1. Caverna Independent Schools
Employee van usage training

2. Annual requirements Review of Power point presentation
All drivers must review power point and sign off that they have had training
Annual MVR (Motor vehicle records) check
Go to your circuit court (driver’s licensing) and request a copy of your 3 year motor vehicle record. The cost is around $4.
Current copy of driver’s license

3. Why is this training necessary?
May 17, 2007 at 4:05 pm this school bus (van) slams into the rear of a stopped school bus dropping off at a student stop. The van driver and the 14 year female student are killed in the crash…

4. Safe operation of a School Van
Ensure you are well rested before driving
Always practice defensive driving skills
Follow all state and federal laws governing vehicle operations
Do not speed
Maintain a safe following distance based on traffic and road conditions
When passing adhere to pavement markings, signage and applicable laws
Yield right of way to pedestrians as required by law
Never use an unsafe vehicle and all safety equipment is present (pre-trip violations, etc.)
Know how to operate all equipment on the vehicle and consult the vehicles owners manual for specifics for the vehicle.
Students cannot be in the vehicle while it is being fueled
All students must be in the vehicle before backing up

5. Violation Disclosure Requirements
Employee notification requirements to be given to your employer of;
DWI
Disqualifying offenses (reckless driving)
Moving violations
The employee is required to disclose in writing within ten (10) days of conviction any of the above violations to the employer.

6. Personal Cellular Phone Call Prohibited 03.1321 AP.1
Employees shall not engage in activities that distract them from safely operating a vehicle
Except for communications made to and from a central dispatch, school transportation department, or its equivalent, drivers shall not use a telecommunication device, including those used for calling, texting or ing while operating a board-owned vehicle unless the vehicle is parked or unless there is a bona fide emergency, which shall include, but not be limited to the following actions:
1. Report illegal activity
2. summon medical help
3. summon law enforcement or public safety agent
4. prevent injury to a person or property

7. Emergency Preparedness
Plan your route before you leave
Plan evacuations for your school van
Make sure the students know all the exits and how to use them
Make sure all students are dressed for the weather conditions
Make sure that all safety equipment is available and ready for use.
Keep a list of contact names and phone numbers in case of a mechanical problem

8. School bus (van) emergency equipment must be properly secured in the vehicle to prevent movement. In this picture the equipment is mounted to the floor. It may also be secured in a bag or container.

9. Proper use of seat belts and child safety restraints
Seat Belt Requirements
State law requires seatbelt usage of all passengers in the vehicle.
Air bag technology has improved over the years, however air bags can still present a significant danger to students in the front seat.
It is recommended students avoid riding in the front passenger seat of a school Van until they are twelve years of age and/or adult size.
Always consult the vehicle owners manual for important safety information for the vehicle being operated.

10. Pre-trip vehicle inspection
A daily pre trip inspection of the vehicle must be completed by the driver or the designated person.
A copy of the pre trip must be kept with the vehicle for the current date.
While completing your pre-trip inspection ensure all items are checked using your pre-trip inspection report form.
Contact your supervisor if you don’t find pre-trip forms in the school bus or are having difficulty completing it.

11. Conduct an external inspection
Walk around inspection
All lights
Tires (visually inspect for proper inflation also)
Mirrors
Windows
Windshield wipers
Gas cap
Vehicle damage

12. Conduct interior inspection
Check gauges and or lights
Turn signal indicators
ABS light
Headlamp indicator (high beam)
Horn
Windshield wiper operation including the washer fluid
Low tire pressure monitoring system is so equipped (TPMS)
Dashboard and interior lights
Fuel
Adjust all mirrors to give you a clear view
Adjust the driver seat position for your comfort and vehicle control
Ensure ALL seat belts are available for use and functional
Emergency equipment

13. What if I find something wrong during the pre-trip inspection?
Good Question
If you discover a mechanical problem during the pre-trip inspection contact the transportation director to ensure repairs are made prior to operating the school van.

14. Safe loading & unloading
The driver of a school van shall place the transmission in park while loading or unloading of students is occurring.
Safe loading and unloading of students, including, but not limited to:
The curb, on the non traffic side of the road
Off street area’s
Driveways
Yards
Parking lots
Refraining from loading and unloading students in the vehicular traffic lane, the shoulder, a designated turn lane or a lane adjacent to a designated turn lane.

15. Defensive driving basics
Stay alert to changes
Look well ahead
Observe the entire situation
Recognize potential hazards
Decide on an appropriate plan
Carry out your plan

16. Basics…continued Slow Down on Rain-slicked Streets
Hydroplaning is a frightening experience and can cause serious and fatal crashes
Maintain a Safe Following Distance- minimum 4 seconds
Look out for road construction and detours as most road construction take place during the summer
Slow Down Even in Good Weather
Watch out for children playing in the streets, people will be out cycling, skating or walking

17. Basics…continued
REDUCE YOUR DRIVING SPEED IN ADVERSE ROAD AND/OR WEATHER CONDITIONS
ENTER CURVES SLOWLY
REDUCE YOUR SPEED BEFORE ENTERING AN EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMP
SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES

18. WARNING!!!
The school van sits up higher than the vehicle you are use to driving.
Always slow down on curves to avoid turning over
High winds will make driving the van more difficult to control

19. Seeing and being seen Keep the windshield and mirrors clean and clear
Use mirrors
Constantly scan traffic to the front and sides
Use mirrors before changing speed or position in traffic
Signal all turns and lane changes

20. Seeing and being seen
Keep lights on for safety
Avoid distractions

21. intersections
It takes longer to cross due to additional length and slower acceleration
Go slow and watch for vehicles, pedestrians, people, bikes, etc.
At busy unmarked intersections stop, assume you don’t have the right of way

22. intersections
When approaching a controlled intersection stop two times
First, at the stop sign or light
Second, after easing forward to a point where you can clearly see oncoming traffic

23. merging Size up the traffic conditions Signal early
Watch for an opening
Build up speed
Watch the mirrors
Watch for oncoming traffic

24. Post trip inspection All lights off Emergency brake applied
Check interior for cleanliness
External walk around for damage
Vehicle is refueled
Keys returned to proper personnel
Ensure all paperwork is properly completed

25. Rules for using the van
All required paperwork must be turned in to transportation director two weeks prior to using the van.
This includes MVR, driver’s license, proof that you have been trained (ppt)
The driver must do a pre-trip inspection with the transportation director. Please schedule in advance.
Upon return, van will be inspected by transportation director.
Van should be brought back in the same condition you received it
NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED IN VAN…..EVER
No nicotine products used in any school owned vehicle

26. Acknowledgement Form
I have viewed the Employee Van Usage training power point.
_______________________________________________________________
Name
_____________
Date