June 2019 - trackschoolbus

Inexpensive Gifts for Your Fellow Students (School Bus Driver Viewpoint)

Posted on June 28, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Not only teachers, school bus drivers also provide gifts for students in their bus, when they return back to school after or before vacation or in any special occasion or even during their retirement.

However, choosing the right gifts to express appreciation for them can be a huge challenge mainly due to high prices. Often, drivers cannot afford costly gifts that too for all the students in the bus.

Here are some inexpensive gift ideas to surprise students

1. Crayons

Crayons are perfect options that add charm to a driver’s gift. Your gift will be really great for those young artists, as they can use the most vibrant colors in their little hands to expose their talent.

Often this set comes in a convenient package and also includes a crayon sharpener. You can also make crayons from old and broken ones, that too in any shape you prefer which will really write younger students

2. Water bottles – personalized

Students will love such aluminum, steel or plastic water bottles that are personalized. Along with keeping students hydrated, they will be pleasant to see their names written in it, while coloring you can use sharpies or even colored stick-on letters to decorate these cost effective bottles.

3. Play dough

Play dough is a valuable gift, as it offers a variety of educational opportunities for kids in classroom as well as home. It can improve motor skills and can also release stress.

With play dough, it is also easy to teach all math shapes and concepts. You can even make the dough at home with an easy recipe and present it to students. Making play dough is easy using flour, salt, water, vegetable oil as well as food coloring.

4. Painted rocks

This is an easy to make gift. Just collect flat smooth rocks from outside and then paint them well with attractive colors and designs that kids like. These designs will also provide the best rock painting ideas for kids.

Make sure to clean and dry the rocks before painting the rocks. Magical markers can also be used instead of paint. Types of rocks you can choose for painting include sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic.

5. Game boards

This game board can provide happy memories for kids with their family and friends during weekends and vacation. Such a game can also build solid relationships between students in classroom. This provides them training to come out of challenges and win the situation.

You can also design your own board games that can even serve as an educational tool. For instance, creating math games help kids to improve their knowledge in math facts as well as concepts in new ways and environments.

6. Stamped pencils

These are less expensive gifts for students, which they will be using for a long time. Not only names, you can also write up some sweet or inspirational messages or phrases in such pencils. Hexagon shape pencil sets provide space to stamp either student’s name or any quotes.

These pencils can be made easily at home, for which you require only a few items such as metal stamp set, metal heart stamp, small hammer, pencils and small stamp pad. Let them add this gift to their pencil cases.

7. Punch balloons

Sure, kids will like this lovely gift. These balloons are ideal for indoor as well as outdoor fun and events.

Available in different sizes and colors, these balloons that are good for punching and bouncing also keeps children active as well as entertained. It is better to let the children blow them or at the end of the day in class.

8. Elf hats

If it is Christmas occasion, elf hats are perfect gifts for kids. These elf hats will take students to a holiday season. It is also easy to make these easy to wear as well as comfortable hats at home.

Also the key items required for this craft such as glue, stapler, cotton ball, construction paper, scissors and a pen will often be available at home.

Hope these ideas help you buy wonderful gift for students without breaking your savings.

What To Do When A School Bus Catches Fire

Posted on June 18, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Bus transportation is considered as one of the safest modes of transit for students. But, a fire resulting from a collision or failure of a component puts lives at risk and can have an enormous impact on operational costs as well.

There are diverse reasons that can cause fire in a school bus – due to mechanical failures, wires got loose and rub against engine parts, overload of circuit boards, explosion of tires or even leaks that release inflammatory fluids.

In most cases, school bus fires start in the engine area, running gear, or wheel area of the vehicle. Studies analyze that the most frequent cause of ignition was failure of equipment or heat source.

Along with transporting students safe to and from school, school bus drivers and attendees may have to handle even certain emergency situations such as a bus crash, accident or fire.

In such a situation, they are responsible to supervise all students and follow procedures for the appropriate release of students

According to the U.S. government statistics, on an average – 379 school bus fires happen each year, though deaths are rare from such fire incidents.

Drivers in school bus must be well trained by the school district board to take immediate action, if they doubt any smoke or fire in any portion of the bus or even if the bus is near an existing fire and they are unable to move the bus away.

In such a scenario, take quick actions such as

Stop the bus in a safe area
Vacate the bus
Call Bus Dispatch number
Use fire extinguisher

Evacuate the bus

Organize students for a transfer to another school bus. School bus fire evacuation drills and training is important for drivers to rescue students from a burning bus.

Such drills can also help students to stay prepared in safely escaping from the bus. Students will be able to know when and how to evacuate as well as the relevance of evacuating in an orderly way.

To evacuate the bus, drivers should –

Call for bus dispatch, shut off motor, set brake and remove key
Decide the right evacuation route, which ever you think is appropriate – let that be exit door, front or side doors, roof hatch or even windows.
Ensure that the attendees are helping students to get off safely and assemble everyone together
In case of time shortage, instruct students to leave their bags and other personal belongings on the bus and make sure that everyone has left
Leave the bus only after all the students leave and remember to take your cell phone as well as the first aid kit
Follow the correct student release procedures and do not re-enter the bus until recommended by the authorities
Follow correct transfer procedures, in case if you are transferring students to another bus. Ask them to move to that bus in an orderly manner, drivers should stay alert until the transfer is complete.
Designate older students to help the young ones in evacuation

Use fire suppression systems

Fire suppression systems can help to extinguish fire immediately. Such advanced systems release a mist or powder to extinguish the fire, when the temperature reaches a certain level.

Installation and testing of such fire suppression systems in engine compartments is now getting mandatory in buses as well as coaches.

These systems –

Provide extra time for students with disabilities to leave the bus
Can put out fire for rear-engine buses, even before driver might be aware of the incident

Maintenance staff and supervisors should also undergo thorough training during installation of such systems.

School districts can take certain steps to prevent such incidents such as replacing old buses with new ones, either by purchasing them or by getting benefits from a lease program.

Drivers should be recommended to inspect their school buses daily before every trip, check for leaks and make sure that all exit doors open perfectly, making the bus ready for any such emergency situations.

10 Places To Buy A School Bus For Cheap

Posted on June 11, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

A detailed study has to be done when buying an old school bus to arrive at a wise decision.Traditionally buses were bought directly from previous users.

In this age of technology, the owners advertise the vehicle to be sold on internet sites making comparisons of the models of buses on sale easy. Bids for auctions can also be made online making the process simpler.

10 places to buy a school bus for cheap

1. Buses from schools

The best and the easiest place to find a used school bus are school districts or schools. These buses will be serviced and maintained regularly as the schools take safety of the children very seriously.

First-hand information of the buses and assessment by mechanics who have been servicing the vehicle can be obtained. On the whole, the buses from schools tend to be well taken care of.It is advantageous to buy buses directly from school districts or schools.

2. Govdeals.com

This is a government auction site. They sell a varied range of products from building materials to musical instruments. The advantage of this site is that they show the contact information of the sellers of the product.

This helps in contacting them and assessing the product before placing the bid at the auction.

3. eBay.com

eBay is another place to search for a school bus. eBay provides a wider area of search and one can opt for local pick up. The biggest advantage of using eBay is that they have a money back policy.

If you don’t receive the item ordered, if the item is faulty or damaged, or if the features do not match the description all the money paid will be refunded.

4. Publicsurplus.com

Public Surplus is an auction site which is open to the general public. The businesses post their surplus items for sale and auction on this site.

They sell all sorts and types of surplus items in addition to buses. So their bids start very low. The auction items have detailed descriptions. They also mention who is auctioning the item. You can have a better idea of the condition of the bus before placing the bid.

5. Craiglist.com

This option enables one to find an affordable bus in the area closer to school. A thorough checking of the bus is recommended before actual purchase.

6. The Facebook marketplace

This is another version of Craigslist. This helps in finding a bus locally. It is beneficial to buyers who do not want to travel for purchases.

7. Nwbus.com

This site sells different types of buses. You can buy used buses or new. You can even build a bus to your requirement. The prices are slighter higher. But this place ensures that you are getting a bus that has been fully maintained and inspected for safety.

The site also offers finance options to pay for the bus. They have efficient customer service networks who respond promptly.

8. American Bus Sales

American Bus Sales has been a trusted supplier of used buses from 2004. They have a wide range of buses including Blue Bird, Thomas, Ford, Chevrolet, IC buses. Most of the buses they come with added benefits of a warranty.

9. National Bus Sales

National Bus Sales offers used school buses from a variety of brands including Blue Bird, Chevrolet, Collins, Ford, Starcraft, Thomas, Midbus, and Titan.

A search of their bus inventory for featured school buses will help in spotting the required vehicle. The benefit of buying from National Bus Sales is the extensive warranty support offered by them.

Most vehicles carry an existing manufacturer’s warranty, a two year drive train warranty and an additional warranty backed by National Bus Sales Quality Guarantee. They offer commercial warranties for school buses 10 years old.

10. Central States Bus

Central States Bus is a one-stop shop for school transportation needs. They deal in new and used buses. They have a stock of spare parts and accessories. They provide technical support. Their vehicles come with warranties.

Factors to be considered while buying an old school bus

The availability of used buses, suppliers of buses and technical and mechanical aspects have to be thoroughly checked before the actual purchase is made. A feasibility study is warranted to assess whether the overall cost is cheap and if the purchase is worth the money paid.

In addition to seating capacity, comforts of the driver and condition of the vehicle, a look at the following factors in detail would be of immense help while buying an old school bus.

1. Look to suitable regions:

Buses being used in areas without snow and rain will be in better conditions. Rain and snow causes rust and faster deterioration of mechanical equipment. Buses plying in drier regions will have lesser chances of rusty parts.

2. Type of buses

There are front and rear engine buses. Front engine buses come at a lower cost and higher seating capacity. Rear engine buses are slightly more expensive and have a lower seating capacity.

3. Driver comfort

The conventional front engine buses have the engine in front of the driver. The drivers have to endure the heat which is uncomfortable. The drivers prefer rear engine buses.

4. History of the bus

Knowledge of the number of years the bus has been in operation and the mileage covered gives a very basic idea about the condition of the bus.

Older buses in all probability would have had their engine or transmissions replaced. The date of replacement and details of equipment used has to be obtained.

5. Chassis and engine

The condition of the chassis determines the life of the bus. Ensuring the engine is in perfect condition is important. These two parts have the biggest cost factor.

6. Rust

In places where it snows heavily during winter the roads are heavily salted. This causes the vehicles to rust. Rains too cause rust on the metal parts partly due to ageing of the buses and partly due to the quality of the metal used. Rust spreads.

Most of the old school buses will have rust. The buyer needs to make sure that the rust is minimal and easy to remove.

7. Worn out tires

When school buses go on sale their tires would be worn out, it would be advisable to check the amount of tread left on them. Replacing four to six tires of a school bus would cost thousands and may not make the purchase viable.

On the contrary worn out tires can be used as pretext to lower the price of the bus given that everything else on the bus is in perfect working condition.

8. Fluid leaks

Check the underneath of the bus for leaks, cracked hoses, oils or other fluids. It would not be advisable to buy a bus that is found to be leaking.

Fixing serious problems mechanical aspects in an old bus can become very expensive. It would be better to avoid buying buses with mechanical and engine problems however cheap they may be.

9. Battery condition

Bus batteries, per se, are very expensive to replace. An assessment of how old the battery is and when it was replaced is essential. It is better to check the battery for corrosion and leakage.

The battery compartment has to be corrosion free. The battery has to be in good working condition as the bus has to perform in varied weather conditions.

Traffic Violations and Penalties in India

Posted on June 4, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

The rules and regulations for Indian drivers named “Rules of the Road Regulation’ came into effect in 1989. Since then these rules have been amended time and again to include the changes in the growing traffic and road networks.

The Indian Motor Vehicle Act specifies the traffic rules common to all states in India. Motorists have to obey these rules as well as city specific traffic police rules. These rules are applicable to two, three and four wheelers, multi-axle buses and trucks.

The regulations are strictly implemented to maintain discipline and encourage safe driving. A reduction in accidents, smooth flow of traffic and safety of pedestrians are the concern of the traffic police in every city.

Any violations of these laws incur penalties and punishments.Violations are related to driving, traffic signals, parking, vehicle specification, driver behavior, documents etc.

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

RELATED TO DOCUMENTS

Driving without a valid driving license	Rs 500 and/or imprisonment (3 months)
Vehicle without registration certificate (RC) book	Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 for depending on vehicle type
Nonavailability of documents while driving as specified in the Motor Vehicle Act	Rs. 500
Driving without valid insurance	Rs. 1000 and/or imprisonment (3 months)
Driving without valid permit	Rs. 2000 to Rs 5000 as the case may be
Driving without valid vehicle fitness certificate	Rs. 2000 to Rs 5000 as the case may be
Driving by a person below 18 years (minor)	Rs. 500
Allowing one’s vehicle to be driven by an un-licensed or an under-aged person	Rs. 1000 and/or imprisonment (3 months)
License holder allowing his license to be used by another	Rs. 100 for first offence
Disqualified person applying for license or driving a vehicle	Rs. 500 and/or imprisonment (3 months)
Offences relating to licenses	Rs. 500

RELATED TO DRIVING

Driving without fastening seatbelts	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Over speeding/driving above the speed limits	Rs. 400 for first offence Rs.1000 for subsequent offences
Abetment for over speeding	Rs. 300 for first offence Rs. 500 for subsequent offences
Use of mobile phone while driving	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Driving dangerously/abetment	Rs.1000 for first offence and/or 6 months Rs.2000 for subsequent offences and/or 2 years
Hazardous overtaking	Rs. 100
Failing to give way for overtaking	Rs. 100
Overtaking from the wrong side	Rs. 100
Driving in the centre of the road without keeping left	Rs. 100
Not driving in the proper lane	Rs. 100
Driving against a one way	Rs. 100
Reversing without caution	Rs. 100
Taking U turns during forbidden hours	Rs. 100
Failing to slow down at intersection/ junctions	Rs. 100
Carrying people on footboard	Rs. 100
Overloading on bikes and two-wheelers	Rs. 100
Driving on the footpath	Rs. 100
Obstructing a pedestrian crossing	Rs. 100
Violating the yellow lines	Rs. 100
Violating the stop line	Rs. 100
Violating mandatory road signs	Rs. 100
Non-compliance with traffic signals/sign boards	Rs. 100
Not providing appropriate signals	Rs. 100
Crossing red signal lights	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Driving or allowing to drive a vehicle carrying excess load	Rs. 2000 minimum and additional Rs.1000 per ton of excess load plus charges for offloading excess load
Refusal of driver to submit his vehicle to weighing	Rs. 3000
Driving under the influence of alcohol/abetment	Rs. 2000 for first offence and/or 6 months Rs. 3000 for second offence and/or 2 years
Driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive/its abetment	Rs. 200 for first offence Rs.500 for subsequent offences
Driver permits another person to obstruct his control of the vehicle	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Driver and pillion rider failing to wear helmets	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Abandoning vehicles in public places unattended/Obstructive parking	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Any person in- charge who permits travelling on the running board	Rs. 100 for first offence/ Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Failure to take precautions at Railway crossings	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Carrying explosive and inflammable Substances	Rs.100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Parking a disabled vehicle causing impediment to free flow of traffic	Rs. 50 per hour besides towing charges
Running unauthorized routes without permits	Rs.2000 to Rs.5000for first offence Rs. 10000 for subsequent offences
Causing accident driving a defective vehicle or Trailer	Rs.250 for first offence. Rs.1000 for second offence or imprisonment for three months
Driving in a public place violating prescribed standards for road safety, pollution, noise control	Rs. 1000 for first offence Rs. 2000 for subsequent offences
Violating provisions of MV Act regarding dangerous and hazardous goods	Rs.3000 for first offence and/ or 1 year imprisonment Rs. 5000 for subsequent offences and/or 3 years imprisonment
Racing and speed trials	Rs. 500 and/or 1 month imprisonment

RELATED TO VEHICLE

Driving without number plates	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Improper use of headlights and tail lights	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Using high beam when not required	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Driving without a horn	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Improper use of horn while driving	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Unauthorized alteration of vehicle	Rs.100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Taking a vehicle without authority	Rs.500 and/or imprisonment for 3 months
Absence of wiper	Rs.100
Absence of windscreen, side mirrors	Rs.100
Absence of brake lights or indicators	Rs.100
Absence of spare wheel	Rs.100
Absence of silencer	Rs.100
Park lights not working	Rs.100
Provision of audio-visual equipment affecting road safety and noise control	Rs.1000
Speedometer not working	Rs.100

RELATED TO TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES

Disobeying directions from MV authorities	Rs. 500
Disobeying a traffic policeman in uniform	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent ffences
Disregarding of policeman signals	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Driver/ conductor failing to produce his license, certificates of registration, insurance vehicle permit, fitness on demand to police in a public place or any other officer of the Motor VehiclesDepartment	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
When driver is accused of offence under the MV Act and fails to provide information	Rs.500 for first offence and/or 3 months imprisonment Rs.1000 for subsequent offences and/or 6 months imprisonment
In case of accidents, failure to report to the police, failure to provide information to the insurer and failure to provide medical aid to victims	Rs.500 for first offence and/or 3 months imprisonment Rs.1000 for subsequent offences and/or 6 months imprisonment
Selling of altered vehicles violating MV Act	Rs.500

RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Ticketless travel in buses	Rs. 500
Failure to produce Drivers Badge in public Transport	Rs. 100
Failure to wear uniform	Rs. 100
Smoking or chewing any intoxicating drug or drink	Rs. 100
Replenishing fuel tank with passengers on board	Rs. 100
Overloading of passengers or luggage	Rs. 500 – Rs.3000 as the case maybe
Non-adherence to time schedule	Rs. 100
Failure to maintain trip sheet	Rs.100
Violating taxi stand rules	Rs.100
Usage of multi toned horn affecting noise Standards	Rs.300
Failure to fit taximeter	Rs. 100
Failure to set taximeter in operation on trips	Rs.100
Carrying persons in excess of seating capacity in goods carriage	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Demanding excess fare by taxi/auto rickshaw	Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Carrying animals without providing sufficient space	Rs. 100
Uncivil behavior towards passengers	Rs.100
Absence of first-aid box	Rs.100
Destination board not exhibited/illuminated	Rs. 100
Exhibiting advertisements without sanction	Rs.100
Failure to accept tendered fare	Rs.500
Issue invalid ticket	Rs.500

The basic traffic rules apply to all two-wheelers also. In addition to this, two-wheeler riders should compulsorily wear helmets.

In many states it is stipulated that pillion riders too should wear helmets. Rear view mirrors and indicators are to be used. Pillion riders should not exceed more than one.

Owner of the vehicles driven by juveniles will be held responsible for the offence committed unless they prove that it was without their knowledge or they tried to prevent it.

The registration of the vehicle driven will be cancelled. The juvenile will be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Penalties and fines have been instituted to educate the general public on the do’s and don’ts while driving.

Strict adherence to these rules will help the traffic department to streamline operations reducing risks for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.