1. Loading and Unloading Students
School Bus Drivers Inservice

2. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Introduction
Most accidents occur in loading and unloading zones
School bus drivers play a very important role
The ride to and from school is an opportunity to teach
Education, alertness and awareness are the keys
School Bus Drivers Inservice

3. Presentation Overview
A review of loading and unloading procedures
A review of the four light system
A review of the eight light system
A review of off road loading and unloading procedures
Education, Alertness and Awareness
School Bus Drivers Inservice

4. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Four Light System
Check traffic ahead and to the rear of the bus
Begin to brake gradually
Stay in traffic lane to provide protection for students
Activate stop paddle
Set brake, place bus in park or neutral and maintain light pressure on the brake
Never use the door switch to activate reds
School Bus Drivers Inservice

5. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
At the Bus Stop
Train students to wait until you signal it’s safe to cross
Count students as they exit the bus
Count students before leaving the stop
Stay aware of back packs and clothing that could become entangled when exiting the bus
School Bus Drivers Inservice

6. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Eight Light System
Check traffic ahead and to the rear of the bus
Activate the amber flashing warning lamps
Begin to brake gradually
Stay in traffic lane
Apply brakes and stop 6 to 8 feet short of students
Activate stop paddle
Set brake, place in park or neutral
School Bus Drivers Inservice

7. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
At the Bus Stop
Train students to wait until you signal it’s safe to cross
Count students as they exit the bus
Stay aware of back packs and clothing that could become entangled when exiting the bus
Count students before leaving the stop
Check for late students before leaving stop
School Bus Drivers Inservice

8. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Hazard Warning Lights
Only if students don’t cross and completely off the roadway
Check traffic ahead and to the rear
Begin to brake gradually and activate right turn signal
Pull off the roadway
Set parking brake and place in park or neutral
Deactivate right turn signal and activate hazard lights
School Bus Drivers Inservice

9. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Hazard Warning Lights
Check mirrors
Open doors to load or unload students
Shut doors, turn off hazard warning lights
Activate left turn signal
Release brake
Students never cross in this situation
School Bus Drivers Inservice

10. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Keeping Students Safe
Count
Eye Contact
Driver Signal
Student Behavior
Emergency Vehicles approaching stop
Seating arrangements
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11. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Three Important Rules
Before leaving the stop:
Check your mirrors and door
School Bus Drivers Inservice

12. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
The Six Danger Zones
The front of your school bus
The right side of the school bus
The rear of the school bus
The left side of the school bus
The forward blind area on the left side
The right side loading area
School Bus Drivers Inservice

13. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Stop Paddle Violators
Prepare in advance
Prioritize information needed
Safety First, information second
Enlist the help of local law enforcement
School Bus Drivers Inservice

14. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Summary
Most school bus related injuries occur in the loading and unloading area
Approach the stop carefully
Load and unload with caution
Use the correct procedures for the four, eight and hazard light systems
Education, Alertness and Awareness
School Bus Drivers Inservice

15. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Evaluation
Describe the safe techniques drivers can use to safely load and unload students
Name the six danger zones around the school bus
Explain the procedure for the proper use of
The four light system
The eight light system
Hazard warning light system
4. Where do school bus injuries and fatalities occur?
School Bus Drivers Inservice

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Answers
Question #1
Correctly use the eight-light system
Instruct children on how to cross safely
Eye contact
Use a crossing signal
Count students
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Answers
Question #2
The front of the bus
The right side of the school bus
The rear of the bus
The left side of the bus
The forward blind area on the left side
The right side loading area
School Bus Drivers Inservice

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Answers
Question #3
Check traffic ahead and to the rear of bus. Prior to stopping the bus for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, activate the alternating amber flashing warning lamps if the bus is so equipped. Activate the amber warning lamps:
a. No less than 100 feet and no more than 300 feet from the bus stop where posted speed limit is 35 mph or less, or
No less than 300 feet and no more than 500 feet from the bus stop where posted speed limit is 35 mph or more (WAC )(5)
School Bus Drivers Inservice

19. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Answers
Question #3
2. At the same time the ambers are activated or if bus is equipped with a 4 light system, begin to brake gradually
35 mph may require 300 to 400 feet
20 mph may require about 200 feet
3. Stay in traffic lane so the bus can provide protection for students
School Bus Drivers Inservice

20. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Answers
Question #3
Apply brakes and check again for traffic to see if they are stopping or preparing to stop. When possible, stop 6-8 feet short of students to keep them in your vision.
When the bus comes to a complete stop, set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading passengers. When it is possible, maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers.
School Bus Drivers Inservice

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Answers
Question #3
6. If you have students crossing, make sure they wait for your signal before they cross.
7. Do not pull in your stop paddle or release your brake until all students are seated and you have done one more complete MIRROR CHECK for late students.
School Bus Drivers Inservice

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Answers
Question #3
8. Check traffic to the front and rear of the bus, begin to brake gradually.
feet prior to stop, turn right turn signal. Apply foot brake and check traffic.
10. Pull off roadway; stop 6-8 feet short of students, if possible, to keep them in your vision.
School Bus Drivers Inservice

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Answers
Question #3
11. Come to a complete stop, set your parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park prior to loading or unloading passengers. When it is possible, maintain light pressure on the service brake to activate the brake lamps when loading or unloading passengers.
12. Deactivate your right turn signal and activate your hazard warning lights.
School Bus Drivers Inservice

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Answers
Question #3
13. CHECK MIRRORS. When safe, open doors to load/unload students.
 14. Shut doors, turn off hazard warning lights, and activate left turn signal.
 15. Release brake, CHECK MIRRORS, and pull back onto roadway when safe.
School Bus Drivers Inservice

25. 2012-2013 School Bus Drivers Inservice
Answers
Question #4
CHECK YOUR MIRRORS and DOOR
Question #5
Statistics show most school bus related student accidents and injuries occur in the loading and unloading area at school bus stops.
School Bus Drivers Inservice