UNIT VIUNIT VI

SCHOOL BUS CRITICAL SCHOOL BUS CRITICAL SITUATIONS SITUATIONS

VI-2

Topics:

Responses to critical situations Preventing and correcting:

traction loss loss of brakes steering failure tire blowout headlight failure accelerator sticking engine overheating

Classifications of fire School bus evacuation

procedures

VI-3

Critical Situation

Driver action Roadway situation = COLLISION Vehicle malfunction

VI-4

How Quick on the Draw are You?

Directions: Form teams of two Each team must have a watch with a second hand One game sheet per team Touch numbered squares in sequence Time each attempt Three attempts per player Record time for each attempt

VI-5

VI-6

Why Drivers Respond the Way They Do

Surprise causes hasty action Surprise leads to panic/ fear Drivers become confused when panicking Correct action must be learned in advance

VI-7

How Drivers Can Improve

Thinking reduces panic Ability depends upon driver mind set Knowledge and practice reduce surprise “What if” is good practice Repetition reduces surprise

VI-8

Driver Safety Formula

Skill

+ Knowledge

+ Conditioning

+ Concentration

_____________________

= Reduction in critical situations

VI-9

Traction Loss

Traction is important to starting, stopping, and turning any vehicle. When traction is reduced or lost completely, the driver is confronted with a critical situation.

VI-10

What is Traction Loss?

Traction loss occurs when tires lose their rolling grip on the road surface, resulting in partial or total loss of vehicle control.

VI-11

Causes of Traction Loss

Overpowering

Overbreaking Steering and speed

VI-12

Minimizing Traction Loss

Keep brakes and tires in good working order Increase sight distance and react to hazards well in

advance Match speed conditions Avoid overpowering, over braking, and over steering Stay off highway when conditions are hazardous

VI-13

Traction Loss Summary

A competent driver rarely allows his vehicle to lose traction, but—if it does, he possesses the capability to cope effectively with the situation.

VI-14

Potential Vehicle Malfunctions

Loss of brakes Steering failure Tire blowout Headlight failure Accelerator sticking Engine overheating

VI-15

Loss of BrakesIndicated by signal from buzzer, air pressure gauge

Correction:

Use engine as brake; down shift.

Continue application of brake pedal.

Get off road and stop immediately.

VI-16

Steering Failure

Correction:Grip wheel firmly—get off road

No wheel response—stop bus quickly and safely

Evacuate passengers (if warranted)

Secure area

VI-17

Tire blowout

Correction:Grip wheel firmlyRelease acceleratorSteady braking—do not lock wheelsMove off roadwaySecure vehicle

VI-18

Headlight Failure

Turn on parking/ auxiliary lights

Turn on emergency flashers, brake lights, right turn signal.

Slow down

Stay on path

Look for escape

Look for something to orient you

VI-19

Accelerator Sticking

Apply brakes Shift to neutral Steer off roadway Turn off engine

after stopping bus

VI-20

Engine Overheating

Pull off road Shift to neutral—run

engine at fast idle Stop engine if it does not

cool Call for assistance

VI-21

Emergency Equipment and Emergency Procedures

Topics:

Fire extinguishers

Reflectors

Evacuations

Stakeouts

VI-22

Type:

A (Ashes)

B (Barrels)

C (Current)Source:

Combustible materials

Flammable liquids

Electrical

VI-23

Fire Extinguisher Operation

Pull pin—use twisting motion Hold in upright position Squeeze trigger lever Direct at base of fire—use side to side motion

VI-24

Required Warning Devices

3 Bidirectional emergency reflective triangles

VI-25

Vehicle Stakeout

Requirements Bidirectional emergency reflective triangles Placed as follows:

One 100’ in front of the bus in center of lane occupied by the bus One 100’ to the rear of the bus in center of lane occupied by the bus One at the traffic side of the bus either 10’ to the front or rear of the bus

VI-26

Reasons for Evacuation

Fire

Potential Fire

Vehicle in dangerous

position

VI-27

School Bus Evacuation

Film

Emergency School Bus Evacuation

Points of interest: Three evacuation methods Driver’s role Leader’s and helper’s role Distance students move away from bus

VI-28

Front Door Evacuation

VI-29

Rear Door Evacuation

VI-30

Front and Rear Door Evacuation

VI-31

Department of Education Requirement

Evacuation Drills

A school bus driver shall know how to conduct an emergency bus evacuation.

VI-32

Special Needs Evacuation

Lift Evacuation Ramp Evacuation Blanket Drag/Carry Removal from

Wheelchair

VI-33

Summary

Responses to critical situations Preventing and correcting:

traction loss loss of brakes steering failure tire blowout headlight failure accelerator sticking engine overheating

Classifications of fire School bus evacuation procedures