Driving Under Adverse Weather Conditions NHTSA School Bus Driver In-Service Safety Series

2 Module Purpose u To review the process for making decisions in an adverse weather situations. u To learn when to anticipate particular kinds of weather.

3 Five Conditions u Slippery roads u Limited visibility u Vehicle control problems u Extreme temperatures u Catastrophic conditions

4 For Each Condition u What causes it u What you should know about it u How you should handle it

5 Before You Head Out u Conduct a CDL pre-trip inspection u Check road and weather conditions u Plan for the unexpected u Remember that you are not in a car u Always have an emergency plan

6 On Your Route Slow Down This is the most important thing to remember when driving in adverse weather conditions.

7 Good Things to Know u What equipment do I have that might help and how do I use it? u What is the right clothing? u What is the correct way to slow down? u How do I listen to the weather report to get the most information from it?

8 Equipment u Strobe lights u Automatic chains u Chains, blocks, and tighteners u Sand release device

9 Clothing u Layers, nothing bulky u Hat with visor u Sunglasses u Gloves with leather palms u Insulated socks u Proper footwear

10 Slowing the Bus u ABS versus non-ABS u Avoid brake fade 1.Gear down 2.Use the retarder 3.Use the brakes u Check tire tread

11 Slippery Roads – Mud u Non-paved wet road u Paved road with excessive mud

12 Slippery Roads – Rain Sprinkles Heavy Downpour

13 Slippery Roads – Ice u Kinds of ice u Icing conditions

14 Slippery Roads – Snow u Types of snow u Snowy conditions

15 Limited Visibility Slight So bad you can see nothing

16 Vehicle Control Problems Handling the school bus in windy situations

17 Extreme Temperatures u Heat u Cold

18 Catastrophic Conditions u Occur without much warning u Require a particular and immediate response from the school bus driver