and back injuries and fractures? Is there a hazardus spill invlved? Smetimes, it may be safer t remain n the bus and nt cme in cntact with the material. Mandatry Evacuatins. The driver must evacuate the bus when: The bus is n fire r there is a threat f a fire. The bus is stalled n r adjacent t a railrad-highway crssing. The psitin f the bus may change and increase the danger. There is an imminent danger f cllisin. There is a need t quickly evacuate because f a hazardus materials spill. 10.3.2 Evacuatin Prcedures Be Prepared and Plan Ahead. When pssible, assign tw respnsible, lder student assistants t each emergency exit. Teach them hw t assist
the ther students ff the bus. Assign anther student assistant t lead the students t a "safe place" after evacuatin. Hwever, yu must recgnize that there may nt be lder, respnsible students n the bus at the time f the emergency. Therefre, emergency evacuatin prcedures must be explained t all students. This includes knwing hw t perate the varius emergency exits and the imprtance f listening t and fllwing all instructins given by yu. Sme tips t determine a safe place: A safe place will be at least 100 feet ff the rad in the directin f ncming traffic. This will keep the students frm being hit by debris if anther vehicle cllides with the bus. Lead students upwind f the bus if fire is present. Lead students as far away frm railrad tracks as pssible and in the directin f any ncming train. Lead students upwind f the bus at least 300 feet if there is a risk frm spilled hazardus materials. If the bus is in the direct path f a sighted trnad and evacuatin is rdered, escrt students t a nearby ditch r culvert if shelter in a building is nt readily available, and direct them t lie face dwn, hands cvering their head. They shuld be far enugh away s the bus cannt tpple n them. Avid areas that are subject t flash flds. General Prcedures. Determine if evacuatin is in the best interest f safety. Determine the best type f evacuatin: Frnt, rear r side dr evacuatin, r sme cmbinatin f drs. Rf r windw evacuatin. Secure the bus by: Placing transmissin in Park, r if there is n shift pint, in Neutral. Setting parking brakes. Shutting ff the engine. Remving ignitin key. Activating hazard-warning lights. If time allws, ntify dispatch ffice f evacuatin lcatin, cnditins, and type f assistance needed. Dangle radi micrphne r telephne ut f driver's windw fr later use, if perable. If n radi, r radi is inperable, dispatch a passing mtrist r area resident t call fr help. As a last resrt, dispatch tw lder, respnsible students t g fr help. Order the evacuatin. Evacuate students frm the bus. D nt mve a student yu believe may have suffered a neck r spinal injury unless his r her life is in immediate danger. Special prcedures must be used t mve neck spinal injury victims t prevent further injury. Direct a student assistant t lead students t the nearest safe place. Walk thrugh the bus t ensure n students remain n the bus. Retrieve emergency equipment.
Jin waiting students. Accunt fr all students and check fr their safety. Prtect the scene. Set ut emergency warning devices as necessary and apprpriate. Prepare infrmatin fr emergency respnders. 10.4.1 Types f Crssings Passive Crssings. This type f crssing des nt have any type f traffic cntrl device. Yu must stp at these crssings and fllw prper prcedures. Hwever, the decisin t prceed rests entirely in yur hands. Passive crssings require yu t recgnize the crssing, search fr any train using the tracks and decide if there is sufficient clear space t crss safely. Passive crssings have yellw circular advance warning signs, pavement markings and crssbucks t assist yu in recgnizing a crssing. Active Crssings. This type f crssing has a traffic cntrl device installed at the crssing t regulate traffic at the crssing. These active devices include flashing red lights, with r withut bells and flashing red lights with bells and gates. 10.4.2 Warning Signs and Devices Advance Warning Signs. The rund, black-n-yellw warning sign is placed ahead f a public railrad-highway crssing. The advance warning sign tells yu t slw dwn, lk and listen fr the train, and be prepared t stp at the tracks if a train is cming. See Figure 10.5. Pavement Markings. Pavement markings mean the same as the advance warning sign. They cnsist f an "X" with the letters ""RR" and a n-passing marking n tw-lane rads. There is als a n passing zne sign n tw-lane rads. There may be a white stp line painted n the pavement befre the railrad tracks. The frnt f the schl bus must remain behind this line while stpped at the crssing. See Figure 10.6.
Figure 10-5 Figure 10-6 Crssbuck Signs. This sign marks the crssing. It requires yu t yield the right-f-way t the train. If there is n white line painted n the pavement, yu must stp the bus befre the crssbuck sign. When the rad crsses ver mre than ne set f tracks, a sign belw the crssbuck indicates the number f tracks. See Figure 10.7. Flashing Red Light Signals. At many highway-rail grade crssings, the crssbuck sign has flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin t
flash, stp! A train is appraching. Yu are required t yield the right-f-way t the train. If there is mre than ne track, make sure all tracks are clear befre crssing. See Figure 10.8. Gates. Many railrad-highway crssings have gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stp when the lights begin t flash and befre the gate lwers acrss the rad lane. Remain stpped until the gates g up and the lights have stpped flashing. Prceed when it is safe. If the gate stays dwn after the train passes, d nt drive arund the gate. Instead, call yur dispatcher. See Figure 10.8. Figure 10-7
Figure 10-8 10.4.3 Recmmended Prcedures Each state has laws and regulatins gverning hw schl buses must perate at railrad-highway crssings. It is imprtant fr yu t understand and bey these state laws and regulatins. In general, schl buses must stp at all crssings, and ensure it is safe befre prceeding acrss the tracks. The specific prcedures required in each state vary. A schl bus is ne f the safest vehicles n the highway. Hwever, a schl bus des nt have the slightest edge when invlved in a crash with a train. Because f a train's size and weight it cannt stp quickly. An emergency escape rute des nt exist fr a train. Yu can prevent schl bus/train crashes by fllwing these recmmended prcedures. Appraching the Crssing: Slw dwn, including shifting t a lwer gear in a manual transmissin bus, and test yur brakes. Activate hazard lights apprximately 200 feet befre the crssing. Make sure yur intentins are knwn. Scan yur surrundings and check fr traffic behind yu. Stay t the right f the radway if pssible. Chse an escape rute in the event f a brake failure r prblems behind yu. At the Crssing: Stp n clser than 15 feet and n farther than 50 feet frm the nearest rail, where yu have the best view f the tracks.
Place the transmissin in Park, r if there is n Park shift pint, in Neutral and press dwn n the service brake r set the parking brakes. Turn ff all radis and nisy equipment, and silence the passengers. Open the service dr and driver's windw. Lk and listen fr an appraching train. Crssing the Track: Check the crssing signals again befre prceeding. At a multiple-track crssing, stp nly befre the first set f tracks. When yu are sure n train is appraching n any track, prceed acrss all f the tracks until yu have cmpletely cleared them. Crss the tracks in a lw gear. D nt change gears while crssing. If the gate cmes dwn after yu have started acrss, drive thrugh it even if it means yu will break the gate. 10.4.4 Special Situatins Bus Stalls r Trapped n Tracks. If yur bus stalls r is trapped n the tracks, get everyne ut and ff the tracks immediately. Mve everyne far frm the bus at an angle, which is bth away frm the tracks and tward the train. Plice Officer at the Crssing. If a plice fficer is at the crssing, bey directins. If there is n plice fficer, and yu believe the signal is malfunctining, call yur dispatcher t reprt the situatin and ask fr instructins n hw t prceed. Obstructed View f Tracks. Plan yur rute s it prvides maximum sight distance at highway-rail grade crssings. D nt attempt t crss the tracks unless yu can see far enugh dwn the track t knw fr certain that n trains are appraching. Passive crssings are thse that d nt have any type f traffic cntrl device. Be especially careful at "passive" crssings. Even if there are active railrad signals that indicate the tracks are clear, yu must lk and listen t be sure it is safe t prceed. Cntainment r Strage Areas. If it wn't fit, dn't cmmit! Knw the length f yur bus and the size f the cntainment area at highway-rail crssings n the schl bus rute, as well as any crssing yu encunter in the curse f a schl activity trip. When appraching a crssing with a signal r stp sign n the ppsite side, pay attentin t the amunt f rm there. Be certain the bus has enugh cntainment r strage area t cmpletely clear the railrad tracks n the ther side if there is a need t stp. As a general rule, add 15 feet t the length f the schl bus t determine an acceptable amunt f cntainment r strage area. 10.5.1 Dn't Deal with On-bus Prblems When Lading and Unlading In rder t get students t and frm schl safely and n time, yu need t be able t cncentrate n the driving task. Lading and unlading requires all yur cncentratin. Dn't take yur eyes ff what is happening utside the bus.
If there is a behavir prblem n the bus, wait until the students unlading are safely ff the bus and have mved away. If necessary, pull the bus ver t handle the prblem. 10.5.2 Handling Serius Prblems Tips n handling serius prblems: Fllw yur schl's prcedures fr discipline r refusal f rights t ride the bus. Stp the bus. Park in a safe lcatin ff the rad, perhaps a parking lt r a driveway. Secure the bus. Take the ignitin key with yu if yu leave yur seat. Stand up and speak respectfully t the ffender r ffenders. Speak in a curteus manner with a firm vice. Remind the ffender f the expected behavir. D nt shw anger, but d shw that yu mean business. If a change f seating is needed, request that the student mve t a seat near yu. Never put a student ff the bus except at schl r at his r her designated schl bus stp. If yu feel that the ffense is serius enugh that yu cannt safely drive the bus, call fr a schl administratr r the plice t cme and remve the student. Always fllw yu state r lcal prcedures fr requesting assistance. 10.6.1 Vehicles Required t Have Antilck Braking Systems The Department f Transprtatin requires that antilck braking systems be n: Air brakes vehicles, (trucks, buses, trailers and cnverter dllies) built n r after March 1, 1998. Hydraulically braked trucks and buses with a grss vehicle weight rating f 10,000 lbs r mre built n r after March 1, 1999. Many buses built befre these dates have been vluntarily equipped with ABS. Yur schl bus will have a yellw ABS malfunctin lamp n the instrument panel if it is equipped with ABS. 10.6.2 Hw ABS Helps Yu When yu brake hard n slippery surfaces in a vehicle withut ABS, yur wheels may lck up. When yur steering wheels lck up, yu lse steering cntrl. When yur ther wheels lck up, yu may skid r even spin the vehicle. ABS helps yu avid wheel lck up and maintain cntrl. Yu may r may nt be able t stp faster with ABS, but yu shuld be able t steer arund an bstacle while braking, and avid skids caused by ver braking. 10.6.3 Braking with ABS When yu drive a vehicle with ABS, yu shuld brake as yu always have. In ther wrds: Use nly the braking frce necessary t stp safely and stay in cntrl.
Brake the same way, regardless f whether yu have ABS n the bus. Hwever, in emergency braking, d nt pump the brakes n a bus with ABS. As yu slw dwn, mnitr yur bus and back ff the brakes (if it is safe t d s) t stay in cntrl. 10.6.4 Braking if ABS is Nt Wrking Withut ABS, yu still have nrmal brake functins. Drive and brake as yu always have. Vehicles with ABS have yellw malfunctin lamps t tell yu if smething is nt wrking. The yellw ABS malfunctin lamp is n the bus's instrument panel. As a system check n newer vehicles, the malfunctin lamp cmes n at start-up fr a bulb check and then ges ut quickly. On lder systems, the lamp culd stay n until yu are driving ver five mph. If the lamp stays n after the bulb check, r ges n nce yu are under way, yu may have lst ABS cntrl at ne r mre wheels. Remember, if yur ABS malfunctins, yu still have regular brakes. Drive nrmally, but get the system serviced sn. 10.6.5 Safety Reminders ABS wn't allw yu t drive faster, fllw mre clsely, r drive less carefully. ABS wn't prevent pwer r turning skids-abs shuld prevent brakeinduced skids but nt thse caused by spinning the drive wheels r ging t fast in a turn. ABS wn't necessarily shrten stpping distance. ABS will help maintain vehicle cntrl, but nt always shrten stpping distance. ABS wn't increase r decrease ultimate stpping pwer-abs is an "add-n" t yur nrmal brakes, nt a replacement fr them. ABS wn't change the way yu nrmally brake. Under nrmal brake cnditins, yur vehicle will stp as it always stpped. ABS nly cmes int play when a wheel wuld nrmally have lcked up because f ver braking. ABS wn't cmpensate fr bad brakes r pr brake maintenance. Remember: The best vehicle safety feature is still a safe driver. Remember: Drive s yu never need t use yur ABS. Remember: If yu need it, ABS culd help t prevent a serius crash. 10.7.1 Strbe Lights Sme schl buses are equipped with rf-munted, white strbe lights. If yur bus is s equipped, the verhead strbe light shuld be used when yu have limited visibility. This means that yu cannt easily see arund yu - in frnt, behind, r beside the schl bus. Yur visibility culd be nly slightly limited r it culd be s bad that yu can see nthing at all. In all instances, understand and bey yur state r lcal regulatins cncerning the use f these lights. 10.7.2 Driving in High Winds
Strng winds affect the handling f the schl bus! The side f a schl bus acts like a sail n a sailbat. Strng winds can push the schl bus sideways. They can even mve the schl bus ff the rad r, in extreme cnditins, tip it ver. If yu are caught in strng winds: Keep a strng grip n the steering wheel. Try t anticipate gusts. Yu shuld slw dwn t lessen the effect f the wind, r pull ff the radway and wait. Cntact yur dispatcher t get mre infrmatin n hw t prceed. 10.7.3 Backing Backing a schl bus is strngly discuraged. Yu shuld back yur bus nly when yu have n ther safe way t mve the vehicle. Yu shuld never back a schl bus when students are utside f the bus. Backing is dangerus and increases yur risk f a cllisin. If yu have n chice and yu must back yur bus, fllw these prcedures: Pst a lkut. The purpse f the lkut is t warn yu abut bstacles, appraching persns, and ther vehicles. The lkut shuld nt give directins n hw t back the bus. Signal fr quiet n the bus. Cnstantly check all mirrrs and rear windws. Back slwly and smthly. If n lkut is available: Set the parking brake. Turn ff the mtr and take the keys with yu. Walk t the rear f the bus t determine whether the way is clear. If yu must back-up at a student pick-up pint, be sure t pick up students befre backing and watch fr late cmers at all times. Be sure that all students are in the bus befre backing. If yu must back-up at a student drp-ff pint, be sure t unlad students after backing. 10.7.4 Tail Swing A schl bus can have up t a three-ft tail swing. Yu need t check yur mirrrs befre and during any turning mvements t mnitr the tail swing. Sectin 10 Test Yur Knwledge 1. Define the danger zne. Hw far des the danger zne extend arund the bus? 2. What shuld yu be able t see if the utside flat mirrrs are adjusted prperly? The utside cnvex mirrrs? The crssver mirrrs? 3. Yu are lading students alng the rute. When shuld yu activate yur alternating flashing amber warning lights? 4. Yu are unlading students alng yur rute. Where shuld students walk t after exiting the bus? 5. After unlading at schl, why shuld yu walk thrugh the bus? 6. What psitin shuld students be in frnt f the bus befre they crss the radway?
7. Under what cnditins must yu evacuate the bus? 8. Hw far frm the nearest rail shuld yu stp at a highway-rail crssing? 9. What is a passive highway-rail crssing? Why shuld yu be extra cautius at this type f crssing? 10. Hw shuld yu use yur brakes if yur vehicle is equipped with antilck brakes (ABS)?