Author: TSB Super Admin

Driving is one of the key areas where focus and concentration matters a lot and the same is more critical in the case of school bus drivers. Many accidents and fatalities are reported daily worldwide due to careless driving and one of the main reasons pointed out was distracted driving. An intentional or unintentional distraction from the part of the driver can cause loss of lives. That is why it is important for school management and authorities to come up with stringent measures to minimize the possibilities of distracted driving and assure a safe ride for students.

The reasons for distractions are many that include searching for the objects that dropped from hands, adjusting the mirror of the vehicle when driving, using mobile phones, eating or drinking and smoking. Students misbehaving in the bus can also easily divert the attention of the driver.

Here we are sharing a few of the important strategies, measures or tips that can help to combat distracted driving and thus save lives.

• Always have Extra Adults onboard

Passengers can do a lot, to help the drivers to do their job peacefully without causing much distraction.

However, when passengers are students, it may not be possible always. That is why it is important to have one or two other adults on board who can take care of the student’s needs and keep them at peace.

This helps the driver concentrate on his job and avoid any mishaps.

• Make Adjustments Before Starting the Bus

Drivers should be advised to make proper preparation and adjustments before starting a trip.

This can include adjusting mirrors, setting the destination point, and checking traffic ahead in maps or having enough water.

Fasten the seat belt and put in the sunglasses if needed. Also, see that sound system and climate controls are checked and seating is proper before the bus hits the road.

• Provide Big Screens For Map Reference

It is quite common for drivers to check the maps in case they miss out on any routes or to check the upcoming traffic to plan the ride accordingly.

However, when they use their handsets or GPS devices for the purpose, the likelihood of distraction is more. To overcome the risk, schools can provide tablets with big screens to replace mobile phones.

• Ban Cell Phone Usage while Driving

It is quite common among some drivers to use cell phones to check messages or make calls during the drive which can always turn out as a distraction. Schools can decide to ban mobile usage while driving as the best solution.

However, they can be allowed to use it in case of emergencies, but only once the bus is parked on a roadside. Cameras can make things easy for schools to have a check on the same.

• Use Hands-Free Technology

Some schools help drivers by taking important calls midway or adjust the music volume or check the maps using hands-free technology.

It may not be possible to stop the bus all of a sudden to the roadside to check all this manually when there is heavy traffic or with bigger buses.

However, even these options can turn out as distractions as they lack the alertness when the focus gets shifted.

• Adopt a School Bus Safety Code or Code of Conduct

Just like in classrooms, students should be provided with a basic code of conduct which helps them to set boundaries to their acts when on the bus.

A misbehaving kid can distract a driver that can put lives of everyone on the bus at risk.

Those violating the rules can be given progressive punishments to make them aware of the importance of behaving well in bus. Authorities can adopt seating charts and post rules on each bus that help the students to get reminded of the dos and don’ts.

• Arrange Training and Role-Playing Sessions for Drivers

Rather than giving advice, conduct training sessions with role plays, common types of distractions, and ways to overcome them to make them more aware. This can help drivers to boost their performance level.

• Monitor Driver Behavior

After all, everybody is a human being and we cannot expect cent percent commitment and discipline from everyone without giving an external push.

That is why it is important to employ some means to monitor driver behavior during the trips.

Camera surveillance or similar options can help schools to keep track of their behavior.

When drivers have it in mind that they are being monitored, it comes naturally from them to go by the code of conduct and stop them from involving in any unsafe deeds.

• Implement Technology to Improve Safety

A combination of tactics is always a good strategy and that is why many schools are even getting the assistance of technology to improve driver safety.

Safety engineers have introduced systems to help drivers to avoid crashes.

The side and rear vision cameras are built to help them to handle the blind spots. The microwave technology is another option to give an indication of objects or persons behind when bus is in reverse mode.

• Assure Drivers get adequate Rest and Eat well

The proper well being of the driver is important and that has a lot to do with their focus and attention during the driving.

Make sure that they get enough rest before they drive to avoid sleepy drives. Similarly, see that they eat well and stay hydrated and keep up good health which will boost their performance level.

Also Read: How many seats are there in a school bus?

• Awareness is the Key

Safety behind the wheel needs more importance at any given time even when there are some distractions that are not in the driver control.

Experts say that awareness is always the key and the lack of proper messaging from authorities or the absence of basic safety knowledge among drivers are creating problems most of the time.

Schools should take initiatives to arrange some awareness programs for their drivers to ensure possible safety measures.

Here are some important Safety Tips for Drivers

• While driving, pay complete attention to it, and never give an ear for distractions, focus should be completely on driving only and let nothing else to distract you.
• Use mirrors to scan the road and watch out for pedestrians or cyclists.
• Never let your electronic gadgets distract you, unless you have an emergency.
• Avoid multitasking and stop the bus aside if you have something urgent.
• It is always good to observe traffic defensively and analyze the possible things that other drivers might do
• Carefully visualize the route before you start and plan for what you are about to do
• Make sure that there is enough braking space between the bus and other vehicles in front of the bus
• Always try to maintain a safety circle around the bus
• Keep on reminding yourself that you have an added responsibility of transporting a group of students
• Always stay focused and drive mindfully despite whatever personal problems trouble you.

There can be external distractions, of which you may not have any control. However, in most cases, lack of training of the driver in handling the distractions was found out as the reason for mishaps. School authorities can definitely help drivers to be more alert on many instances such as by updating them on the scheduled road works or construction zones.

According to some statistics, about 100s of people are injured and 9 people die every day on America’s roads.

The case may not be very much different in other parts of the world. Just imagine how can a careless mistake compromise with a person’s right to live and spoil his/her family’s dreams.

Accidents can happen anytime to anyone but everyone should do their part to minimize the cases that happen due to carelessness.

That is why it is important for school authorities to consider doing their part to minimize the likelihood of distracted driving.

Safe Transportation of kids to and from school is really an inevitable thing. And it’s quite easy to make it a simple task.

Perhaps, it is school bus drivers who carry the responsibility on their shoulders of keeping children safe during their journey. They play a crucial role in the safety of school buses. They are one of the most trained, skilled and scrutinized professionals on road.

But, unfortunately, they aren’t appreciated for their deeds or are sometimes, not dealt with the respect they deserve, where it is really important to value them.

 In fact, School Bus Drivers are one of the most trained, skilled and scrutinized professionals on road.

So, let’s listen to some of the interesting real-life memories and experiences of school bus drivers…

1. Though he was created to be in dark, he didn’t give up…

In my 23 years long driving experience, one of my favorites is that with a visually impaired student. This student was keenly interested in the bus and used to ask me questions everyday about how things work in a bus. He was really good at catching things, that he even recognized other drivers and dispatchers when they talked on the radio.

One morning, few students were home sick and were not riding the bus, so we arrived 15 minutes earlier.

Since the teachers usually don’t come out to get the students off the bus until the scheduled time, I secured the bus (Turned off the engine, took out the key, and bled down the air pressure), and asked him whether he would like to sit in the driver’s seat.

His face lit up with an extreme aura of happiness, and I along with my assistant helped him to the driver’s seat. As he ran his hands over the control switches, I explained him the switches. He was so happy that he smiled ear-to-ear.

Few days later, we were again early to school and this time he asked me whether he could sit in the driver’s seat, and I was shocked that he ran his hand over each switch and named them from his memory.

“This is the master switch… the clearance lights switch… left defrost switch..”  He had memorized all the controls in just one go.

He was an amazingly intelligent and insightful student, and it was my privilege to be his bus driver and “see” a different outlook on life.

-A privileged memory shared by Josh Baumann

2. Thanks Giving Cards!!!!!!!!

It was more than 30 years ago, that once teenage guy got into my bus from his usual stop.

But unusually, he had a sack in his hand and I wondered what it was. Luckily, he asked me to guess it. Since I had no idea, I said “Sorry kid, I donno”. But his reply shocked me. He said that the sack was full of Thanks Giving Cards.

Such a cute kid was he that he planned to give everybody Thanks Giving Cards on a Valentine’s Day, instead of roses or love letters.

-A cute memory recollected by Becky Riley.

Also Read: 27 Best GPS tracking apps For Android and iOS

3. Greetings…

Children may not know what they mean to me. Perhaps, they are kids may not have the ability to understand it.

Whatever, I like to give them a morning wish and an evening wish.

I don’t wish them expecting it back, and many of them don’t care about greeting me back. But when someone does it, I really feel grateful deep inside and my heart gets filled with a kind of unexpressed emotion.

-A grateful memory shared by Nancy a Sauerbrei

4. Do I look like a Santa???

The day when a student called me a ‘Santa’ for the first time is still green in my mind. But unfortunately, I don’t why do they still call me so? Haha…

-A funny memory shared by Garry Bull

5. Uff!!!!!! A wasp fly here

Several years back, I was taking my middle school students home. Due to the exceptional scorching heat of June, all the windows were open.

(The bus wasn’t occupied with AC). All of a sudden a wasp flew into the window and wreaked havoc. Everybody started screaming and yelling out of fear.

I stopped the bus and walked to the aisle where the wasp was on the ceiling. I grabbed the wasp by its wings and threw it out of the window, and came back to my driver seat.

But then I heard someone asking, “Did he grab that wasp by his hand?” I just smiled to myself and finished my routes.

An adventurous memory shares by Joe White

6. Handsome me!!!!!!!!

One day I was waiting at the door of a loaded bus to give the key to a last minute sub-driver.

It was then that a 5 year old young lady came to me and said that I look handsome. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear this from a kid. I was like “O.. wow!!! Am I that handsome”. But soon before I could barely say anything, she took a long breath the completed the sentence “Just like my Grandpa”. Uff!!!!!! I was dumbstruck. This was really funny for me.

-A funny memory by  Don Robinson

7. My dad has got….

I have a 7 year old ranch boy in my bus. We usually chat about farm/ranch type things in the morning.

And one day as usual, we were talking about the upcoming calving season, when the little guy piped up and started speaking-“My dad got horny blah blah blah..”

I was about to spit the coffee over the dash!!! But trying to remain composed I listened to him and realized that he was talking about his last calf. I asked him-“ Horny must be a cow?” and he replied “Yes”.

Hahaha I think children are too naive at heart.

-A misinterpreted incident shared by Roxanne Swartz

8. Total Silence throughout the journey

I had a special need kid, who would get upset and bang the window if things got too loud.

One day I was dealing with some other difficulties, I don’t remember what it was. But I remember what I said to my kids.

I said them that I needed complete silence for the love of Carter. I don’t know why, but I finished that trip with pin drop silence.

I was really proud of my kids then, that when it came for the cause of some needy student, they all quitted themselves for him. They really left me in tears that day.

-A proud memory shared by Lynn Welton

Also Read: Top 10 Efficient School Bus Evacuation Drills

9. The Naughty Pie..

Once I had a very naught kindergarten kid in my bus. He was like super crazy and annoying.

He always used to irritate other kids, from hitting to being disrespectful, and even once he asked an older student that whether she washed her face in the morning before leaving to school. She was really hurt by his words and ended up in tears.

I almost dreaded picking this guy. But one fine morning, he got into the bus and gave me a hug. I wondered that what happened to him!!! Then we reached school, where I usually unload ladies first, but he walked to the front of the Bus and again gave me the Biggest Hug and said, “Mrs. Tammy, I’m so sick and cried”.

I pulled up and secured my Bus and took him to the Nurse’s Office Hand in Hand. Once he returned, he never missed to hug me daily.

-One of the heart-touching experiences shared by Yarbrough Tammy.

10. My Birthday ‘Gifts’, not presents…

I drove for almost 30 years before retiring last December. I would have to say that one of my best memories was on my birthday.

My birthday falls in the month of June, so we rarely drive on my birthday. But once on my birthday, as every child boarded my bus to go home, they handed me a gift, not a present.

A gift- an Apple left over from lunch, A headless Lego man, a rubber band bracelet, weeds, leaves and rocks from the school yard, a marble, half used pencils, notes and pictures on scraps of paper, hair ribbons any many.

Perhaps, the size or quality or rate of these tiny gifts, these really meant a lot to me. This showed me the innocence of a small child’s heart. That’s why I call it as gifts and not presents.

-A memory which shows the innocent mindset of kids, shared by Terrie Matthews Keisler.

While a few of the Bus Driver Experiences or Memories are shared here, there are a lot more which may raise interest in you…

Perhaps, these stories were simply meant to throw an idea to show you how dedicated and passionate school bus drivers are. In fact, most of them do it out their passion, and the children along with the bus means a lot to them.

As all of us know, the world is gripped by fear due to the outbreak of corona virus. It is one of the deadliest pandemics the world has ever witnessed.

The spread of novel corona virus and lock downs have adverse effects on the lives of people globally.

All educational institutions are closed, affecting the lives of many including students, teachers and non-teaching staffs- such as school bus drivers.

Since there are scenarios for teachers to teach and students to learn through online apps, it is a bit relief that sources of income for teachers will not be hindered. But the hardest struggles will be faced by non-teaching staffs like school bus drivers.

Let’s see How School Bus Drivers are Coping with the Situation:

Transport providers and school bus drivers have witnessed a plummet during lock down days coping with their nickels and dimes as they are in a state of dilemma.

The only source of income for school bus drivers are from plying students to and from schools. And only 35% of drivers are engaged in part time jobs.

As all educational institutions are in a state of lock down, school bus drivers are not able to do their usual trips. It means the sources of income for them are closed for a while. Thus leading a hard time for school bus drivers to meet their daily family needs.

Though there are many school authorities who will continue to pay them despite they are unable to work because of the corona virus outbreak.

What School Bus Drivers are Saying

Let’s know from school bus drivers, about how they are killing their time during lock down;

Tony Davis says ,” I’m nursing my dog back to health, taking a diabetes prevention class, doing tai chi class online, and sending way too much time on FB”

Kim Peters says, “Calling friends, family, and coworkers. Cooking, painting landscapes, reading, walking around the block, video games with teens, movies with hubby…”

Kristy Van Es says, “Sewing, riding my horse, detailing house, painting the inside of the house and a long list of to dos that I haven’t had time for”

So these are some among the comments from the personal lives of school bus drivers.

Most of the people use their time in a beneficial way by doing pending works that they have been thriving to do for years.

Some of them are engaged in online games, spending time on facebook, watching movies in Netflix etc.

According to Edsys, Have a look at Few Precautionary Measures to take inorder to avoid Corona

Some Others are Delivering Foods to Students.

“We have a lot of families that may not have the gas money to receive the proper nutrition for their children,” Ryan Carpenter, the superintendent of the Estacada School District, tells TIME. So the schools would bring the meals to them.

Some of the schools established food service delivery programs with a few teachers and they prepare breakfast and lunches for students. School bus drivers deliver that food to the students in usual routes.

As we have understood, financial crisis is one of the major issues faced by school bus drivers during this corona and lock down period, let’s know what other issues they are coping up with.

Many of the school bus drivers are driving the buses for years and now they pass through a period of mental depression, by missing the regular hustle and bustle of students.

The drivers fear about the bus maintenance that will follow after the lock down, as these buses stay idle during lock down periods. Batteries of the buses are getting weak, rusting of window lines etc are some of the other problems they fear about in the real vicinity.

As we read earlier, some school bus drivers are engaged in part-time jobs, during these lock down days, they are deprived to do those too. Some drivers are engaged in driving other vehicles, food and stationery delivering etc.

Also Read: Top 15 School Bus Tracking Apps

Thus we have understood this time is a hardship for all people, so as for the drivers too. The stress faced during this period is innumerable.

Let’s hope for a better world, and this time will pass too. School bus drivers will overcome all the hardships they behold.