Road safety tips Archives - trackschoolbus

What To Do When A School Bus Catches Fire

Posted on June 18, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In such a scenario, take quick actions such as

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

Evacuate the bus

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

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

To evacuate the bus, drivers should –

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

Use fire suppression systems

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

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

These systems –

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

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

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

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

8 Road Safety Tips For Pedestrians

Posted on April 12, 2019 by TSB Super Admin

Pedestrians also have the responsibility to follow certain traffic rules while on road. Your behaviour should not be the reason for any casualty. Try to be more attentive to your surroundings and follow the rules, as pedestrians your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping you safe.

HERE ARE FEW TIPS YOU CAN FOLLOW AS PEDESTRIAN

Don’t jaywalk
Use sidewalks as much as possible, if not walk facing the traffic signal to know your surroundings
Mind the signs and signals
Use pedestrian crossings to cross the road
Before crossing the road look both sides to make sure there aren’t any vehicles
While on road do not text, play or hear music. Avoid distractions as much as possible
When you’re with children try to make sure they are not walking by the side of the road. Always maintain 3 feet distance from the road
During harsh weathers or at night, try to wear light coloured clothing so that you are visible.

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.

10 Road Safety Tips That Can Save Your Life

Posted on December 5, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

Driving is the thing which almost every people enjoy as it provides you with the chance to explore new places and what’s going on in the city. But apart from the fun, you must ensure the safety of your life, your passenger’s life and the other road users.

Accidents occurring on the road can be prevented to a large extent if adequate safety measures are taken. Drivers’ awareness and anticipation towards the surroundings play an important role to avoid accidents.

Click Here To Read Detailed Version

While driving, you should be very vigilant when you are about to make the right turn or left turn or whether others drivers are about to overtake or not. You should also be careful about braking as sudden braking can lead to any mishaps.

With so many other drivers, pedestrians, huge semi trucks and many other obstacles, you as a driver should take some basic safety measures before starting the trip to reach the destination safely and on time.

Following we are shedding out 10 essential road safety tips that can be useful to save your life and other lives:

8 Road Safety Tips for Motorists – [Infographics]

Posted on September 19, 2018 by TSB Super Admin

Road safety tips for motorists are crucial for all of us when we hit the road with our wheels. As we can’t predict what is going to happen, hence it is wise to take precautions all the time. Accidents are the topmost things which await daily riders.

Each of us is responsible for road safety as well as our own safety. Whether a car driver, truck or lorry driver, a motorist, a cyclist or a pedestrian, he/she must follow the rules and regulations that are necessary. Road users must have patience and should be always alert and careful on the road and ought to be kind to other road users.

Unfortunately, bike accidents can and do happens. Dangerous roads, faulty gear, negligent driving, etc can lead to unsafe situations. But there are several ways which can help them to keep themselves safe and secure on road. The main or the key thing that every motorist must take care of is they must follow all the rules and regulations and safety tips that are essential for them.

Here we are showcasing certain safety tips for motorists in the form of an infographic.

Road Safety Tips for Different Types of Road Users

Posted on March 21, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

A historic move towards reducing the number of traffic accidents by fifty percent all over the world was taken by the 2200 delegates from various countries at the Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety dated November 25, 2015. India was a part of this key initiative which aimed to rethink its stand on the transport policies and to revamp them to favour sustainable modes of transport over other means.

The key concerns are enforcement of road safety rules and regulations for the larger benefit of the people in a society facing challenges like increased transportation and lack of public awareness. Road safety tips taken at the appropriate situations and by people can reduce the accident rates considerably.

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Is Road Safety Education Necessary for Children

Road safety rules and regulations have outlined the measures to reduce the risk of civilians getting injured or killed while on roads. Road users include motorists, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, etc.

1. Tips for motorists

The roads are built primarily for the transport of motor vehicles and the first priority goes to them, but not always.

a. Obey Road safety rules and regulations stipulated for motor vehicles at all times

b. Look for the traffic signs before you cross signals

c. Drive within the speed limits prescribed. Ideally one should drive at approximately not more than 30 kmph near busy places such as markets and residential areas

d. Don’t forget to wear helmets while driving. Helmets should be ISI marked and buckled properly

e. Keep vehicle fit. A sudden breakdown of the vehicle while on the road can cause hardships not only to you but also to fellow road users and traffic personnel. Besides, towing a four wheeler to a garage for maintenance works from the middle of the road can cost you a lot. This can be avoided if you regularly check and take care of your vehicle.

f. Stop or slow your vehicle and allow the pedestrians to cross roads at unmanned / unsignalled Zebra crossings

g. Always wear seat belts while driving four wheelers

h. Avoid rash/negligent driving

i. Don’t drink and drive. It can lead to death

j. Avoid using mobile phones while driving. It is not advisable to talk on mobile even when stopping at signals. Accidents are more common when motorists tend to ride fast at the signals when it turns green. They often tend to ignore the oncoming vehicles or the signal changes while talking on the mobile. In case you want to pick up an urgent call, park the vehicle to the side of the road and put the brake lights on, and allow other motorists to pass by.

k. While crossing unmanned railway lines, be sure to think of safety first.

l. It is ideal for taxis, school buses, auto rickshaws etc. which need to alight or drop passengers to keep to the left of the road so as to not cause discomfort to other road users. Also, put on the brake lights before stopping so that the vehicles behind can avoid a collision.

m. Install GPS trackers and monitors. You can avoid stopping at every turns and asking for the right directions to other road users. Such actions can cause trouble for other road users and tend to consume your precious time and fuel.

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2. Tips for pedestrians:

a. Use sidewalks wherever possible.

b. Always use zebra markings to cross the road

c. Don’t text while walking

d. Avoid playing games while on busy roads. A simple moment of distraction can lead to disasters. For example, the virtual game Pokemon Go has caused around 1, 10,000 deaths in the first 10 days of its release in U.S. With the virtual reality games coming up in developing countries with poorer road conditions and reduced enforcement of traffic rules primarily due to lack of adequate personnel., the numbers might still be higher.

e. Jaywalking should be avoided.

f. While travelling with children, hold their hands firmly and keep them close

g. Teach young kids about road safety rules and regulations so that they can understand and follow them

h. Set the right example for children by following the road safety rules

Road Safety Tips that can Avoid Accidents and Save Your Life

Posted on January 2, 2017 by TSB Super Admin

Technology has made it possible for the humankind to take a giant leap in the modes and pace of transport. However, the urban infrastructure remains largely inefficient to accommodate the ever increasing fleet of vehicles and so does the issue of Road safety for children both in the developed and developing nations alike.

So how do we tackle this issue?

Must Read:

Road Safety Rules for Children (7 to 11 Years Old)

1. Teach them young

Road safety for Children can be ensured primarily by a guided and effective teaching of road safety rules and regulations especially in the budding years. Even pre-primary kids can understand the safety rules easily if taught with fun filled activities. For example, rhymes on road safety can be taught to kids. Dramas or small skits, games on traffic rules, traffic park visits, etc. can help the mentors to instill the needs of observing traffic rules even from a younger age.

2. Visit the road

No amount of book work or training can be useful unless it is implemented in real life situation. A short visit to a suburban where traffic is less can be much useful for teaching road safety for children especially for primary kids. But be careful and extra cautious in leading the kids. Take a small group at a time so that it will be easy to manage the kids and they can learn the traffic rules with ease.

3. Mind the traffic

Seek for assistance from traffic controllers for managing traffic near educational institutions at peak hours, particularly during the morning and evening rushes. Schools can also deploy student volunteers from Scouts, Guides or NCC cadets for assisting the traffic personnel. This can serve the dual purpose of teaching and effectively managing road safety for children.

4. Be with kids

Don’t leave the children while crossing the road, especially the younger ones. Parents often tend to be busy with their hands and eyes glued to the mobile especially while crossing the roads. A little care and a tight grip on their hands could ensure road safety for children. It is important to never leave them unattended while on busy roads.

5. Reward the kids

A good behaviour should be appreciated and rewarded, especially for kids so that it will instill the values and rules that they learn. Appreciate when they follow the rules and ask others to follow their example.

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6. Install traffic signals

Rural and semi urban areas are fast developing to urban centres with the rapid boost of the economy. Due to their massive numbers, authorities and government agencies might overlook the need of installing traffic signals and symbols. Citizens can make group requests through schools, residents associations or other entities for installing traffic signs at required places near their vicinity. For example, school authorities can put forward a request to the government to make zebra crossings and speed breakers near the school for ensuring road safety for children.

7. Upkeep the vehicles

It is necessary to keep the school vehicles properly maintained and checked at regular intervals so that accidents can be avoided. Regular overhauling can not only increase the efficiency of the vehicle, but also considerably decreases the likelihood of occurrence of untoward events.

8. Create Awareness campaigns

Campaigning for creating awareness on traffic rules and safety tips with the students is a proven mechanism as far as the reach is considered. Children tend to campaign hard for a cause and it's all the better if it is for creating vigil on traffic rules. Consider it not as a burdensome task, but a small initiative to ensure the road safety for children.

9. Keep Panic away

Even if the kids follow the rules, some motorists might tend to break the rules and create chaos for the citizens. Kids tend to panic easily and might get into accidents inadvertently. Keep them calm and safe, especially while witnessing reckless driving. Don’t forget to emphasize the need for adhering to the rules because road safety for children should be given prime importance in traffic rule education.