Blind Spots at Intersections and Crosswalks

Mirror Adjustments Mirrors correctly adjusted allow line of sight to avoid collisions . Mirrors not properly adjusted will not allow maximum visibility. Washington State drivers are trained in reference point driving. Reference points apply to the proper mirror adjustments S - 2

Individuals sitting in the drivers seat should be able to quickly evaluate the proper mirror adjustments needed S - 3

200 feet At Wheel Well S - 4

200 Feet Back 12 Feet Out S - 5

The Intersection Approach Animals have eyesight suited for their needs Flying at 60-100 M.P.H. an eagle can see a mouse and catch it Turtles have limited eyesight because they travel so slow Human eyesight is 6-10 feet per second at walking speed S - 6

While traveling in a vehicle, it is faster than our brains can assimilate all the information It is importation to look ahead to assess any potential hazards S - 7

What should you be looking for as you approach an intersection? Pedestrians Parked Cars Passing Vehicles Turning Vehicles Stale Traffic Lights Blocking obstacles Animals Poor Set up Inattention Weather Construction Buildings School Zones Yield Signs Tail Swing Hazard Four Way Stops Time of Day Distraction S - 8

15 Seconds S - 9

Straight Travel Through Intersections Traveling straight through intersections with controlled side streets can present potential hazards for collisions with pedestrians RCW. 46.61 .235 has language that says traffic must yield to pedestrians at any intersection Pedestrians often walk out without warning S - 10

Speeds below 25 M.P.H. pedestrians have an 85-90% survival chance Speeds above 25 M.P.H. kill pedestrians 85-90% of the time Scan intersections left, right, left, right and Rock-N-Roll around your vision blockers Cover brakes and slow for potential hazards Never change lanes S - 11

Controlled Side Streets

Controlled Side Streets

PEDESTRIAN BEHIND VEHICLE PEDESTRIAN AT LIGHT POLE S - 14

PEDESTRIANS APPROACHING INTERSECTION

PEDESTRIAN IN CROSSWALK

S - 17 A BUS IS STOPPED TO LOAD STUDENTS AT THE CURB A CAR PULLS INTO INTERSECTION TO SEE AROUND BUS S - 17

Right Turn at Intersection To avoid collisions, proper set up for a right turn needs to be implemented Activate signals 100 feet before intersection At controlled intersections, stop before the crosswalk -- this will enable you to observe with direct vision Check for pedestrians ROCK & ROLL S - 18

Check traffic around you for: Tail swing Vehicles coming on your right Turning traffic And check the crosswalk once more for pedestrians S - 19

WAC 392-145-025(7) states: All buses shall slow down to ten miles per hour or less and give the proper signal before making a ninety degree right or left hand turn This allows time to adjust for any hazard that presents itself Free right hand turns Yield right of way to pedestrians and traffic S - 20

Right Hand Turn Pedestrian Behind Mirror S - 21

Pedestrian Right Hand Turn S - 22

Left Turn at Intersection Left hand turn has the greatest potential for pedestrian collisions Check the crosswalk you are entering Pedestrians cross from both sides and can stay in our blind spot for the entire turn Remember to ROCK & ROLL your body Check tail swing on the right Check tire tracking on the left S - 23

Left hand Turn Pedestrian Exposed

Left Hand Turn Pedestrian behind the Mirror

Summary S - 26 Blind Spots on the bus at intersections and crosswalks Proper mirror adjustment The importance of ROCK & ROLL How to overcome the blind spots Stay alert and aware at all intersections S - 26

Evaluation S - 27 Describe why mirror adjustments are important? to maximize vision and minimize hazards S - 27

2. List 5 (five) hazards at an intersections Pedestrians Parked Cars Passing Vehicles Turning Vehicles Stale Traffic Lights Blocking Obstacles School Zones Four Way Stops Time of Day Animals Poor Set Up Inattention Weather Construction Buildings Yield Signs Tail Swing Hazards Distraction S - 28

3. Demonstrate the activity used to reduce blind spots at an intersection ROCK & ROLL S - 29