School Bus Driver Training

Unit CStudent Loading and Unloading

ObjectivesAt the end of this session school bus

operators will be able to:Recognize why loading and unloading are

the most dangerous situations when transporting students

Know laws and regulations regarding the use of the eight-way light system

Demonstrate proper loading and unloading procedures

Loading and Unloading FatalitiesStudent was waiting in his parent’s vehicle

across the street from the school bus stop. As the school bus slowed to approach the stop with its amber lights flashing, the student exited his mother’s vehicle and darted in front of an oncoming vehicle. The student was struck and killed. (6-year-old male)

A student was waiting at his bus stop when a car drove up on the sidewalk striking the student from behind. The student was killed. (10-year-old male)

Loading and Unloading FatalitiesA student exited the school bus and crossed

the street. The bus driver completed student drop off and pulled up to make a left turn. As the driver was turning, the student chose to run toward the bus and slipped on the ice and slid under the bus, being run over by the left rear duals. (9-year-old male)

Loading and Unloading FatalitiesStudent was exiting her bus after dark at her

bus stop. An oncoming vehicle failed to stop for the flashing school bus lights and struck her with the left front bumper. There was no evidence that the driver applied the brakes. The student died without regaining consciousness. (5-year-old female)

Student was run over and killed by the left rear wheels of her school bus after she had exited the bus. (5-year-old female)

Loading / Unloading AreaDanger zonesTools to mitigate the danger

EducationSafety devices

Danger ZoneArea of greatest risk10 ft area immediately around the busTwo most dangerous zones

Just in front of busBehind the bus to the buses’ rear wheels

Two significant risksChildren struck by passing motoristChildren run over by bus

Danger Zone

Tools to Mitigate the DangerEducation

Left to the school bus driverIncludes :

Bus stop behavior Boarding On-board behavior Exiting Safe arrival at home

Tools to Mitigate the DangerSafety devices

Eight-way light systemSide stop signCrossing arm

Loading / Unloading ProceduresLoad students at designated bus stopsStudents should stand 10’+ back from edge

of highwayStudents should be on-timeDon’t speed to make up lost timeLook for missing students – they may be

rushing to the bus

SAFETY BEFORE SCHEDULE

Loading ProceduresApproach and checkStopLoadCheck and proceed

Approach and CheckEvaluate bus stops while slowing on approach

PedestriansTrafficPeople who do not belong

Look for late-arriving studentsActivate amber flashing lights

Between 150 and 300 feet before bus stopBrake with transmission in gear

Check trafficGive care to the road surface as you approach

students

StopCome to a complete stopApply the parking brakePlace the transmission in neutralOpen the front door slightly, activating red

lights and stop armCheck trafficOpen door completely

LoadTeach your students not to move toward the

bus until the bus stops and the door opens.Watch for illegally passing motorists!Students should board the bus

SlowlySingle fileUsing the handrail

Count studentsSeat students according to your

transportation company’s or school district’s policy

SeatingSeating capacity is limitedPassengers may not standSeating charts may be helpfulIf using a seating chart, consider:

Your routeStudents’ medical needsStudents’ agesEvacuationNeed for supervision

Check and ProceedPrepare to leave

Account for expected studentsCheck all mirrors around the busShut the front door, de-activating safety devices

Proceed to next stopCheck mirrorsPlace transmission into gearRelease parking brakeCheck child safetyRe-check mirrorsProceed

Unloading ProceduresApproach and checkStopUnloadCheck and proceed

Approach and CheckSlow down in preparation for the stopUse mirrors to check traffic conditionsActivate the amber flashing lights between

150’ and 300’ to signal the upcoming stop to other road users

Do not allow students to stand until the bus is fully stopped

Check traffic to be sure the stop is safe

StopCome to a complete stopSet the parking brakePlace the transmission in neutralOpen door slightly, activating the red lights

and stop arm.Check trafficOpen door completely

UnloadPermit students to leave the bus only at

assigned stops, unless they have written permission

Allow students to exitOrderlyCount passengersObserve their actions after leaving the bus to

be sure they move away from the danger zones

Check and ProceedCheck all mirrors around the bus

Be sure students are not returning to the busFor traffic and pedestrians

Shut the front door to de-activate the safety devices

Proceed to the next stopCheck mirrorsPut the transmission in gearRelease the parking brakeCheck child safetyRe-check mirrorsProceed

WHEN IN DOUBT,

CHECK IT OUT!

Unique Dangers of Loading and Unloading

Dropped or forgotten objectsHandrail dangersSchools (location)Students left on the bus

Enforcing the School Bus Stopping Law

Title 75, Section 3345 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code

On highways not separated by a physical barrierTraffic in all directions stops at least 10’ before busUntil every child has entered the bus (loading)Until every child has reached the sidewalk or side

of highway (unloading)On highways separated by a physical barrier

Traffic in same direction stops

Enforcing the School Bus Stopping Law

ALL TRAFFIC MUST STOP

Must Stop

Red lights activated

Must Stop

Enforcing the School Bus Stopping Law

Must Stop

Ridged/Grooved Roadway surface

Red lights activated

Enforcing the School Bus Stopping Law

When a school bus is stopped at an intersection to load or unload studentsVehicles approaching the intersection from any

direction must stopEmergency vehicles must also stop if the red

lights are flashing. After stopping, they may proceed:Only after exercising ‘due diligence’ and

caution for the safety of the studentsOnly if they do not risk student safety

Enforcing the School Bus Stopping Law

Must Stop

Red lights activated

Must Stop

OTHER School BusesWhen lights are flashing, STOP!Exception: median barrier on divided

highway

Scenario 1A school district has a bus stop assigned to 12

Main Street where it has been for years. This year, a new family at 18 Main Street insists on having their child wait in their driveway 3 houses down from the existing stop.

Since the student is in Kindergarten, the bus driver decides to add the extra stop since it will not take too much additional time.

Is this ok?

Scenario 2You’re on your afternoon route, dropping off

elementary school students. It’s pouring rain. Many of your riders are out sick, so you’re running a little early because you don’t have as many stops to make. As you approach the next stop, you see the student’s mother one block away from the stop approaching with an umbrella. Since only her child gets off at this stop, you pass the designated stop and stop a block away where the mother is waiting with an umbrella so the child doesn’t get soaked.

Is this ok?