Month: November 2017

How to Identify the Best Route Planning Software for Your School Bus Fleet

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

One of the key challenges confronted by the school transportation services is the rising fuel expenses. By optimizing routes for the school bus trip, you will be able to handle the issue. In fact, the implementation of route planning software enables you to resolve the routing concerns of school bus fleets.

Nevertheless, scheduling and coordinating routes manually is an expensive, tedious and complicated task. With the utilization of school bus routing software, school transportation will be able to accomplish the goals dexterously.

How to select the appropriate route planning software?

Of course there is a multitude of options on the market, especially for purchasing the transportation software. However, the selection process involves prodigious procedures. Have a glimpse of the common considerations that should be scrutinized while choosing the route planning software:

Is the software compatible with other kinds of software?

Ordinarily, the efficient operation of a routing software depends on its compatibility with other software programs, which comprise  the GPS vehicle tracking programs, student tracking programs, and student information systems. Moreover, it assists you to save money and time along with the student safety.

At times, route management software is a  game changer for school transportation. But, it is essential to be aware of current trends, and thus incorporating up-to-date technology can be beneficial for you. And, updating the software can lower the expenses, save time, and reduce hassle.

Essential features of route planning software

Routing software will be designed on the basis of number of users, the size of your district, and the complication of your school bus routes. Presumably, the modern routing software encompasses detailed area maps that enables you to add new roads, pick up points, and travel limits. And, if the routing software you are utilizing can not compare the multiple routes based on your requirement, then it's time to upgrade it. Other crucial features include:

  • Allocating pick up points for school bus students based on user specification (walk-to-stop distances)
  • Considering right sided pickups
  • Options for setting pick-up and drop location
  • Bus pass creation
  • Calendar settings
  • Store bus routing details for generating reports
  • Identify sex offender areas and avoid those areas in routing
  • Customization options

Training and support

The routing software will be futile, if you don't have an awareness on how to operate or utilize it. While choosing the provider, examine the type of training provided, and how it satisfies the needs of your staff. Two types of training are exclusively available for you- web based training and in-person training. And, ensure that the software provider gives constant support for maintenance.

Reports

Based on the data obtained from the software, you will be able to generate accurate and comprehensive reports. Certain software can also generate reports with the historical data. And, school transportation officials will be able to carefully analyse it and enhance the school bus routing.

As a matter of fact, by choosing the suitable route planning software, the overall school transport service will be improved as it solve all the discrepancies involved in the school bus routing.

11 Strategies for Dealing with School Bus Discipline Issues

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

School bus discipline is an enormous issue confronted by the school bus drivers. As a member of school transportation management, it is your responsibility to maintain a proper discipline inside the bus and of course school bus is an extension of the classroom. However, the school bus discipline is the team effort and hence all the school authorities should work together for maintaining the school bus discipline.

Deputize school bus driver to oversee school bus discipline issues

By delegating authority to school bus driver in a school bus, you will be able to have a multitude of merits. One of the benefits is that the students will start respecting the school bus driver and obey them without further tantrums.

And, if drivers are given permission to contact the parents, students will be frightened and follow the rules effortlessly. Another reason for authorizing school bus drivers is that he is the only elder member, who is physically present on the school bus and the students will obey elders without trouble.

Preventative measures taken by school bus drivers

School bus drivers can either provide a consistent seat for rule breakers or re-seat the misbehaving students. However, it is established to be an excellent practice as students will realize their mistake quickly once they are separated or detached from their pals.

Nevertheless, you can implement positive reinforcement techniques (compliment them in front of their buddies) to encourage the young fellows for displaying the exceptional school bus behavior. At times, you can master a cool attitude by saying, "If you do not obey me, you will be seated beside me permanently". Consequently, this is enough for kids and they will never try to repeat the mischief again.

Consider the following strategies to handle students' behavior on the school bus:

  • Do not intimidate the entire students if only a few displays infraction
  • Handle individual behavioral problems privately
  • Evade physical force or threats
  • Obtain the assistance of the school principal and supervisor, and never adopt strict measures without the consent of the relevant authorities
  • Stop the school bus in a secured place, stand up and address the rule breaker in a polite tone
  • If needed, change the offender's seat to the front
  • Contact the principal or supervisor if the situation goes out of your hands
  • Provide gifts or awards to the students who displays exceptional behavior
  • Implement three strikes policy to manage behavioral issues
  • Create a healthy relationship with the students but never become "over-friendly"
  • Appoint a student coordinator for the school bus, which provides an immense support to you in managing the discipline inside the school bus

Can seat belts and video cameras assist you to ensure proper school bus discipline?

Seat belts on school buses are reported to have a positive impact on the disciplinary issues. Furthermore, with the implementation of seat belts, the unnecessary movement of students inside the school bus can be prevented.

As a result, students will be forced to sit forward and communicate with the students sitting beside them rather than stroll around in the moving bus, and switch their seats. Moreover, by installing seat belts, school bus bullying also reduced to a greater extent.

Every reputed school has installed video cameras to their school buses. And this enhanced the school bus behavior, as they are conscious of the fact that they are being monitored by the school authorities. Also, the video footage can serve as evidence if the guilty one denies the mistake.

As a matter of fact, each student are intended to follow the rules and regulations. At times, school authorities should persuade them to follow those rules for defending the school's reputation and credibility.

Top 7 Apps for Safe Driving

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Of course, distracted driving is an undesirable behavior in the school bus drivers. For years, app developers strive to create an app, which resolves the issue of distracted driving. Can apps avoid distraction? Let’s check it out:

Role of Apps in Avoiding Hazards

Perhaps, the technological advancement is out of your reach. As a consequence, the innovation of mobile phone technology is fabulously impressive. Today, people can relish unlimited data anytime from anywhere with a swipe on the smart phone. Consequently, people reached in a situation, where detaching them from their smart phones is absolutely out of the question.

Nevertheless, while driving,  the usage of mobile phones is prohibited. But, surely, there are rule breakers in the society, especially, the rebellious youngsters. As per the survey, it was established that reading a text message will at least require 5 seconds. Arguably, within those 5 seconds, anything can happen on the road. Due to this reason, app developers took a tremendous effort to develop apps, which prevents distraction in driving.

Consequently, there are myriad of apps available now for ensuring student safety. But, you will be puzzled to choose the suitable app, which ensure your safety as well as the student passengers.

Have a glance over the following apps that supports your driving:

1.  Lifesaver

By adopting GPS technology (constant monitoring of drivers) and a rewards system, Lifesaver app persuade the drivers to avoid distracted driving. Moreover, the app blocks the phone calls once you begin driving your vehicle and notifies your beloved ones while reaching the destination safely. With their Driver Portal, parents and other relevant authorities supervise drivers regarding the safe driving practices. Apart, from this, these apps can also be relevant for fleet managers, since they can examine the driver’s behavior during the duty hours.

2. Trackschoolbus

Trackschoolbus apps are quite prominent among school bus drivers for safe driving. One of the unique features is the safe driver ranking system, which ranks driver, according to their safe driving competence. They offer 4 apps- Parent app (Android and iOS), Transport manager app (Android and iOS), School Bus attendant app (Android), and driver console (Android).

All the 4 apps have identical roles in ensuring safe driving, with the parent app, parents can track the school bus, receive notifications on school bus transportation, and track driver behaviors. Transport manager app assists transport managers to have superior control on their school bus drivers.

A Bus attendant app supports the attendants by providing announcements and notification from the authorities. Driver console assists drivers in route management (follow safe routes), alerts for over speeding, and drive safely. Nevertheless, the four apps are unique, user-friendly and remarkable.

3. AT & T DriveMode

AT & T DriveMode apps are available both in Android and iOS platforms. This app impede drivers to attend calls and text messages. However, when the app is deactivated or settings are modified, you will receive notifications. Other highlights of DriveMode app include its effortless installation process, user-friendly interface, and efficiency.

4. TrueMotion Family

This app is freely available on both iOS and Android platform. Its unique feature  is the Trip score, which provides a Trip score for each driver based on their driving performance and notifies the moment you have been distracted. In addition to this, your beloved one will be able to track your real-time location along with the trip history.

5. Mojo

By utilizing Mojo app, you will be able to track the trip in real-time. In this app, you will have a Mojo score on the basis of your activities on the phone. And, you will be able to earn a point once you drive without the distractions. As the score reaches 300, you can spin the prize wheel and win a chance to obtain a gift card from Amazon, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Starbucks.

6. ZoomSafer

ZoomSafer is a valuable app for the driver that hinder email access, browsing, calling and texting. Based on the user’s policy, you will be able to have hands-free phone calls with the auto reply facility. Presumably, the app launches itself once you start driving and turns off automatically when you finish driving. However, the app is compatible with blackberry phones, windows phones, and Android smart phones.

7. Drivesafe.ly

In this app, the entire messages are converted to audio, the app will hereafter read the messages aloud, and automatically sends a default reply stating that now he is driving and can’t attend the call. Meanwhile, the app will be available on the Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows phones.

As a matter of fact, safety is the prime concern of every driver. No doubt, the above apps assists drivers to oversee school bus driving and commit hands free communication efficiently with the least distraction.

9 Must-have School Bus Routing and Scheduling Software Features

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Routing is a concern for the school bus transportation. And at times, student safety is also dependent on the school bus routing and scheduling. Nevertheless, several reputed schools have implemented the school bus routing and scheduling software for managing their school bus fleets efficiently.

Modern routing software is customizable in nature. And hence, schools are able to customize the software based on their requirements and provide enhanced service to parents and students. Moreover, it assists you to reduce unnecessary school transportation expenses. Check on the essential features of routing and scheduling software:

  • User-friendly interface

A school bus routing software is designed in a manner that is easy-to-access and it will be having a navigation-friendly GUI (Graphic User Interface). In addition to this, the software can be installed and updated comfortably. Apart from that, it is automatic, can be conveniently troubleshot, and do not require a third party software.

  • Effortless Registration

Users can swiftly generate their account by entering the essential details such as first name, last name, student's ID, class, parent's name, contact details, and username.

  • Implementation of GPS technology

With the GPS technology, you will be able to enhance student safety and operational efficiency. The customized software enables you to simplify and optimize route management task, curtail vehicle maintenance expenses, and manage student pick up and drop details.

  • Mapping options

Integration of the routing software with the Geo location and mapping feature improve the efficiency of school bus transportation. By utilizing the mapping feature, you will be able to view the current routes, determine the optimized route for the school trip, and receive guidance via the software. You should constantly update the software for augmenting the efficiency of maps, since the roads change rapidly.

  • Advanced user settings

With the advanced user settings, the user will be able to create, monitor, and confirm the school bus routing. Furthermore, each user has a specific role and priority. Based on their role and priority, the user settings will vary accordingly.

  • Route optimization

The routing software assists you to optimize school bus routes and avoid the time wasted for routing. With the software, you will be able to avoid the routes with heavy traffic, road construction, etc. and lead them to the alternative routes. Thus, the routes chosen by the system will be efficient and optimum one, which saves the valuable time of transport managers. 

  • Playback system for completed trips

With this feature, you will be able to track the historical movement of the vehicle. And, you can view the routes,  school buses that follow the scheduled route, the period at which the school bus exceed the speed limit. Also, the system enables you to control the speed of the movement and can be moved forwards or backwards.

  • Unplanned Trip Auto Routing

This feature permits the customer to run the vehicle first and the system will gather details regarding the trip, route, etc. The school authority will then create pickup points and assign the students. However, it is an apt method for schools, especially for the scheduling purpose.

  • Reports

The system assists you to create reports utilizing the data from the software. For instance, these reports can be further analyzed for measuring the progress of the business. And, the modern routing software enables you to download reports in various formats based on your needs.

As a matter of fact, the advent of school bus routing software lowered the complication in routing and scheduling the school bus. And, you are able to maintain a precise report on the school bus transportation and its safety.

Is Bus Route Optimization the Perfect Solution to Save Money

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

For years, school authorities delved for a solution to save money on their transportation expenses. Nevertheless, it was found that bus route optimization is the excellent solution to curtail expenses in relation to school transportation. And the real question is how to perform bus route optimization?

Lets' have a glimpse of it….

What is bus route optimization?

Actually, what is bus route optimization? Bus route optimization is the technique by which we find the most appropriate route on the basis of school assignments, current bus stops, timing, and bus loads. Consequently, route optimization helps to enhance the school bus fleet efficiency.

Due to its cost saving benefits, several schools are seriously considering route optimization. However, by effective arrangement of school bus routes, you will be able to lessen fuel costs, idling hours, and staffing by taking into consideration of safety concerns, school transportation policies, and road related disasters.

Incidentally, earlier route optimization was performed with the outdated wall maps, but the innovative modern technologies has made the task simple. Moreover, schools are utilizing the school bus routing software for optimizing their routes.

What is a bus routing software?

A school bus routing software consists of tools that assists you automatically generate ideal routes for your trip, on the basis of the users' criteria. Hereafter, these routes are interpreted against the current route for figuring out whether further logical alternatives exist or not.

Meanwhile, the routing software considers the school bus turns, stop locations,   height and weight limitations based on the administered right sided pick-ups, and vehicle size.  In addition, there are software that determines the most appropriate stop location for each student as per the boundary details, walk-to-stop distances, and enrollment details.

Why is bus route optimization essential?

The prime goal of bus route optimization is to lower the number of drivers and school buses running on a particular route. Moreover, you can save money by controlling the fuel and staffing expenses as minimal as possible.

Another significant benefit associated with a bus routing software is that it ensures student safety. How? Of course, the routing software is an advanced measure towards student security, by considering stop location, avoiding the areas resided by criminals, and  danger zones.

Here's a video on how automatic route optimization works for school bus tracking:

 

Key areas the bus routing software address to:

  • Recruit a transportation coordinator

A transportation coordinator is a person, who is bestowed with the responsibility to handle school transportation related needs. Usually, office staffs in a school handle the issues related to school bus transportation.

Ironically, by appointing a transportation coordinator, issues of several office staffs will be resolved (as handling the school transportation issues involves more risk than one imagine). Moreover, this is indeed the benefit of a bus routing software as single user is able to control the whole operations of school  transportation.

  • Review and validate student data

This is indeed a crucial element in a routing software as the student data you enter should be exact, otherwise the software may provide wrong pick up and drop point of a school bus student. Hence, it is wise to check out whether the current address and contact information of a student is correctly updated or not (be extra vigilant in case of special needs transportation).

  • Ensure the maps are up-to-date

As roads are changing constantly, mapping software systems have a fairly long delay for new map releases. Therefore, it is necessary to update the map every six months for enhancing the routing efficiency.

  • Generate a report

Generating a report with a synopsis of the current transportation and student expenses provide you a perfect standard for apprehending future improvements and budget savings. Based on these improvements, you will be able to manifest the Return on Investment (ROI) of your routing software and thereby, devise a new strategy for future upgrades.

  • Planning for the future

No doubt, routes will change in the future. And hence, considering these changes is vital as the bus routing software will be able to avoid hazardous areas, or the areas planning for expansion. Consequently, the modern software considers these hypothetical scenarios and thus perform route planning.

Beneficial features of school bus routing software

Ordinarily, schools install software only when they possess a thorough understanding of its features. Here follows certain features that actually enhance the school transportation:

  • Add and modify bus stops, travel constraints, and new roads
  • Assign school bus stops automatically on the basis of the user specified walk-to-stop distance
  • Allot right-sided pickup points for students
  • Scheduling alternative pick-up point and drop point
  • Bus pass creation
  • Calendar storage
  • Obtain historical data regarding student and bus routing for reporting
  • Locate areas of criminals or sex offenders
  • Customization options

As a matter of fact, utilizing the modern school bus routing software enables the school transportation authorities to ensure superior student safety.   In addition, you will be able to save money and boost the efficiency of a school bus. Therefore, installing the software is the excellent solution for accomplishing the goals of school bus transportation.

How School Bus Auto Routing can Help Transport Managers

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Routing is a concern for every transport manager, especially when it is related to school transportation. Furthermore, choosing the apt route for a school bus trip is a complex task. But, the technology provides an immense assistance to manage school bus fleets efficiently. Nevertheless, it is the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and you can witness its implementation in almost every field.

Let's check out how it affects and enhances the school transportation services:

Application of AI in school bus routing

AI is the next step towards the school bus routing process. However, the apps are becoming increasingly popular since it is user-friendly, convenient, and affordable. With the integration of AI, the tracking apps are able to relish highly advanced features. And, the predominant features include auto routing, auto optimization, and auto allocation.

Auto routing

Auto routing feature gathers details of the school bus routes, trips, pick up and drop points, vehicle, its seating capacity, vehicle assignments, and student profile from existing transportation records or registration details. The system will then automatically suggest the optimized route, trip, vehicle assignments, etc.

With the above details, transport managers will be able to select and confirm the route for their transportation. Here, the system optimizes the vehicle utilization, vehicle durability, running duration, and distance covered. Moreover, several issues like vehicle running costs, its running hours, etc. can be solved.

The dominant features of the auto routing feature include the following:

  • Suggest optimized route and trip based on school timings, pick up point density, and bus seating capacity
  • Carry out an efficiency check for the current school bus routes
  • Select and confirm the appropriate route for the school bus trip
  • Optimize vehicle utilization, durability, running duration, and distance
  • Curtail overall vehicle running costs and vehicle running hours

Auto allocation

Auto allocation feature gathers student data, which consists of pick up point data and drop point data, and vehicle information.

  • Select pickup point location depending on the student's residential address
  • Display students' pick up point on the Google Maps
  • Complete all the procedures of auto routing
  • Optimize the pickup point with the system's historical data
  • Redo the auto routing procedure if there is an issue

Auto optimization

Auto optimization involves the two processes- route optimization and pick up point optimization. Route optimization feature administers multiple pick up points in a single route, organize intermediate pick up points, and recognize the shortest route. Pick up point optimization feature exploit system intelligence, and historical data, and then select the apt pick up point for each school bus student accordingly.

  • Selects the apt route which saves drivers' time and efforts
  • Curtail vehicle running hours and fuel utilization
  • Enhances vehicle durability
  • Prevent zig zag movement of vehicles
  • Determine the perfect road that lower the distance and running hours
  • Elude routes having increased traffic
  • Augment pick up point efficiency with the aid of transport managers and other transportation officials
  • Facility to update pick up points
  • Modify route based on the vehicle seating capacity.
  • Instant updating of pick up point in case of relocation (with the utilization  of recentre facility)
  • Alter pick up point by considering the actual location

Here are 10 features you can find in an school bus route optimized tracking software, shown in the form of a Slideshare presentation:

 

As a matter of fact, all the AI enabled features assists you to manage the school bus routes efficiently and thus safeguard the credibility of school transportation services. With the assistance of the auto routing feature, you will be able to save your valuable money, time, and thereby ensure student safety.

12 Essential Features of a School Bus Tracker App

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

School bus tracking is considered to be a popular term among the school authorities. With the school bus tracker app, your child will be able to experience enhanced safety and security. Consequently, parents, teachers, and other school transportation authorities obtain real-time data regarding the whereabouts of their kid via SMS and push notifications.

Here follows the essential features of a school bus tracker app:

  • School bus attendance

Usually, recording school bus attendance of each student is a tedious and tiresome task. The app records the child's attendance four times a day- when the student boards and descends the school bus, both in the morning and evening. However, without contacting the relevant authorities, parents will be able to view the attendance of their child through their app.

  • Route planning

With the support of tracker apps, you will be able to schedule the routes, choose the shortest route, and examine the chosen route. Also, the app enables the school authorities to avoid heavy traffic areas, construction areas, and hazardous areas. In addition to this, the school bus drivers will be able to confirm the route, and decide the number of stops in a single trip.

  • Track the real-time location of vehicle

When your child board the school bus, parents will be able to track their real-time location and monitor the route followed by the school bus driver. With the details, you can reach the pick up point location promptly.

  • Instant notifications

The tracker app intends to provide different kinds of notification- notification for over speeding, attendance, unscheduled stops, whenever your child boards or descends the bus, etc. And, thus you can have a detailed summary of your child's school bus trip.

  • Enhanced communication

With the introduction of a school bus tracker app, you will be able to augment the rapport between drivers, parents, and other school transportation officials. Meanwhile, you can communicate with them anytime from anywhere, without personally meeting them.

  • Details on pick up and drop point

Nevertheless, the drivers can procure the next destination details via the app along with the image and details of each student. Of course, whenever you confirm the trip, it will be transferred to the trip history. And, with the map feature, even the minute details of the trip can be retrieved effortlessly.

  • Veracious and error-free details

All the details received via the app will be accurate and devoid of errors. Once the student board the bus, you can view the details regarding their attendance and whereabouts in the real-time.

  • Announcements

Announcement feature is available for every modern school bus tracker app. With this remarkable feature, transportation managers as well as school authorities can send announcements to drivers whenever they desire. Furthermore, students will receive the birthday announcement whenever they board the school bus.

  • Recenter facility

This is a brand new feature in a school bus tracker app. With this feature, you can instantly update the pick up point whenever there is a relocation. And the new pick up point will be updated in the app until there is a further modification.

  • Pick-up point optimization

The pick-up point optimization feature enables you to update the pick up point based on the actual pick up point. Meanwhile, the pick up location will be altered in case of relocation.

  • Manifest feature

This innovative feature assists you to acquire details on pick up location, access route diagram indicating pick-up point location, list of students inside a school bus, etc. For instance, if a particular student is on leave, his/her pick-up details will not be displayed in the app.

  • Efficient school bus fleet management

With this feature, transport managers can check the scheduled trip for the next 3 hours. Moreover, they can also select the optimized school bus routes, appoint drivers, and allocate students for each school bus, monitor fleets, check the vehicle health, approve pick-up points, etc. effectively.

As a matter of fact, all the above mentioned features reinforce the school transportation services. With the advent of school bus tracker apps, the school bus operation became simple, feasible, and manageable.

Essential Things Parents Should Know About School Bus Routing

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

School bus routing is a complicated process and intends to have a greater priority since it constitutes a vital role in ensuring student safety. Meanwhile, it demands proper planning and organization. Hence, it's high time for the parents to convince the gravity of the routing issue.

Ordinarily, the factors that should be considered while scheduling school bus routes include school bus capacity, the amount of riding hours spent by a student, and starting/ending time of schools.

Nevertheless, school bus routing is a prominent aspect in ensuring school bus safety. Presumably, school bus is the safest vehicle for ferrying school students. Moreover, you will definitely check for flashing lights, mirrors, high seat backs, readily detectable yellow paints, etc., which ensure additional safety for your children.
 

Notable facts on school buses

  • Millions of school buses exist all around the world

 

  • Each school bus eliminates approximately 36 cars on the road

 

  • School buses can prevent the utilization of 17 million cars on the road

 

  • A total of 346,666,660 car miles is saved by the school transportation
     

However, with the modern tracking apps, you will be able to monitor the school bus trip whenever you desire. In addition to this, you will also be able to procure data on the child's bus routing via the tracking apps. Based on these data, you can decide whether the school bus route is safe for your child or not. Apart from this, you will be able to receive real-time notification whenever there is a delay for the school bus transportation.

How to identify the safest bus stop near your residing location?

While deciding the bus stop, have a close consideration for the school bus safety. Consequently, an efficient school bus routing involves the procedure of determining the appropriate and safe bus stop for children, parents as well as drivers. Here follows certain tips for identifying the safest bus stop in your residing area:

 

  • Elude multi-lane roads
  • Try to avoid the bus route with railroad crossings
  • Select the bus stop that renders sufficient visibility for drivers and other road users
  • Choose the school bus routes with comparatively less traffic
  • Avoid the bus stops having the need to turn left hand side (it is a dangerous and risky task for school bus drivers)
  • Ignore the bus stops that require reversing of the school bus
  • Choose the bus stop near side stops in your residing area
  • Select the location with enough lighting during the early morning and early evening hours.


Recognize the merits of school bus routing software

Technology revolutionized the school bus transportation. As a responsible parent, it is your duty to recognize the latest features of school bus routing software. Here is a list of features that can be associated with the school bus routing software:

 

  • Permit different users to view, alter, and handle information
  • Automatically assign pick up and drop points of students
  • Plan school bus transportation
  • Route optimization and pick up point optimization
  • Obtain historical data of school bus routing
  • Generate annual maintenance data
  • Effortless installation procedure
  • Reports on daily pick up and drop
  • Setting up a calendar for each school
  • Ability to incorporate additional details on school bus routing maps

 

As a parent, your prime concern will be to safeguard your school kid from possible dangers. Hence, it is wise to acquire knowledge regarding the school bus routing concerns and the latest technologies that have been implemented in the school bus routing.

What are the Defensive Driving Procedures for School Bus Drivers

Posted on by TSB Super Admin

Defensive driving skills constitute practices that assist the drivers to drive the vehicle through challenging conditions. And, it is essential for the school bus drivers, especially due to varied reasons. However, they need to wade through constantly varying conditions of weather and circumstances and also they have a responsibility to safely transport the most vulnerable group of people, the students.

Meanwhile, these skills include driving in harsh weather conditions like rain, low visibility due to fog, etc. as well as driving skills under different types of roads, steep surfaces etc..

1. Driving in low light conditions

Drivers need to be extra vigilant since the visibility is lower in the early morning hours or in misty or foggy conditions. Check the interiors of the bus for leakages or whether there is a suitable electrical insulation or not. Rectify the evident defects as soon as possible. In addition to this, apply fog lights when needed.

2. Harsh weather conditions

School buses are intended to safely fetch the students be it sunshine, rain or snow. If you require to drive though snowy conditions, then it is wiser to obtain the equipment for removing the snow such as shovels. Nevertheless, the roads become slippery due to rain and hence it is advisable to conduct a regular check on the tires and tubes.

Buses being heavy vehicles, you will confront difficulty in controlling it on the slippery terrains. Apparently, a bus requires 12 times more time to stop when the road is slippery than under normal dry weather. Also, before applying the brakes, check the rear view mirror for the close driving vehicles at the back. Showing stop signals a little earlier would assist you in alerting the trailing vehicles. Before stopping at the designated bus stop, check the mirrors for the approaching students and send out alerts.

3. Hilly terrains

Steep roads, hilly terrains, and zigzag paths all render a risky combination and therefore safe driving should be your first priority. While descending, slow down. Maintain constant speeds while climbing. Be sure to heed and honk before passing through blind curves. Presumably, you can maintain a minimum distance between your bus and the vehicles ahead for ensuring safety.

4. Transporting special need students

School bus drivers need to be vigilant while ferrying special need students and little children. Slow and steady is the best motto in such instances. Consider and be aware of their limitations. Be empathetic and patient, and recognize their needs. Avoid sudden stopping or speeding up. Also, it is wise to avoid sudden turns.

5. A flat tire? Tire blow out?

These are situations, which warrant considerable sense to stop the vehicle at a slower pace towards the sides of the road away from the ongoing traffic. Regularly check the tires and maintain them with appropriate pressure. The damage to tires must be instantly considered and informed to authorities so that they can rectify it swiftly. Bulging tires should be prevented. At the same time, hold your hands properly on the steering wheel.

Often during the tire blow outs, you will lose vehicle control. Don’t apply the brakes forcefully in such instances. A roll over can be avoided. Apply a little acceleration and then slow down by applying the spring brake. Service brakes should be avoided since it can cause rolling over. And  never forget to carry a properly inflated spare tire, as it can be beneficial in the emergency cases.

6. Mirror adjustment

Be sure to adjust the mirrors properly before taking the vehicle out in the mornings for picking up students. Also, you should be aware of the areas that each mirror covers as the drivers can check on the vicinity of the bus at all times.

Ordinarily, the inside flat mirrors serve to view the outside of the passenger windows, but above the window level. And, the top of the rear-view window should be seen in the top of the inside flat mirror for proper viewing angles. The cross view mirrors serves to view the front area of the bus including the bumper. Furthermore, flat mirrors outside should be adjusted to view at least 200 feet at the rear of the bus, sides, and rear tires.

As a matter of fact, outside convex mirrors serves you to view the entire area on the sides of at least one traffic lane width. Moreover, with sufficient adjustment of the mirrors, drivers will be able to cover all the blind spots in front and sides of the bus, but not at the back. Hence, it is wiser to seek assistance while reversing the vehicle.