Bus—Risk Control Guidelines

This text is intended to provide only a general review of risk control measures. The recommendations must be tailored to individual circumstances and, where appropriate, an expert should be consulted for specific information.

Acceptable Driver’s Record
Drivers shall have an acceptable driving record with not more than two traffic citations and no at-fault accidents while driving any vehicle. When a driver does not meet the above driving standard, he/she shall not be assigned to or be retained for a driving position.

Accident
If a vehicular accident occurs:
     1. Stop the vehicle.
     2. Turn on hazard lights.
     3. Immediately set out reflectors.
     4. Render aid to the injured. (If neck/back injury is suspected, wait for
         paramedics unless the injured person is in danger of further injury
         from fire, explosion, etc.)
     5. Immediately notify local law enforcement of any vehicular accident if
         personal injury or property damage occurs.
     6. Express concern to those involved but make no statement of fault to
         any person other than those required by a policeman or insurance
         representative. (Driver is to be the only person to communicate
         accident details.)
     7. All accidents need to be reported to the driver’s supervisor.

Accident Investigation
All accidents, including “near miss” incidents, are to be investigated and corrective action taken.

Accident Report
Accidents are to be reported immediately to the liability carrier.

Air Brakes
When equipped, the bus is not to be driven when the air pressure to activate the air brakes is less than 60 pounds.

Animals
No animals should be transported except seeing-eye dogs.

Bulky Items
The driver should not permit passengers to carry on board bulky items that might become hazards to passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Such items may be transported only if there are provisions for their securement.

Complaints
Complaints about drivers are to be investigated and a written report retained on file.

Conversations
The driver should not carry on unnecessary conversation while the vehicle is in motion.

Designated Stops
The bus is to stop to receive or discharge passengers only at stops authorized by the bus supervisor.

Door
The door should be closed before the bus is put into motion. It should remain closed while the bus is moving.

Driver Age
The driver must be at least 21 years of age and properly licensed.

Driver Application
Each bus driver should complete in writing an application, which includes health record and driving experience.

Driver Authority
Pupils being transported are under the authority and responsibility of the driver, who shall be held responsible for requiring orderly conduct while pupils are in the bus or crossing the street, highway or road. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to driver authority shall be sufficient reason to deny that pupil transportation.

Driver Background
The supervisor is to immediately furnish the necessary information to the bus liability carrier to obtain a copy of the individual’s driving record.

Driver Training
New bus drivers must complete a twenty-hour training course, including classroom instruction and behind the wheel experience, under the direction of a qualified person.

Each driver is required and paid to attend school bus driver training by the State Department of Education or a similar agency. The bus administrator should communicate with the State Department of Education or a similar agency and make arrangements for the drivers to attend training programs at least once each year.

Drug Tests
All bus drivers are to be tested for drugs on an annual basis.

Emergency Drills
The driver is to conduct emergency drills quarterly.

Federal Motor Carrier Regulations
Churches, schools and all charitable organizations that transport passengers across a state line in an owned or leased vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver, are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. These regulations also apply if your passenger vehicle is greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR. Contact the nearest federal office to obtain the necessary Federal DOT number.

Files
A separate file for each vehicle should be maintained and include:
     1.  Year, make, license and serial number.
     2.  Type of inspections, repairs and dates performed.
     3.  Lubrication service performed.
     4.  Type and due date of inspections required.
     5.  Record of tire service, including mileage, make and size of tire.

First Aid
Each bus driver must hold a current Red Cross certificate indicating that basic first aid training has been completed.

Flashing
The flashing red light system should be operated whenever a stop is made to discharge or load passengers. Passengers are to cross only in front of the bus.

Fuel
Fuel should not be carried or transported except in the regular fuel tank of the bus. The fuel tank is not to be filled when the motor is running or when passengers are inside the bus.

Fumes
All openings between seating area and engine compartment or the underside of the bus, including foot pedal, gear shift openings, etc., are to be fitted with air-tight boots.

Fuses
Spare fuses of each size should be available.

Inclement Weather
The bus administrator should maintain close communication with police, road departments and other schools, and follow their recommendation regarding canceling bus runs due to inclement weather.

Leaving Vehicle
If the driver must leave the vehicle, he is to:
     1.  Stop the engine.
     2.  Remove the key from the ignition.
     3.  Set parking brake.
     4.  Shift manual transmission into first or reverse gear, or “park” position
          for a vehicle with automatic transmission.
     5.  Lock the vehicle.

Loading and Unloading
The drivers, bus administrator, and church or school administrators should observe loading and unloading procedures.

Loaning Buses
The use of buses is restricted to only official activities of the SDA Church. Buses and all other vehicles are not to be loaned to organizations or individuals outside of the corporation of the Church.

Mirrors
Each vehicle should be equipped with the appropriate number of mirrors in accordance with state and local laws.

Parking the Vehicle
On any incline the front wheels are to be properly turned toward the curb and steel chocks utilized.

Physical Examination
The bus driver is to submit to his supervisor a physician’s report of a physical examination performed no more than 24 months prior to the date of hire. Subsequent examinations are required every two years for drivers 21 to 60 years old, and yearly for persons more than 60 years of age.

Recaps
Retreaded or recapped tires should not be used on the front. Regrooved tires should not be used on any wheel.

Reflectors
Three metal hinged, red emergency reflectors should be carried and used whenever the vehicle is disabled on roadways or within 10 feet thereof.

Reporting Mechanical Problems
Drivers are to use a standard written procedure to report mechanical problems.

Routes
The supervisor is in charge of schedules and determining routes. The bus administrator should also assist in determining safe bus routes. Consideration should be given to hazards such as railroad crossings, highway construction, large truck exposures, overpasses, narrow bridges, winter driving conditions, situations that require backing of the bus and busy intersections.

Railroad Crossings
Whenever possible the driver is to plan routes to avoid all railroad crossings. If it is necessary to cross a railroad, the driver is to stop as close as practical to the edge or curb of the road and:
     1.  Open entrance door fully.
     2.  Open left window.
     3.  Listen and look both ways to ascertain that the tracks are clear or
          approaching trains are not close enough to constitute a hazard.
     4.  Proceed only after determining that it is safe and the door has been
          closed.
     5.  The driver is not to shift gears manually when crossing railroad tracks.

Seating Capacity
Each person transported should be provided with a safe seating space. The maximum seating capacity set forth on a Certificate of Inspection should never be exceeded. All passengers are to refrain from standing when the bus is in operation.

State and Local Laws
Buses are to be operated strictly according to state and local laws. Devices used to impair or detect police radar should not be used at any time or carried in any school- or church-owned vehicle.

Substitute Drivers
Substitute drivers should be properly licensed and have complete knowledge of all routes.

Windows
Bus windows are to remain closed unless the driver determines it is permissible to partially open windows.

Bus—Daily CHECKLIST