1 Solving the Loading Zone Puzzle New York State Education Department Driver and Attendant Refresher

2 Danger Zone What can go wrong here?

3 Loading Zone Word Search

4 Objectives Understand loading zone dangers Understand historical and recent trends Know loading zone law Understand lessons in recent school bus loading zone fatal accidents Become a critical loading zone observer

5 What’s the Law? 15 feet 10 feet 50 feet $250/1 yr 1’, 6’, 12’ All your $ 300 feet Use of reds Driver/Police Activate ambers (recommended) Use reds behind bus w/reds Can wave through reds Create personal liability Don’t move the bus until Minimum fine first offense PM In front of bus in vision of driver Whenever loading or unloading Cone placement right rear wheel

6 NYS School Bus Fatalities January 1999 to May 2004 Fatality Free

7 NYS Passing Motorist

8 Loading Zone History - US

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10 Tools SBSIOBSAAT - Tips Kansas Survey NYS Crossing Poster Universal Crossing Procedure NYS Laws & Regs Critical Reflection

11 Four Case Studies 1.Mallory EddyMay Chana FriedlanderJune Markus Smith November Rear Wheel Fatals 2004, 2005 (US)

12 Think about it… Describe the characteristics of each party What circumstances created the risk? How did the bus driver actions contribute? How did the student’s actions contribute? How did the PM actions contribute? What was the last straw? What might have prevented the event?

13 1. Mallory Eddy Right side passing = 5% Teen driver – 16 year old car Mirrors checked as she exits bus? Bennet on shoulder for at least 2-3 sec. Mallory trained to “check before she steps”? Plans made for runaway vehicle on hill? Automatic doors can’t be “cracked”

14 2. Chana Friedlander Use reds in every loading zone Cars will squeeze through anywhere Youngest children must be trained What are urban driving challenges? Crossers first How do you control rear passers?

15 3. Markus Smith Always be aware of warnings from passengers and motorists Count children before leaving stop Youngest children least predictable Ran back right towards driver – off-tracking Last thing to check as bus leaves stop? Attendant role in loading zone safety?

16 4. Rear Bus Wheels Running back to the bus Slipping under the bus Climbing under bus for dropped object Dragging caught in bus door 15 foot rule clearance Off-tracking Properly adjusted mirrors Rock before you roll

17 Become a Critical Observer View obstructions/visibility at bus stop approach Mix of crossers and non-crossers High speed, heavy traffic Big trucks/buses Hills or curves in either direction

18 Become a Critical Observer Frequent PM Intersection dangers Non-student pedestrians at stop Construction or other temporary danger Report and plan w/supervisor

19 Combined Learning Keep up the good work on BOB Raise awareness of PM Know the laws Watch for children alongside your bus Be aware of right-side passers Be critical!

20 Remember… SBSIOBSAAT Students get on or off a school bus in the United States 20,000,000,000 times a year. Together we can make every stop a safe one