1. FIRST THINGS FIRST
NEO Drivers Training (Rev. 1/2015)

2. YOUR ATTITUDE
Be honest about your attitude on the road – If you are someone who yells at other drivers or makes gestures toward someone who just cut you off – then you should NOT be driving an ERC bus or ERC vehicle.
We need people who are safe, calm drivers and who obey the rules of the road.

3. YOUR ATTITUDE
Be a defensive driver – do NOT get angry at other drivers or frustrated by traffic situations.
You cannot control anyone’s actions but your own.
Be alert to everything going on around you for 1 reason – to protect yourself and the clients you are driving.

4. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
NEO Drivers Training (Rev. 1/2015)

5. OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS Drive safely – obey traffic laws AT ALL TIMES.
If you are ticketed – even when you are NOT providing transportation to an ERC client – it could affect your employment with ERC.
PROTECT YOURSELF – PROTECT OUR CLIENTS – DRIVE SAFELY!

6. HEALTH ISSUES
We will ask you to sign a statement that says you have no health issues that would interfere with providing safe transportation for our clients.
You are responsible for notifying Human Resources if you have any change in your health status; vision, physical or mental.

7. DRIVING RECORD
ERC has already checked your driving record and confirmed that you meet the standards set by our insurance company to drive an ERC vehicle.
It is your responsibility to inform the Human Resources department if you are ticketed for any vehicular infraction – EVEN when you are not providing transportation for ERC.
This could affect your employment with ERC.

8. General Transportation forms
Each program has different versions of these forms so please become familiar with the forms for your program and be sure to use the proper forms.
Mileage log
Vehicle Inspection Sheet
Accident report

9. ACCIDENT REPORT
If you have an accident while transporting clients – either in an ERC van/bus or in the private vehicle of a Waiver staff person – you must complete an accident report.
Remember – after any accident while driving an ERC vehicle or driving ERC clients – you must report for a drug test.

10. Accident Report – should be in all ERC vehicles …and Waiver

11. PRE-TRIP & POST TRIP
Before and after transporting clients in an ERC van – the vehicle must be inspected. This should happen before EVERY trip so that there are no surprises.
Just because someone inspected the van 4 hours ago – there could be a slow leak in a tire or you may need to fill up the tank before picking up clients.

12. Pre-Trip/Post-Trip Inspection

13. ROUTE BOOK
There should be 2 books in every van/bus – the ROUTE BOOK for RI and Life Skills and the Emergency Data Book at the ICFs.
Before a driver leaves an ERC facility with clients in the vehicle – they should ALWAYS have Emergency information on every client on the van.
Waiver drivers

14. Emergency Data Form-Page 1
On page 1 of the EDF:
Name/Nickname
Date of Birth
Race/Sex
Height/Weight
Language spoken/understood or needs an interpreter

15. Emergency Data Form-Page 2
On page 2 of the EDF:
Picture (if we have one in Therap)
Home address
Medical information including current active diagnoses
Name of primary doctor(s)

16. Emergency Data Form-Page 3
On page 3 of the EDF:
Current medications (name/dosages)
Mobility
Guardian status
Active program information (ERC and others)
Emergency contact information

17. Emergency Data Form-Page 4
On page 4 of the EDF:
Additional contact information
Insurance information
In other words – all the information you would need to know if there was an accident and this client needed medical attention!

18. VEHICLE LOG BOOK
The mileage MUST be logged EACH AND EVERY TRIP that is made in every ERC vehicle. This must be done each time the vehicle is used…not just at the beginning and end of the day. Using blue or black ink Only! These are state documents.
This also applies to Waiver – in order to get paid for mileage.

19. VEHICLE LOG BOOK

20. Waiver Mileage Log

21. PRE-TRIP ROUTINE

22. Pre-trip Routine
To ensure a thorough Pre-trip inspection is completed is to develop a routine.
We recommend you proceed around the vehicle in a counter-clockwise manner to check the components and also check for body damage and anything out of the ordinary

23. Check your lights

24. Adjust and clean your mirrors

25. Check Tires
Irregular tire wear can be spotted early when tires are checked daily.
Blow outs are frightening. They can cause loss of vehicle control as well as accidents, inconvenience, lost time, & increased cost because of road calls or towing fees.
Worn tires create balance issues and alignment problems as well.
If lug nuts are exposed, make sure they are tight and secure.

26. Check tread depth on tires
Edge of coin to top of head 4/32”

27. Check all gauges

28. Inside the Vehicle Check all gauges Check fuel level
Check lights and signals
Check that wipers operate properly
Check that washer fluid operates properly
Check the horn
Check inside mirrors for adjustment
Check all lights and signals
Check brake pressure and back up alarm

29. Inside the Vehicle Check that seat belts operate properly
Ensure that all occupants are wearing their seatbelts
Check defrost and heater fans
Check that windows are clean
Check wheelchair tie downs, handrails, flooring, emergency equipment

30. Safety Equipment - Every ERC vehicle must Include:
ERC cell phone** for that vehicle or a personal cell phone that is in working order/charged.
First Aid Kit ** – synthetic vinyl gloves (No Latex)
Fire Extinguisher ** charged and in the green zone on the indicator
3 Triangles-safety warning to other traffic
Seat Belt Cutter - if you don’t know how to use it – find out!
Ensure that if you use any safety equipment you replace it or notify a supervisor to have it replaced.
** - WAIVER vehicles also

31. WHERE IS YOUR SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Triangles, to be placed on roadway to warn other traffic if you break down.
First Aid Kit
Fire extinguisher must be fully charged. Verify by checking the charge indication arrow is in the green zone.

32. RULES OF THE ROAD

33. NEW LAW – August 2013
As a driver – if you see flashing lights on a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road – you MUST either move over a lane OR you must slow down and use caution while passing the vehicle.
This applies to emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility trucks, road workers, and law enforcement.

34. NEW LAW – August 2013
Failure to obey this law could result in fines, community service hours, jail time and/or loss of your license for up to 6 months.
With all the road construction going on in NWA – please be cautious and obey this law.

35. Speed Limits 1. Always observe the posted speed limit.
2. Reduce speed on wet, snow or ice covered roads.

36. Making a Turn: 1. Always signal well in advance of any turn.
2. Make sure your vehicle will be clear of any traffic when turning!
3. In Arkansas, it is legal to turn right on a red light
- Except where posted otherwise
- After coming to a complete stop - if it is safe to do so.
4. When making a left turn – do not drift into another lane – STAY in the proper lane.

37. Changing Lanes 1. Always signal before changing lanes.
2. Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection.

38. Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
As you approaching a railroad crossing, slow down – whether you are driving a car or a van.
Scan your surroundings and use the old adage STOP – LOOK – LISTEN – especially if this crossing does not have a gate or lights and bells to warn of an approaching train.

39. Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
Make sure that drivers behind you are aware that you are slowing down for the approaching railroad crossing.
Turn off any radio or noisy equipment, and ask anyone riding with you in the vehicle to be quiet so you can listen for an approaching train.
Check the crossing signals or tracks again before proceeding.

40. School Busses and School Zones
1. Maintain appropriate speed limits in school zones (20 mph when school children are present)
2. All vehicles either following a school bus or approaching a school bus MUST STOP when the red lights start flashing and the safety bar in the front of the bus extends indicating that the bus will be stopping.
3. Never go around or pass a school bus - even on a 4 lane street.

41. Emergency Vehicles:
1. Always yield the right of way to any emergency vehicle that is using sirens or flashing lights.
2. To "Yield the right of way" is defined: "As quickly as possible and in a safe manner, move to the lane closest to the side of the road and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle(s) has passed by your vehicle."
3. Before accelerating into the flow of traffic after an emergency vehicle has passed, check carefully to be sure that there are no more emergency vehicles coming.

42. DEFENSIVE DRIVING

43. Road Rage Facts
66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.
37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm.
Males younger than 19 are the most likely to exhibit road rage.
Half of drivers who are on the receiving end of an aggressive behavior, such as horn honking, a rude gesture, or tailgating admit to responding with aggressive behavior themselves.
Over a seven year period, 218 murders and 12,610 injuries were attributed to road rage.

45. Do YOU contribute to Road Rage?
The truth is many of us are guilty of aggressive behavior on the road. Ask yourself these questions and answer honestly:
Do you regularly drive over the speed limit, or try to "beat" red lights because you are in a hurry?
Do you tailgate or flash your headlights at a driver in front of you that you believe is driving too slowly?
Do you honk the horn often?
Do you ever use obscene gestures or otherwise communicate angrily at another driver?

46. Do YOU contribute to Road Rage?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible you are susceptible to road rage.
Many times when a road rage incident occurs it is because the person was under stress in other areas of their life.
The addition of congested traffic, drivers who are not obeying traffic rules, or other traffic related issues can add to stress, which then explodes when it is perceived someone else on the road has acted in an aggressive way, whether intentional or not.

47. Do YOU contribute to Road Rage?
Ask yourself these questions as well:
Do you frequently use your phone while driving, or otherwise drive while distracted?
Do you keep your high beams on, regardless of oncoming traffic?
Do you switch lanes or make turns without using your turn signal?
Do you fail to check your blind spot before switching lanes to make sure you aren’t cutting someone off?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be contributing to causing road rage in others.

48. Tips for controlling road rage

49. Share the Road
We are never the only ones on a surface street or on a highway.
We share the road with motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, other cars and pick-up trucks as well as delivery vans and semi-tractor trailers.
All of these other users of the roads and highways in NWA have their own set of issues that we have to address to keep us safely on the road.

50. Following Distances:
1. Most rear-end collisions are caused by following another vehicle too closely.
2. The recommended following distances:
UNDER 40mph – 4 second following distance
OVER 40mph – 5 seconds or more
3. Driving at night - Increase your following distance and never “out drive” your headlights.
4. Increase your following distance when it is foggy, raining, snowing or the roads are icy.

51. Cushion of Safety: The space around your vehicle:
- The space between you & the vehicle in front of you.
- The space between you & the vehicle behind you.
- The spaces on either side of your vehicle.
CONSTANTLY CHECK THESE AREAS IN YOUR MIRRORS & WORK TO KEEP THEM FREE OF VEHICLES and/or PEDESTRIANS.
ADJUST YOUR SPEED and/or POSITION
as needed.

52. Dealing with a tailgater:
- Most tailgaters are in a hurry. Gradually slow down and allow them to pass you.
- Do NOT pump your brakes.
- INCREASE the following distance between you and any vehicle in front of you.

53. DWD… Driving While Distracted
A moment of distraction can have tragic consequences

54. DWD… Driving While Distracted
On the form that you signed – you agreed to not eat, drink or smoke while driving an ERC vehicle.
The clients are not supposed to eat or drink or smoke in an ERC vehicle. Please set a good example for the clients you are transporting.

55. Backing out of parking spaces:
1. Many accidents happen when two vehicles are backing out of "angle parking spaces" at the same time. This is especially true with pickups, SUVs and vans which must rely exclusively on outside mirrors and have very large blind spots.
2. Look for parking spaces where it is possible to drive forward out of the space – even if you have to walk a little more.
3. Forward visibility is always better than to the rear - especially in large vehicles.

56. Backing up an ERC van/bus
You should try to always maneuver your vehicle in such a way that you should NEVER have to back up.
If you find that you do have to back up – make sure to check in back and overhead for anything that might be hurt or damaged – people, overhead wires/phone lines, toys, tools, etc.
If you have an aide on the bus – they should stand where you can see them and give you hand directions to keep you from having an accident.

57. Avoiding Accidents The best way to avoid an accident is
(a) To recognize the potential trouble
(b) Act before becoming involved
(c) Eliminate the problem before there is one.

58. Accident Procedures

59. Vehicular Accident Procedures - When an accident occurs:
1. You must always call the police and wait for them to arrive. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately – don’t wait for the police.
2. Evacuate the vehicle if needed.
3. Report the accident to your supervisor, or transportation coordinator. At the ICF homes, report to the Residential Services Manager (Kristin Crist).
4. Put out emergency flares or triangles to warn other drivers.

60. Vehicular Accident Procedures
5. Fill out Insurance forms that are kept in all ERC vehicles . Return these forms to the Transportation Coordinator as soon as possible (within 24 hours)
6. If an employee is involved in any accident - no matter who is determined to be at fault - the employee involved in the accident MUST report to Human Resources or to the nurse at the ICF homes for a mandatory drug test.
7. If accident occurs after regular business hours – go to the ICF’s for drug testing.

61. Weather-related Driving Tips

62. Heavy rain Use your wipers! Turn on your lights – it’s the law
Slow down!
Maintain proper following distance
N E V E R drive through moving water

63. Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when water on the roadway accumulates in front of your vehicle's tires faster that the weight of your vehicle can push it out of the way.
The water pressure causes your car to rise up and “water-ski” on top of a thin layer of water between your tires and the road.

64. The 3 main factors that contribute to hydroplaning:
Vehicle speed. As speed increases, wet traction is considerably reduced. Since hydroplaning can result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle control, you should always reduce speed, paying attention to the traffic around you.
Tire tread depth. As your tires become worn, their ability to resist hydroplaning is reduced. 
Water depth. The deeper the water, the sooner you will lose traction, although even thin water layers can cause a loss of traction, including at low speeds.

65. What to do if you start to hydroplane
There are two absolutely essential no-no's to remember should you experience the beginning of hydroplaning:
Do not apply your brakes 
Do not turn your steering wheel 
YOU SHOULD…
Ease your foot off the gas allow the vehicle to gain traction then apply the gas or brake.

66. Driving in Fog Drive with lights on LOW beam
Reduce your speed - and watch your speedometer
Avoid crossing traffic lanes
Beware of other drivers

67. Driving in the Wind Slowing down reduces the reaction forces
keep your eyes focused way down the road
Slow down around corners

68. Driving in Snow and Ice
Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop
Brake gently to avoid skidding
Keep your lights and windshield clean
Don't use cruise control or overdrive
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions

69. Snow and Ice
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads. They will freeze first.
Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shaded areas or on exposed roadways like bridges

70. FUEL MAN GAS: ERC has an account with Fuel Man gas stations.
If you are driving an ERC vehicle – there might be a Fuel Man card available for that vehicle. Check BEFORE you leave ERC to find out if you can use the Fuel Man card. If so, you must get the pin number for that card to pump fuel.
This is for ERC vehicles ONLY.
You may never use a Fuel Man card to put fuel in your own personal vehicle or give this information to anyone.

71. Being Sensitive to our Clients

72. Adults with Developmental Disabilities:
Age years faster than the typical population.
So – a client who is 30 could have some of the issues relating to aging of a 50 year old.
Observable Physical Changes with Age:
Skin and face – wrinkles, sagging, leathering
Hair – thinning and graying  Height – decreases
Weight – increases during middle adulthood, i.e., the ‘middle-age spread’, and often decreases in old age, especially in ‘physically fragile older adults’

73. Changes that come with age
Changes in hearing – Caused by deterioration of mechanisms in the inner ear, long-term exposure to loud noises, certain drugs, an improper diet, or genetic factors. 
Changes in Vision – Caused by aging - eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.
Changes in how they feel things – Skin is more sensitive. They are more aware of temperature – especially cold. They are more sensitive to pain. 

74. How YOU can enhance lives
Ways to enhance a sense of competency:
Speak to a person – recognize their individuality.
Be respectful - recognize independence and autonomy.
Make sure they are comfortable.
Recognize abilities and skills & wisdom. We can learn from everyone.
See development occurring despite disability and infirmity.
Respect cultural differences in reaction to changes.

75. When you are driving…
Extend common courtesies – Call them by their name … not “sweetie”, “pal”, “kiddo” or other generic nickname.
Don’t yell – if you have a behavior problem…
1. Pull over, stop the bus and turn it off.
2. Remove the keys and go back to the
person who is causing the problem.
3. Try to figure out what started the problem.
4. Speak to them quietly – ask them to come up front and sit near you.

76. When you are driving…
You are in control of their universe…do everything you can to make them feel safe.
Drive slowly – even under the speed limit.
Don’t stop suddenly…anticipate stops and slow down gradually – especially if you have someone in a wheelchair in the back of the van. It can feel like a roller coaster ride to them in the back where every action is exaggerated.

77. When you are driving…
3. Don’t accelerate from a stop quickly… start slowly so that your passengers aren’t jerked around. 4. Point out things that you think might interest them. Ask them to point out things that interest them. Try to engage them in learning about the world around them. 5. Treat your passengers with dignity and respect!
NEO Drivers Training (Rev. 1/2015)

78. IN CONCLUSION… What makes a great ERC driver? Good attitude
Obeying traffic laws all the time – not just
when you see a policeman.
Being patient with the clients you are transporting.
Completing paperwork and following ERC policies & procedures.