2. UNIT VI SCHOOL BUS CRITICAL SITUATIONS

3. 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

4. VI-3 Critical Situation Driver action Roadway situation = COLLISION Vehicle malfunction

5. 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

6. VI-5

7. 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

8. 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

9. VI-8 Driver Safety Formula Skill + Knowledge + Conditioning + Concentration _____________________ = Reduction in critical situations

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. VI-11 Causes of Traction Loss Overpowering Overbreaking Steering and speed

13. 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

14. 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.

15. VI-14 Potential Vehicle Malfunctions Loss of brakes Steering failure Tire blowout Headlight failure Accelerator sticking Engine overheating

16. VI-15 Loss of Brakes Indicated 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.

17. 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

18. VI-17 Tire blowout Correction: Grip wheel firmly Release accelerator Steady braking—do not lock wheels Move off roadway Secure vehicle

19. 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

20. VI-19 Accelerator Sticking Apply brakes Shift to neutral Steer off roadway Turn off engine after stopping bus

21. 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

22. VI-21 Emergency Equipment and Emergency Procedures Topics: Fire extinguishers Reflectors Evacuations Stakeouts

23. VI-22 Type: A (Ashes) B (Barrels) C (Current) Source: Combustible materials Flammable liquids Electrical

24. 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

25. VI-24 Required Warning Devices 3 Bidirectional emergency reflective triangles

26. 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

27. VI-26 Reasons for Evacuation Fire Potential Fire Vehicle in dangerous position

28. 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

29. VI-28 Front Door Evacuation

30. VI-29 Rear Door Evacuation

31. VI-30 Front and Rear Door Evacuation

32. VI-31 Department of Education Requirement Evacuation Drills A school bus driver shall know how to conduct an emergency bus evacuation.

33. VI-32 Special Needs Evacuation Lift Evacuation Ramp Evacuation Blanket Drag/Carry Removal from Wheelchair

34. 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