General Archives - trackschoolbus

How to Fit In Wheelchairs Safely On a School Bus?

Posted on March 19, 2020 by TSB Super Admin

Transporting students with special needs is always a concern and priority for educational institutions. School buses are considered the safest means to transport students to and from school.

That is the reason why parents heavily depend on school buses for the transportation of their kids.

Having said this, schools now have an added responsibility of transporting those in wheelchairs. Handling the same is not so easy and even a minor error can make things worse.

It is unfair to deny permission for students to access school bus just because they are in wheelchairs.

Keeping this in mind, most or all of the school buses are designed in such a way as to accommodate wheelchair-bound students safely.

A lot of things need to be in consideration from securing the wheelchair properly, giving proper training to bus drivers and staff on proper loading and unloading of students in a wheelchair to safety measures to secure them in case of a bus crash.

How to Secure the Wheelchair Properly?

FMVSS 222 securement system is recommended to assure safe transportation in the school buses for students in wheelchairs.

A 7-point system can serve the purpose when the 4 points are designed to secure the wheelchair and 3 points to protect the student.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your system as well as the specific wheelchair in use. Having a look on the following mandatory checklist helps you not to miss out on any possible errors.

Make sure that the wheelchair is forward-facing and is centered on the anchorage, properly anchored at 4 points
Double-check to confirm if the straps are attached properly at an angle of around 45 degree
See that the straps are not twisted and are away from sharp corners or edges. The straps are not advisable to be attached to any detachable part of the wheelchair or on the wheels. Also, see that you don’t twist or crisscross the straps.
The three-point shoulder, four-point wheelchair tie-down, and the pelvic restraint system have to be in the right position while some buses even attach the tie-down straps to a frame for extra safety.
The shoulder belt has to be strictly attached to the bus only and the lap belt can either be attached to a vehicle or to the wheelchair 4-point system.
Before starting off the bus, ensure if the power is off and brakes are set and there is no reverse or forward movement
Never ever keep a wheelchair near an emergency exit door despite the actual position of the wheelchair securement.
The occupant restraint system can either be attached to the wheelchair itself or to the wheelchair securement system or the school bus anchorage points.

Loading and Unloading

Before you load the students, there should be a proper seating plan and loading order.

It is important to consider their medical conditions, evacuation challenges, and compatibility of students.

Also Read: 24 Cool School Bus Games 2020

Drivers or personals in charge of loading and unloading process will have to overcome many challenges including novel and diverse wheelchair designs, broken or missing wheelchair equipment, technical hitches with lifts or problems with frightened kids.

Here are a Few Important Considerations to be made While Loading and Unloading Students in Wheelchairs.

Mostly, drivers will be responsible for the entire process which consumes a lot of time and doing it alone comes with possible risks, as well. That is why experts suggest that a 2-person team is always the best option. Enough support can be given to the driver by a parent, a bus aide, a teacher or even a classroom aide but an untrained person should not be operating the lift.
Fasten the seat belt of wheelchair around the kid, give support onto the lift and see that they always face away from the vehicle, the brakes of the wheelchair are locked, and the roll stops are in “up’ position.
Once the platform reaches the floor level, safely release the wheelchair brakes and slide them into the bus and fold it to the travel position.
Before this procedure, they should make sure that his/her wheelchair is in proper working condition. It is good to have a person in the team with knowledge in doing minor repairs or consider option to loan equipment at times of emergencies.
More importantly, it is important to treat those students with sensitivity and in no way hurt their emotions and make them comfortable.
When handling chairs with trays, it is important to remove it to help avoid injuries in case of a crash but always consult the student before doing so.
Wheelchair securement points should be good enough to handle the device without fail like on the nearest seat level, frame or at a welded joint and never ever locate these points on the removable part of the wheelchair.
The lap part of the occupant restraining system is supposed to be placed over the pelvis to help the students to escape with minimum injury in case of a crash.
The components of WTORS may look similar even if they are from different manufacturers but it is not advisable to use it together which may cause serious security problems.
Always allow postural supports for students in wheelchairs, especially when they are comfortable with the same.

It is advised to encourage the use of WC19 wheelchairs because it is crash tested and provides the utmost safety during transportation.

Drivers will have enough confidence while handling students with these wheelchairs as it comes with enough safety standards.

However, this doesn’t mean that transportation can be denied to students without a WC19 wheelchair.

Schools have to take initiative to make sure that the drivers and related personals are given proper training when handling wheelchair-bound students in the bus.

Written and video instructions are provided by manufacturers for their specific products and the proper understanding of these instructions is essential to assure safety.

Moreover, the drivers should have a proper and safe stopping plan for the school bus.

They must plan well in advance to stop the bus in a convenient place so that the wheelchair lift can be operated properly.

27 Best GPS Tracking Apps for Android and iOS

Posted on November 7, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

In this fast-paced digital world, there are applications designed to better each and every scenario that make our life smoother and flawless. Have you heard about GPS tracking apps?

This amazing finding is learned to be a great platform for friends, family, educational institutions and even for business ventures.

The awesome features of such GPS tracking apps let you track your friend’s location when you plan a meetup or help parents to track their kid’s location when they go out alone.

You can even track your gadgets easily if it gets stolen.

An advanced GPS tracker app can do a lot more than simple tracking and here we are listing out some of the best available GPS tracking apps for Android and iOS platforms.

1. Find My Friends

This amazing GPS tracking app lets your iOS device to easily locate your family and friends. You can experience the best accuracy and notification performance with a stable internet connection.

Features

Easily set up location-based alerts
Location can be shared temporarily or permanently
Support for 3D Touch
Multilanguage support

2. GPSWOX Mobile Phone Tracker

You may just install this GPS tracking app on your phone and later track the device from a laptop or other phones for security purposes. This is an ideal application for locating loved ones when traveling alone or for employee tracking when on fieldwork.

Also Read: Best Apps For Teachers and Educators

Features

Real-time tracking and alerts
Find lost or stolen phone
Preview history anytime

3. FollowMee GPS Tracker

Turn your mobile into a GPS tracking device by utilizing the features of this app. You can make the best use of its possibilities for personal as well as business needs.

Features

Real-time tracking or customizable tracking
Data privacy is assured
Track multiple devices from a single account
Full-time vehicle tracking available

4. Life 360

This is a globally leading real time location sharing app for iOS and Android platforms. The app can be set up to view the past location history of your particular circle, say kids or family. Most importantly, you will receive automatic notifications when they travel to and from home, school or work.

Features

Track a lost or stolen phone
Private chat for sharing texts and images

5. Waze-GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Live Navigation

With live traffic data and instant routing changes, this efficient app lets you reach your destination in optimal time.

ETA is calculated so that you can plan the travel accordingly
Finds for you the cheapest gas on the route
Real time alerts about traffic, police and hazards

6. MapQuest

This is an interesting navigation app that can turn your Android or iOS device into a virtual assistant on your journey. It comes with voice navigation to reach your points of interest through walking or driving.

Features

Real-time traffic updates
Up to date satellite imagery and maps
Optimized routing to save gas, time and money
Multipoint routes to includes more stoppages

7. FamiSafe Location Tracking

This is a multipurpose parental control GPS tracking app that lets you do more than just tracking. Parenting can be a lot easier with web content filtering, geofence, remote screen time control, monitor and block apps.

Features

Kids location tracker lets you identify any unusual or dangerous areas
Limit screen time for your kids’ device
Real time location tracks the kid’s location at any given time

8. GPS Logger

This is a battery efficient and lightweight GPS application that lets you log your GPS coordinates on to an SD card file at particular intervals. After a journey, you can use these details to upload to travel sites, geotag photos or view on Google Earth.

Features

Imperial display units
Cell phone tower or GPS satellites
Auto start on boot

9. Where’s My Droid

It is the best ever application in the industry to track your lost Android phone with ease. With this app, location alert can be received on a low battery and you will get notified of SIM change or number change.

Features

Passcode protection to prevent unauthorized app changes
Remotely wipe SD card or phone data
Passive location updates and option to take snaps with the device camera.

10. Mobicip

This is an efficient app for your iOS or Android device to track your child’s location smartly. Locate your loved ones instantly to know whether they reached the school, work, and picnic spot or home on time and be in peace.

Features

Locate all family devices instantly
Set healthy limit on child’s digital experience

11. GPS Phone Tracker

This is a handy and easy to use application that utilizes the possibilities of GPS technology to assure family safety and protection. You can easily find the location of the device in real-time. This is a great plus to locate your device in case it is stolen or accidentally misplaced somewhere.

Features

No compromise inaccuracy
Better privacy with no ads

12. TheTruthSpy

This is a great app that lets you track the phones of your loved ones or even track yours in case it gets lost. The app’s features can help you reach the required destination in the best possible hassle-free route.

Features

Record calls and messages
Social media tracking
Block suspicious applications

13. Glympse

Share your real-time location with friends, family or co-workers with GPS tracking using this simple, fast and free application. You can set up a Glympse group for a trip or family reunion.

Features

Share location in real-time with a dynamic map
Be safe as your Glympse automatically expires in the given time
Easily send a note to the client with ETA when stuck in traffic

14. Find My Kids

Caring parents can utilize this smart application to know that their child is safe even when they are not answering calls or not nearby. You can set to receive notifications whenever your kid leaves or reaches home or school.

Features

Get notified if the battery runs out of their phone
The child can press the SOS button in danger
Communicate with kids in private chat

15. iKeyMonitor

This powerful and easy to use GPS tracking app lets parents monitor their kids through Android or iOS platforms. In addition to tracking the current GPS location, the app does a lot more to assure complete safety.

Features

Track your kid’s cell phone activities to prevent cyberbullying and protect from cyberstalkers and sexual predators
Set healthy time limits and rules to manage their screen usage

16. Family Locator GPS – Safe365

This awesome application with GPS tracker and locator is a great asset for your mobile to safeguard parents or grandparents. The panic/emergency button will alert you when they are in need and you can track the phone status information to know more details and reach the spot.

Features

Share easily to install links on loved ones’ mobile
You can track their mobile-only with their consent

17. Spyera

Install this user-friendly application and track device locations with real-time GPS tracking. The app can run in visible mode or hidden and undetectable mode. The app lets you to remotely set the target Android device’s microphone to record phone surroundings.

Features

Track SMS and monitor chat apps remotely
User-friendly and easy to install

18. Flexispy Phone Tracker

The app can easily turn your device into a video recorder or remotely controlled camera and spy on social media platforms.

Features

The track GPS location of your Android devices
Runs in hidden or visible mode
Record, intercept and listen live Android phone calls
Spy on SMS, Emails, and photos

Also Read: Best Parental Control Apps For Android and iOS

19. XNSPY

This all in one powerful mobile spy app can be a great addition to your Android device that lets you track the mobile activities of kids at home or employees in office.

Features

Remotely track messages
App even supports offline tracking
Cost-friendly and effective
About 30 Android Spy features

20. Foursquare Swarm

This easy to use application keeps a log of whichever places you go and you can look back on pins on a personal map in the future. Share the location with your friends circle to see if somebody is nearby to meet up or during an emergency.

Features

Lifelog your adventures to keep up good memories
Keep track of your friend’s adventures

21. Mobistealth Mobile Tracker

This is more than just a GPS tracking app that not only tracks the device location but also its activities. The app records activities of kids or employees who own the device for future reference.

Features

View web browsing history
Receive all tracking details on Mobistealth user account
Track real-time or historical data

22. mSpy Lite Phone Family Tracker

Stay connected online with your loved ones always and know that they are safe with this monitoring and protecting app. This Gps tracking app lets you build virtual fences on the map for kids so that you get notified once they cross it.

Features

Real-time location is updated every 20 minutes
Contact list monitoring
Panic button

23. Google Maps

Navigate in a much faster and smarter way than ever before with this awesome application. Once you install the app, you will easily receive real-time traffic, GPS navigation and transit info.

Features

Discover places and explore like a local
Offline maps for easy navigation without an internet connection
Save time with automatic rerouting based on live traffic

24. Geo Tracker – GPS tracker

You can feel safe when you are traveling alone when you have this Gps tracking app installed on your phone. The app records tracks of the entire trips and shares them with loved ones.

Features

The reverse journey can be hassle-free without getting lost
The app records even when mobile is switched off

25. Live GPS Tracker

This is an ideal GPS app to assist you in travel events or hiking with high-quality GPS-tracks with photos and waypoints. Users have to register with the service at http://livegpstracks.com to get the benefits of the app.

Features

Send SMS with coordinates
Comprehensive GPS monitoring
Track records can be accessed offline

26. iTrack – GPS Tracking System

This is one of the best stable GPS vehicle monitoring and management applications for Android devices. Users can master the condition of the vehicle in any given time.

Features

View the list of vehicles
Multi-vehicle monitoring
Reverse address inquiries
View bicycle track in real-time

27. GPS Route Finder

These free GPS tracking apps let you share your location with friends and locate them on a map. You can get to know about the shortest route to your destination whether you are driving or walking. This even comes with an optional digital speedometer to track the speed of the car for a particular journey.

Features

Save your time with live traffic updates
Free offline maps and address finder

Install any of these amazing GPS tracking apps today on your phone depending on your exact requirements and experience a better life each day.

Also Read: Best Math Apps that students should never miss

Features

Most of these GPS tracking apps are available free of cost and some of them come with subscriptions which you can confirm after a successful trial period. When your loved ones are traveling, this is a great option to know that they are safe.

Even when texting and calling is an option, it may not be always practical when they are driving or in lengthy meetings. These amazing options can be handy at these times and you can invest in them for better peace of mind.

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.

How To Start A Student Transportation Business

Posted on May 28, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

In today’s world, parents struggle to find a balance between the conflicting schedules of their children and their own. A child’s daily schedule might include being picked and dropped from pre-school.

Later in the day, the child might need to go for extra activities like Sports, arts or language classes. The different timings and locations make it hard for busy parents to pick and drop them from school and from the other varied activities.

A solution to this wide-spread problem would be a trusted and viable source of transport which would reach the children to various places at the right times and bring them back home safely.

This type of service would be of great help to working parents who cannot take time off to take their children around.

1. Business Plan

Starting a children’s transport business is like running any other business. The business involves more than picking up and dropping children.

The key to success lies in marketing the idea and finding the right users. A research will reveal the markets that can be tapped for business.

The idea or motive behind starting a business should be the lifeline of the business. In children’s transportation business is customer and service driven.

A service that offers something different, from what the specific or similar industry do, will make it stand apart.

A plan detailing what ages and areas are to be served, hours of operation, fee structure, finances have to be drawn. A well written business plan will serve as a reference for future checks throughout the year.

Structure of the business will depend on whether it is a partnership or sole proprietorship. Once the structure is finalized local and state licenses, tax identification numbers and other legal requirements have to be applied for.

Sufficient capital is required to pay expenses until the business becomes profitable. These funds come from own savings, friends or private investors. Bank loans can be availed to start the business.

When executing you enter the market in a low or medium key. It can be further expanded depending on the response.

Workspace can be one’s home or space shared with another business or a leased office. Customer is the key to any business.

2. Objective

The objective of a transportation business catering to children should be to provide a safe and convenient method of transportation. It should be licensed, reliable and available to parents at reasonable prices.

The aim of the business is service. The children’s transportation business is service driven offering maximum satisfaction to customers. The priority is to become a trusted source for parents to rely on.

3. Market

Children’s transportation service is required and highly essential for any child activity that does not have its own form of transport.

Day-care facilities, pre-school, activity centers, recreational arena that do not provide transport facilities can be targeted for business.

Periodical agreements with them will assure a minimum number of children availing this service.

The market should be focused on the middle class working parents, both single and dual. This segment of the population is found to be the most active and so are their children.

The working parents are interested in activities to keep their children occupied. Their children avail day-care services summer schools and sports activities.

Households with children under the age of 18 have to be targeted. The Organizational focus should be on children. Their safety and welfare should be the priority.

Densely populated residential areas which are in proximity to the day cares or activity centers can be identified as the area of operation. A specified radius in kilometers can be fixed within which the transport can be used.

4. Promotion

Formal introduction letters giving an explanation of the services provided are to be mailed. A request to respond if interested is to be included.

The letters can be sent to households in the vicinity identified for operation. They can be sent to day-care owners, pre-schools, recreational activity centers.

The brochure must include operational information required by the clients. It should include the features and benefits of using the service.

Rules and regulations, hours and rates should also be mentioned in detail. Description of your qualifications, the process of selection of drivers, reliability and safety of vehicles can be mentioned.

Advertisements can be inserted in the local publications. As a part of personal selling, parents and schools in the community can be made aware of the existence of the intended service.

Creating special offers for the first time users and repeat customers can ensure customer loyalty.

5. Vehicle Selection

The type and size of the vehicle needed is to be decided initially. Mini-vans are easy to maneuver in traffic but the number of seats may be limited. Small buses require special operating licenses but can carry more passengers.

Mini-vans which meet the federal safety standards are a good option to ply in populated areas.

Child safety features of seat belts, safety locks, shoulder harnesses and dual airbags are a must and should be provided in the vans.

Stringent maintenance schedules have to be adhered to ensure that the vehicles are safe and reliable to travel.

GPS units and radio communication equipment in the vehicle would be an added advantage. If special needs children are served handicap capable vehicles would be needed.

6. Staff

Every business has two main aspects. One is the customer and the other the employee. If attractive benefits are offered to employees they will take care of the customers.

If interesting options are provided to customers they will use the service which leads to increase in profits.

If the business has to run smoothly, dedicated employees should be hired. Hiring good people will increase productivity.

They will cause less trouble. It is important that they are paid on time, appreciated in public and reprimanded in private.

In a children’s transportation business the driver is the main employee. He is the one in constant interaction with the children, their parents and the owners of the business. So hiring competent drivers is the first step to ensure success.

Drivers with a valid chauffeur’s driving license are to be recruited. A background check has to be done. They should have had previous driving experience withexcellent track records.

They must have a First aid and CPR certificate. They must be genuinely interested in the care and welfare of children.

Other employees too should be chosen carefully as they are the ones who talk to customers. They should be easily available and should make the customer feel important. They should be capable to respond to requests as soon as possible.

Employee training and monitoring are very critical to providing an excellent service to customers. Background checks are done for all employees. All employees have to be trained in customer service and office procedures.

Drivers need to work with parents while establishing routes. They have to keep a detailed record of pick-ups and drop-offs. A time log, records of distance and fuel consumption are essential.

They have to have good time management to be punctual at all times. They have to be patient with children. They should be able to handle the pressure of traffic outside and also the screaming and noisy kids inside the vehicle.

Periodic feedback from the users is to be sought to ensure that the service is to the satisfaction of the customer. Any shortcomings need to be addressed with minimal delays.

Checking constantly or on a daily basis with the drivers and employees on what they require to perform better is essential. Resources have to be provided so that they can to do their job most effectively.

7. Vehicle Utilization

The vehicles can be utilized to transport children during the peak times – early morning 7-8am, mid-afternoon 11-12 and evening 3-5pm. Routes can be charted taking into account the number of children and destinations.

During non-peak hours administrative and marketing work can be done. The vehicles can be used to run emergency trips to clinics with sick children or for prior appointments.

8. Fee Structure

Rate schedules should be handed over to parents once they have enrolled their ward for the service. Detailed rates for scheduled and un-scheduled one-way trips and round trips and for extra miles have to be shown on the rate schedule. Any discounts for siblings and incentives of extra rides have to be mentioned.

Fees should be taken in advance. Payment can be made in cash or by cheque. Credit cards can be accepted if required.

9. Operating Expenses

A detailed record of day to day expenses has to be maintained. A competent accountant can keep track of the progress and problems of the business in real time.

In addition to the wages of the staff, the budget should include the cost of maintenance of the vehicle, regular cleaning charges of vehicles and fuel costs.

10. Special Requirement

Some states stipulate other requirements to operate in their areas.

Safety concerns require photo identities of the children. The necessary equipment and camera to create the ID cards will be required.

Liability insurance to cover vehicles, employees and passengers are required.

A thorough screening for drugs and background check for all employees including drivers have to be done.

Fingerprint clearance is required by many states if working with children. This is to ensure that the employees are not a threat to the safety of the children.

The business allows the advantage of being your own boss. The service offered is highly needed and appreciated. The business is ideal for at-home parents and those who love children or special needs children.

The business can be expanded if required. At the beginning it would be advisable to concentrate on hiring the right people. Later on, when a good customer base has been formed and goodwill is attained, professionals can be hired and advanced technology can be used to manage the business.

The adverse factors are driving in bad weather, high insurance rates and distractions from boisterous children.

A friendly and efficient child transportation system will offer parents the comfort of knowing that their children are in the best hands.

New Traffic Rules In UAE – [Fine List Included]

Posted on March 20, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) amended the traffic law to include new regulations. This has been done with an aim to reduce casualties from traffic accidents to 3 per 100,000 from about 6 at present. Making roads safer and protecting the lives of road users is an important target of ‘UAE Vision 2021’.

The traffic violations recorded were re-examined. The rules were revised in terms of the existing fines and the black point system. The penalties of some of the violations were increased. This was necessitated due to the increase in the number of traffic offences from that in the past.

New Traffic Rules in UAE

Driving License

Driving license is issued to drivers who are 21 years or above.
The driver’s license issued initially will be valid for a period of 2 years for citizens, GCC nationals and those belonging to other nationalities.
On renewal, the license will be issued for 10 years to citizens and GCC nationals and for 5 years tothose belonging to other nationalities.
For drivers aged less than 21 years, the initial validity of the license issued, renewed or replaced will be one year. This is applicable to UAE citizens, GCC nationals and other expatriates.

Seat Belts

Seat belts have been made mandatory for all persons in the vehicle including passengers in the rear seat.
Children below the age of 4 should be seated in a child safety car seat.
The driver is fined AED 400 and 4 black points if any of the above rules are not complied with.

Speed limit

Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 60km/h will be charged AED 2000, 12 black points, and have their vehicles confiscated for 30 days.
If the speed exceeds the limit by not more than 60km/h, AED 1500, six black points, and confiscation of vehicles for 15 days are applicable.
Drivers speeding above the specified limit by not more than 50km/h, 40km/h, 30km/h and 20km/h are fined AED 1000, 700, 600 and 300, respectively.

Driving Regulations (for light vehicles)

Drivers who drive recklessly incur a fine of AED 2000, 23 black points and confiscation of the vehicle for a period of 60 days.
Drivers that cause damage to public or private property and are inconsiderate to the lives of others are punished with a heavy fine of AED 2000 and impounding of the vehicle for 60 days.
Driving of Quad bikes (Buggy) or tricycles on public roads is prohibited. This offence is fined AED 3000 in addition to 90 days’ impoundment of the vehicle.
Driving with a learner’s license is not allowed. Doing so will result in suspension from driving for a period of one year and 24 black points. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances affecting the brain is strictly prohibited. UAE follows a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol.
Jumping red signals are punishable with a fine of AED1000, 12 black points and confiscation of vehicles for a 30-day period.
Blocking traffic and stopping cars on the road for non justifiable reason incurs a fine of AED 1000 and six black points.
Sudden swerving or turning of a vehicle without signaling will entail a fine of AED1000.
Motorists who ignore traffic signals will be fined AED 1000, 12 black points and the vehicle will be seized for one month.
Crowding or rubber-necking at accident sites disrupting traffic flow will receive a fine of AED 1000.
Driving on the hard shoulder and overtaking from the left will incur a fine AED 1000 and 6 black points.

Read Also: Road Safety Rules In Australia

Driving Regulations (for heavy vehicles)

Heavy vehicle drivers are regulated by the whole gamut of rules for light vehicles.
Heavy vehicle drivers receive a fine of AED 3000 and have their licenses suspended for one year for any and each traffic violation committed. On completion of the term of suspension they have to take training sessions once again.

Other regulations

Driving without a license plate entails a fine of AED 3000, 3 black points and impounding of the vehicle for three months.
Driving without insurance/car registration entails a fine of AED 500. Drivers that are driving a vehicle that violates technical and safety stipulations and do not comply with the security and safety measures are fined AED 500.
Talking and texting on mobile phones incurs a fine of AED 800 and four black points. A similar fine is charged for any other distractions during driving.
Drivers who litter the road are fined AED 1000 and 6 black points.
Transporting dangerous or flammable materials without official permission incurs a fine of AED 3000, 24 black points, and 60 days’ vehicle impoundment.
Driving a noisy vehicle is not allowed. A fine of AED 2000 and 12 black points will be charged.
All vehicles, with the exception of trucks and taxis, can have a 50%tint on all windows except the front windshield. Rental and company cars can also use darker tinting. Any tinting that exceeds this limit attracts a fine of AED 1500.
Motorcycle riders riding without a helmet will receive a fine of AED 500 and four black points. Conducting car rallies on special occasions require permission from the authorities. Non-compliance will incur a fine of AED 500, four black points, and 15 days’ confiscation of the vehicle.
Pedestrians jaywalking on the streets are fined AED 400.
A minimum fine of AED 50 and a maximum of AED 3000 are imposed for failing to collect the vehicle after the period of impoundment.
Black points will be cancelled only 12 months after date of payment of fine.

White Point System

This system rewards non-errant motorists with a total of 24 white points in a year, two for each month. Motorists who have not incurred traffic fines, including road tolls (Salik) and parking fines are chosen as winners.

The new rules, black and white point systems and revised fines along with the existing regulations will be a deterrent to motorists indulging in traffic rule violations. These have been instituted by the Government to reduce traffic fatalities and to make the roads safer for motorists and pedestrians.

Road Safety Rules In The Netherlands

Posted on February 11, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

The Netherlands is a country where cyclists form a quarter of its traffic along with cars, buses, trams, trucks and trains.

With an enormous number of cyclists on the road, driving can be a challenge. The Netherlands Transport Ministry issues road safety rules and regulations for both motorists and cyclists.

Driver’s License

The minimum age requirement for obtaining a Dutch driving license for cars is 17 years.
A moped driving license can be obtained by drivers aged 16 and above.
The learner has essentially to pass a compulsory theory exam and a final practical exam from the Central Office of Driving Certification (CBR).
Before the final practical exam, learners have to perform an intermediate practical exam in stopping, turning and parking.
High-speed bicycles with speed limits of 45km/h are required to have number plates. The riders should possess moped driving licenses.

Speed Limits

In general, the speed limits are 50 km/h on the city roads (urban areas) and 80 km/h on other rural roads.
The maximum speed allowed on expressways is 100 km/h and on motorways is 130 km/h
Traffic fines are imposed for speed violations. Speeding above the limits by 3-4 km/h is not fined on most of the roads. On roads where the speed limit is 130 km/h, there is no margin for violation. Even speed of 1 km/h above the limit is fined.
The speed is limited to 30 km/h within built-up areas and 40 km/h outside built-up areas on bicycle or moped tracks.
If excessive speeds are detected, the driver incurs on-the-spot fines.

Road Signs

Priority signs are those that indicate Stop, Start and End of Priority Roads, Give Way.
Warning signs indicate No Entry, Entry Closed to Cycles, Mopeds and Trucks; those that ban entry of vehicles exceeding specified lengths.
Instruction signs are those that ask to Drive Ahead, Keep Right, Turn Right, etc.
Warning signs indicate the presence of Hills, Curves, School Crossings, Tram Crossings, Road Closures, etc.

Read Also: Road Safety Rules In Australia

Traffic Lights

Traffic lights follow the sequence of red, amber, green. An illuminated arrow alongside traffic lights indicates that vehicles can turn only in the direction of the arrow.
Signals with an illuminated picture of a bicycle pertain to bicycle/moped riders.
Signs stating ‘Right turn clear for bicycles and mopeds’ implies the amber and red lights do not apply to them and they can turn right.
Traffic lights for buses and trams follow the white, amber, red sequence where the flashing white light indicates that they can proceed.
At pedestrian crossings, a green light shows that they can cross; flashing green light warns that the light might turn to red soon and red light prevents pedestrians from crossing.

Safety Rules

Drivers and all passengers in the car should wear seat-belts.
Children below the age of 5 and below the height of 1.35m should be seated on safety seats at the rear of the car.
Helmets are to be worn by motorcyclists.
Mobile phones can be used only with a hands-free device. Holding a mobile phone while driving is also considered an offence.

Road Rules

The Dutch drive their vehicles keeping to the right side of the road. They are expected to keep to the extreme right of the road.
Overtaking of vehicles is permitted from the left. Cyclists have to overtake other cyclists from the left. Trams may be overtaken from the right. Vehicles entering a roundabout may overtake from the right.
Drinking and driving is illegal. Drivers who have been in possession of a license for five years or longer are permitted an alcohol level of a maximum of 50 mg/100 ml of blood. If one has held a license for less than five years the tolerance level is 20 mg/100 ml. The alcohol level allowed for scooter and moped drivers under the age of 24 is 20 mg/100 ml.
The DUI law makes operation of a vehicle with even a small amount of (detectable) specific drugs in one’s system illegal. This offence could lead to imprisonment and suspension of licenses for up to five years.
Traffic, including cyclists, approaching from the right has to be given priority unless signs indicate otherwise.
Trams are to be given priority over all other traffic except in areas where sign-posts mention otherwise.
Drivers reversing, performing U-turns, exiting and entering roads must give way to other vehicles at all times.
Drivers are not permitted to execute U-turns or reverse on motorways and highways.
Trailers and heavy vehicles are restricted to using the two right innermost lanes.
Dipped headlights have to be used after dark and in poor visibility conditions.
In cities and built-up areas, headlights can be flashed if necessary; horns can be used only in dangerous situations.
Pedestrians should walk on the pedestrian tracks. Pedestrians should familiarize themselves with the network of bicycle paths as most often they resemble foot-paths.
Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast.

Parking

P-Zones are parking areas, most of which are metered. Areas with parking meters allow vehicles to be parked for 1-2 hours on paying the charges.
Blue-zone parking in urban areas permits parking on display of time-stamped traffic disc. The discs can be obtained from motor clubs and police stations.
Parking garages allow parking on payment of charges.
Park and Ride spaces are organized parking spaces outside the city limits. Drivers park in these spaces and use public transport to their destinations.
Alongside ‘no parking’ signs, rectangular signs indicate times when parking is restricted in such areas.
Parking is prohibited within five meters from intersections, outside built-up areas, on broken yellow lines and in places obstructing exits and entrances.
Cycles and mopeds are to be parked on pavements, footpaths and areas specifically assigned for parking.
Disabled drivers and invalid carriages are exempted from parking restrictions.
Despite traffic rules, traffic jams are a major occurrence during peak times. The narrow inner roads get congested and traffic spills over on to main highways.
Being wary of cycle riders, while driving, slows the drivers. The government maximizes its efforts to see that the roads are made safer and the drivers are therefore happier.

Road Safety Rules In Australia – All You Need To Know

Posted on February 8, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Australian driving rules ensure that drivers of all ages drive in the safest possible way. The stringent requirements from obtaining a driving license, detailed traffic signs, driving rules and safety regulations are instituted to assure safer driving habits amongst its drivers.

Australians drive keeping to the left of the road. This is different from some other countries. An overview of the traffic rules and regulations are detailed as follows.

Obtaining a Driving License

The minimum age requirement to obtain a driving license in Australia is 16 years. After passing the test one is qualified for a Learner’s Permit on which he is permitted to drive for two years.

On completion of driving for a minimum of 12 months on a Learner’s Permit, he is eligible to apply for Provisional License – P1.
A driver qualifies for the Provisional License – P2 when he is 18 years and above and has held P1 license for a minimum period of 1 year.
Anyone who is 20 years or older is eligible for the Full Driving License provided he has completed 2 years of driving on his P2 License.

School-Transport-Software--Ensure-enhanced-student-safety

Speed Limits

The maximum speed limit outside built-up areas is 100 km/h and within built-up areas is 50 km/h.
Speed limits of 25 km/h are imposed at school crossings and koala crossings. This speed limit is applicable when passing school buses that have stopped for picking or dropping students or passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. In some residential areas, speed limits have been fixed at 40 km/h.
In shared zones where both pedestrians and vehicles are permitted, the speed has to be kept to a minimum of 10 km/h.
Racing and over-speeding are prohibited on the roads. The police confiscate number plates which is equivalent to impounding of the vehicle.

Road Signs

Regulatory – Signs that must be obeyed: Stop; Give way, Speed Limit, No Right/ Left turn.
Warning – Signs that warn of impending hazards or unusual feature on the road: Speed advice at curves and bends, etc.
Direction – Signs that provide information to the driver: distances to places, directions to towns and roads, emergency services, lay-bys, telephones, etc.
Temporary – Signs that caution the driver about work on the road, closed lanes or detours.

Traffic Lanes

A continuous white lane line should not be crossed unless to overtake a cyclist or to avoid any other obstruction.
Bus lanes are denoted by signs. This is for buses, bicycles, taxis and emergency vehicles during the times mentioned on the signs. • ‘Bus Only’ lanes are painted with a red box with ‘Bus Only’ written in white. The lanes are marked by a continuous red line alongside the white lane marking.
Bicycle lanes are colored green and are designated for the exclusive use of bicycle riders.
Transit Lanes are indicated by signs T2 and T3. T2 can be used by any vehicle with two or more passengers including the driver and T3 can be used by vehicles with three or more passengers including the driver.

Traffic Lights

Traffic lights follow the sequence of red, yellow, green.
Most of the traffic lights have arrow lights at the intersections. At a red arrow light, you are not allowed to turn in the direction of the arrow. Yellow arrow cautions the driver about the turn of lights preparing him to stop. Green arrow light permits turn in the direction of the arrow.
When traffic lights are not functional, the rule of Giving Way to the Right or at a T-intersection has to be obeyed wherever applicable.
Signs stating ‘Turn left when the lights are red’ allows the driver to turn left before the lights turn to green after giving way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Flashing yellow light signals the driver to proceed with caution.
White ‘T’ light is an indication to a tram driver and ‘B’ light is an indication to the bus driver that they may continue to drive or proceed.
Red/Green bicycle lights with symbols indicate to cyclists whether to stop, proceed or wait.
U-turns cannot be made at all intersections unless there is a sign permitting U-turn.
Bicycle storage area or bike box is an area on the road with bicycle symbols painted on it. This area will be painted green. Vehicles are not allowed to enter the storage area when the lights are red.

Safety Rules

Seat belts are to be worn by the driver and all passengers while the vehicle is in motion.
Children between the ages of 6 months to 7 years are to be seated on rear passenger seats. An infant restraint or a child safety seat with harness has to be used.
A child of any age with a medical condition or disability is allowed to sit on the front seat. They should be properly restrained and the driver should carry a medical certificate.
Cyclists, moped and motor scooter drivers are required to wear a helmet and appropriate riding gear.
Usage of mobile phones while driving is not allowed.

Lights

Headlights, rear lights and number plate lights are to be turned on when driving in the dark or when visibility is poor
Driving with only park lights is considered to be an offence.
Headlights can be momentarily flashed on high beam to indicate overtaking.
Lights should be dipped within 200 m of an oncoming vehicle and while nearing the rear of a vehicle.
Hazard lights can be used by drivers in bad weather and to warn other drivers of obstructions.

Driving Rules

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other prescription medicines which impair driving skills. The blood alcohol level should not be in excess of 0.05 %.
Australia follows a zero-tolerance policy for drivers on Provisional Licenses. Zero tolerance is applicable to drivers of taxis, buses and heavy vehicles.
It is advisable to check the local weather conditions if driving long distances. Bush-fires, floods, cyclones could happen anytime.
Overtaking is permitted only where the centre line marking is a single broken line.
While overtaking a road train, allow plenty of distance as the wind rush will pull the vehicle towards it.
Where lanes are not marked, the driver should drive near the left side of the road.
Double unbroken lines can be crossed only in cases of hazards like an accident or fallen tree or when a car is parked illegally.
Give way signs are an integral part of Australian traffic rules. It is important to give way to pedestrians, bicycle riders, buses, trams and trains, vehicles at intersections and roundabouts. Giving way indicates slowing down or if necessary stopping to allow vehicles to proceed safely avoiding collisions.
Freeways or expressways allow movement of vehicles at speeds higher than on normal roads. The right lane must be freed for overtaking. A safe distance from other vehicles has to be maintained at all times. Drivers have to be alert as traffic from behind may move at very high speeds.
A vehicle is not permitted to make U-turns or reverse on a freeway. They are not permitted to stop or park unless in cases of emergencies. Pedestrians, cyclists, animal-drawn vehicles and animals are prohibited from using freeways.
Horns must be used only to warn pedestrians and other vehicles of dangers.

Parking Rules

Parking signs are displayed showing the time duration for which a vehicle can be parked on specific days.
Parking for more than 2 minutes in a No Parking Zone is not allowed. The driver has to remain in or within 3 m of the vehicle if he does stop in this zone.
Pay parking sign allows parking for the duration shown on the signs provided the charges are paid.
While parking on a hill or a curve it has to be ensured that the vehicle is visible to an oncoming vehicle from 100 m away.

On-the-spot fines, demerit points, suspension and disqualification of licenses act as deterrents to the violation of traffic regulations. Adhering to the set of traffic rules makes driving easier and the roads safer.

Driving Rules You Need To Follow In The USA

Posted on February 6, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Driving rules in the USA differ from state to state within the country. Each state enacts its own rules and regulations. Though most of the traffic rules are similar to that of other countries, some of the road signs and stop lights may be different. It is recommended that the driver understand the traffic rules specific to the state in which he/she is driving in.

Vehicles are driven on the right-hand side of the road in America.The following are the common road rules across the USA

Obtaining a Driving License In USA

The minimum age requirement to obtain a driver’s license in USA is between 14 to 17 years. Age specified as minimum requirement varies from state to state.
Licenses are issued to the driver from the State in which they live.
Driving licenses are classified into many types – Unrestricted for normal drivers, Hardship licenses for minors between 14-15 who are forced to drive to school or work due to hardships at home, Provisional for minors between 14-17 years of age, Chauffeur licenses, Motorcycle licenses, and Handicap Permits.
Drivers under 18 have to attend an education program and are required to complete a specific number of lessons behind the wheel.
Minimum age to obtain a commercial driver’s license is 21 and, for driving school buses,it is 25.

Speed limits in USA

The speed limits are set by the different states. They vary depending on the type of road, vehicle and time of the day.

Most of the states have a speed limit of 55 to 75 miles per hour on major roads and 55 to 65miles per hour on secondary road networks. Exceeding speed limits result in heavy fines and severe punishments.

Road Signs in USA

Stop signs, red and octagonal in shape, requires the driver to stop completely before proceeding forward or crossing the intersection ahead.
Yield signs, red or yellow and triangular in shape, indicate that the driver has to wait till the oncoming traffic is cleared before progressing.
Black X in a yellow circle with RR written in it indicates a level crossing with or without barriers. ‘Only’ or ‘Exit Only’ signs above lanes indicates that those lanes do not continue on the freeway and it is compulsory for the driver to take the exit.

Traffic Lines

Dashed or broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
Yellow lines on the road separate traffic lanes moving in opposite directions.
Lanes separated by solid double yellow lines prohibits crossing in both directions.
Broken yellow lines allow for passing cautiously, the driver being fully aware of the oncoming traffic.
White lines on the edge of the road guide motorists in poor visibility.

Traffic Lanes

On double-lane roads, the right lane is used by slow moving traffic and the left lane is used for passing.
Carpool lanes are offered on some ring or peripheral roads. Carpool and heavy vehicle lanes are mostly the far left side lanes.

Traffic Lights

Traffic stop lights run in the red-yellow-green sequence.
A green filter light, in addition to the main signal, indicates that one can drive in the direction shown by the arrow irrespective of other signs.
In some suburban areas, red flashing lights indicate approaching traffic lights.
‘Delayed green’ signs at stop lights show that the green light opposite will change first.
Flashing red light means that the motorist has to stop and a flashing yellow means that he may progress forward without stopping if the road is clear.
Right turns at red lights are allowed legally unless otherwise specified. At some busy junctions,there are sign boards saying ‘No turn on red’. Either way, caution has to be taken while turning.
Major intersections, in some cities, have green-arrow signals indicating left turns.

Headlights

Headlights are to be used when visibility is reduced to less than 500ft., mostly after sunset and in bad weather.
Full beams have to be dipped for oncoming traffic within a 500ft. range and also when following a car within a 300ft. range.
Driving with park lights on is not allowed.
Driving with headlights on during daytime is legal.
Hazard lights can be used to warn other drivers of an accident, obstruction or traffic jam on freeways. In some states it is illegal to use hazard lights when the vehicle is in motion.
Use of hazard lights to signal other vehicles of approaching police control, radar, etc., is illegal.

Road Safety Rules in USA

All states require drivers to wear seat belts while driving. Children under specified ages have to be seated in a special car safety seat. Older children should be buckled securely in their seats. Some states require all passengers in the vehicle to use individual seat belts.
Usage of mobile phones for talking and texting is illegal in all states. Hands-free devices may be used. Use of hand-held navigation units is also illegal.

Driving rules in USA

Overtaking in the USA is known as ‘passing’. Overtaking can be done only in legal passing zones which are indicated by a broken yellow centerline or a solid line.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in all states of America. This law is applicable to farm machinery and horse-drawn carriages as well. This rule if violated incurs fines, penalty points and imprisonment.
At traffic circles or roundabouts, vehicles coming from the left have priority over the vehicle entering the roundabout. Vehicles entering the roundabout face a Yield sign which implies caution.
Signals or indicators are to be used always to turn even if there is no vehicle in the near vicinity. When indicators fail arm signals can be used.
Pedestrians have the legal right of way. Once they step onto the crossing where there are no traffic lights, cars have to stop completely allowing them to cross.
Cyclists and motorcycle riders use the main road in states where separate bike lanes are not provided
Children alighting or boarding school buses are given priority over all other traffic. Motorists are supposed to stop 20-25 feet behind the school bus. Yellow flashing lights on school buses indicate that they are about to stop. When they stop red flashing lights come on.School buses with flashing red lights cannot be passed until the lights stop flashing and the stop arms are down. Violation of this law is taken very seriously and motorists can be fined up to fined up to $1,000, imprisoned, subject to do community service, and receive up to five penalty points on their driving license
Hitchhiking and picking up hitchhikers is not permitted in most of the states. Vehicle insurance becomes invalid in such cases.
Use of car horns should be minimal and used only in cases of impending danger.

Parking Rules in USA

Parking is prohibited on the sidewalk, at intersections, in front of drive-ways, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a bus-stop, near a curb painted yellow or red, in tunnels or on bridges.
Parking on the street warrants reading all the signs near the parking spot. Parking without a permit or zone sticker in designated parking spaces for residential areas attracts a fine.
Meter violations – Insufficient cash in the meter or expiry of meter timing before the vehicle is moved will receive a ticket. Permissible timings can range from 10 minutes to 2 hours.
Parking on private property, on snow emergency routes, under ‘No Parking’ signs and in handicap parking zones without permits, results in the vehicle being towed by the police.Towing rules and regulations vary from state to state.

These are general guidelines drivers should be aware of prior to driving in the USA. It is the duty of every driver to observe the laws of the land and to pay all fines incurred. Non-compliance will result in non-renewal of the vehicle registration.

Road Traffic Safety Rules In Lebanon – All You Need To Know

Posted on January 25, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Lebanon has a population of 60, 00000 people of which 85% live in the urban areas. Lack of an efficient public transport system has resulted in an increase in passenger car vehicles on the road…

Irresponsible and negligent driving is the main cause of approximately 1200 deaths a year in traffic accidents alone. Poor road infrastructure also contributes to this statistic.

Traffic rules for drivers as well as pedestrians have been stipulated by the Government. But the authorities have been lax in implementing them.

The following are the rules to ensure driver discipline and safety on the roads.

Driving License Issuance

Driving in Lebanon is on the right-hand side of the road.
The minimum age to obtain a driving license in Lebanon is 18 years.
A driver needs to be 23 years to rent a car, Minimum age to drive commercial vehicles is set at 21 and school buses at 25
Driving Licenses are issued after the candidate passes a mandatory written and practical driving test. They are renewed every 10 years.

Driver rules

Drivers are to carry a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance documents while driving.
Drivers cannot drive motor vehicles without registration and license
Drivers cannot drive an impounded vehicle.
Drivers should comply with the traffic lights, should not overrun the red signal and stop when required
Drivers should give way to aged and disabled persons and students.
They should give priority to ambulances, fire engines, police and other government vehicles.
Drivers should not use radar detection methods.
Drivers should not drive under fatigue.
Drivers should not block intersections.
They should give preference to vehicles inside of a roundabout.
They should refrain from making illegal U-turns and performing acrobatics on the road

Speed limit

Speed limits set by the road safety authorities in Lebanon is a maximum of 50kph in urban areas and 100kph in rural areas.
Driving under the speed limit by 20Km/h is not allowed.
Driving over the speed limit by 60km/h attracts maximum fine, vehicle seizure and a jail term.
Over-speeding, racing and dangerous driving are not allowed and are punishable offences.

Drink/Drug driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is prohibited.
Even though the legal limit in drinking and driving is 0.5g/l, the authorities have adopted 0% tolerance towards driving after drinking.
A graded fining system exists for driving under the influence of blood alcohol concentration levels of 0.5-0.8g/l, 0.8-1g/l, and for above 1g/l heavy fines, seizure of vehicle and jail term is imposed.
No open alcohol containers are permitted in a vehicle on road.

Vehicle safety rules

Seat belts are compulsory for both front and rear passengers in all vehicles.
Helmets are compulsory for cyclists and motor-cycle riders.
Cyclists should use side mirrors.
Cars should not have dark tinted windows.
Vehicles on the road should have their light on at all times.
Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited. A hands-free system can be used.
Signal lights and high beam lights are to be used only when necessary.
Hazard lights have to be switched on when the vehicle is broken down or when there is an obstruction on the road.
Hazard triangle in the vehicle is mandatory.
Dangling any part of the body outside while the vehicle is in motion is not allowed.
Registration plates have to be displayed clearly on the vehicles.

Passenger restrictions

Children under the age of 5 years have to be seated and buckled in a car seat.
Children under the age of 10 years should not be seated in the front seat and should not be transported on motor cycles

Parking regulations

On-street parking is normally allowed for a maximum of two hours.
Vehicles should not be parked in no-parking zones, pedestrian walkways and crossings or in slots reserved for the disabled.
Vehicles for sale should not be displayed or parked in public parking spaces.

Accident rules

A vehicle involved in an accident has to be moved to the side of the road
Causing accidents, not stopping immediately or performing a hit and run attract heavy fines, seizure of vehicles and jail terms.

Pollution rules

Vehicles with carbon emission beyond the legal limits are penalized.
Noise pollution and Littering are not permitted.

Pedestrian rules

They have to respect the traffic signal lights and use the pedestrian crossings
They are to use assigned bridges and tunnels to cross busy roads.
Entering and exiting vehicles 25 meters close to intersections, signals or roundabouts in not permitted.

Violation of each one of the above traffic rules in Lebanon is a punishable offence.

Fines ranging from 200,000 LL to 1,000,000LL are imposed on violators. Major and repeated traffic offences call for imprisonment and confiscation of vehicle and licenses.

If citizens of Lebanon strictly follow the comprehensive set of traffic rules fatality rate can be reduced.

A change in the attitude of drivers, strict implementation of the rules and a better understanding of safety issues is essential.

Many organizations have been formed to create an awareness of road safety among the people and drivers.

How to Avoid School Bus Accidents

Posted on October 6, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

The statistics are unnerving: with over 25 million children travelling to school by the school bus every single day, there are many deaths that occur due to school bus accidents.

In all of these, it has been estimated that over 10% of all the deaths were school children, drivers and passengers. These are more than enough to make us learn ways using which we can avoid school bus accidents and keep our children safe.

A school bus accident is one that involves a school bus vehicle body or the body of any other bus functioning as a school bus. Almost every parent agrees to the fact that transportation of children to and from the school is safer in the school bus than in a car. However, it is up to every school driver to bear in mind that the school bus shares the road with other types of vehicles.

In this article, we have gleaned some precious tips that will help to prevent school bus accidents.

When the school bus is carrying the children, follow these tips:

• When there are children in the school bus, always maintain distance from the moving vehicle in the front. The driver should be left with plenty of time when the brake lights of the vehicle on the front start to flash. Flashing yellow lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop. This gives an opportunity for the drivers behind to slow down.

• If the yellow or red lights of a school bus carrying children start to flash, and when the driver extends the stop arm, all the traffic behind must come to a stop.

• In case you are on a road that is not divided, do not pass a bus, from either direction, which has stopped to load or unload children.

• It is a good idea for every driver near a school bus to be extra alert as one cannot predict the behaviour of children. Drivers of all vehicles near schools should be aware of the lowered speed limits.

There have been many cases where children lost their lives in bus-related accidents when walking on the roads. Majority of these children are very young, between 4 and 7 years of age. Many a time, they are hit by motorists that are illegally passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off the students. Otherwise, they are hit by the bus.

Given below are some precautions that will help to keep the children safe.

• Ensure that your vehicle does not block the crosswalk. This forces children to move around your vehicle when they want to cross the road. This could put them in the midst of moving traffic.

• When your vehicle is in the ‘school zone’, and flashers are blinking, check all cars nearby are stopped and allow pedestrians to cross the roads.

• Always make sure that you stop the vehicle whenever a traffic policeman or a school patrol guard holds up a ‘Stop’ sign.

• Look out for children whenever your vehicle crosses playgrounds and parks or school areas.

Rules for School Bus Students

Some of the rules that we have seen are for the vehicle drivers and school children who are walking. There are also some rules that should be followed by the students on the bus to minimize school bus accidents.

• Board and alight from the bus in an orderly fashion.

• Be seated when the bus is moving.

• Keep head, arms and legs inside the bus throughout the journey at all times.

• Ensure that you are seated with your feet placed on the floor and facing forward.

• Keep the aisle area free.

• Do not distract the bus driver at any cost.

• Make use of the handrail while boarding and de-boarding the bus.

• Maintain a minimum distance while waiting for the bus at bus stop.

• Enter the bus only after it has completely halted to a stop.

• After alighting from the bus, walk for a distance of at least 10 feet before attempting to cross the road.

• No student should cross the road from behind the bus.

• You should cross the road only after receiving driver’s signal.

• You should be educated about the safety of the school bus.

These rules are to be followed when new school bus drivers are appointed.

• The school bus driver should be in possession of a commercial driver’s license. He should have an accident-free clean personal driving record. He should also come out free of a drug screening procedure.

• The driver should be a friendly person and capable of maintaining good communication.

• School bus drivers are expected to eat healthy, take time off when sick and get enough rest on a daily basis. They should completely understand the bad effects of sleep deprivation.

School Bus Maintenance

• As far as the school bus is concerned, the upkeep and safety of the vehicle are paramount. It is utmost important to stick to the rules as far as maintenance schedules are concerned.

• Drivers should inspect the buses on a daily basis and the vehicle should receive mechanical maintenance.

• The bus should undergo a preventative check-up before a long-distance trip.

Bus Routes

Bus routes should be planned in such a way that they travel through roads that have lower speed limits and have a lot of pedestrian space. Streets that are overcrowded or those that have poor visibility should be avoided.

Construction of the School Bus

• Ensure that the bus has safe handrails.

• The schools should not use non-conforming vans to transport children to and from schools.

• The bus should not be too noisy such that it is a distraction for the driver. There should be no speaker placed adjacent to the driver’s heads.

Conclusion

The driver, helpers, and the public at large should be watchful and vigilant at all times. There is no room for any complacency whatsoever. Only this can help to control school bus accidents.