School Bus Safety Bureau of Workers Compensation PA

School Bus Safety Bureau of Workers’ Compensation PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) PPT-154 -01 1

School Bus Safety Topics § § § § Statistics and Studies re: seat belts School Bus Driver PA School Bus Laws Student Safety Actions Motorists Special Actions Evacuation and Drills Special Needs Buses PPT-154 -01 2

School Bus Statistics “Every school day 23 million children ride a big yellow bus. While school buses are one of the safest modes of transport, there are real risks in getting on and off and walking to bus stops. ” PPT-154 -01 3

School Bus Safety Studies “Each year approximately 800 school-aged children are killed in motor vehicle crashes during normal school travel hours. * Of these 800 deaths, about 20 (2%) – 5 school bus passengers and 15 pedestrians – are school bus related. The other 98% of school-aged deaths occur in other motor vehicles … or to pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. ” PPT-154 -01 4

Risk Comparisons School buses provide 28% of the miles traveled, but school bus passengers result in less than 1% of the fatalities and pedestrians outside of the school bus account for less than 2% of fatalities. As another example, passenger vehicles with teen drivers provide only 16% of the miles traveled, but account for 55% of the fatalities. Statistics from NRC (National Research Council) PPT-154 -01 5

Study Results NHTSA conducted lab testing to evaluate means for improving the crash protection provided to children in school buses. The testing evaluated: § “Compartmentalization” the current form of crash protection, § Changes in seat spacing and seat back height within the “compartmentalization” concept. § Lap belts § Lap/shoulder belts, in addition to § An experimental airbag-belt system. PPT-154 -01 6

“Compartmentalization” The occupant protection system found in today’s school buses—works extremely well to protect school bus passengers. NHTSA finds that lap belts not only provide little, if any, benefit on large school buses, but also could induce serious injury to young passengers. PPT-154 -01 7

Additional Observations Ineffectiveness in current buses: § Children under 10 may suffer severe injuries § Children over 10 may suffer severe neck and back injuries § Different sizes of occupants and type of system used § Enforcement and supervision using proper use PPT-154 -01 8

“Compartmentalization” is an effective restraint strategy for a frontal crash in a school bus. ” However, the potential for neck injury and overriding the seat back exists in some frontal crashes. “Compartmentalization” does not completely address the crash protection needed in side and rollover crashes. PPT-154 -01 9

Lap/Shoulder Belts The potential negative consequences of installing lap/shoulder belts could result in a net loss of safety. Specifically, the installation of lap/shoulder belts in school buses, would reduce the design capacity of the school bus. PPT-154 -01 10

Possible Dangers: Belts Lap/shoulder belt warnings § High expectation of misuse § May not properly fit younger or smaller passengers § May reduce the number of students transported by buses School buses without restraints are still safer than any other current mode of transportation— whether it’s walking to school, riding bikes, or traveling in parents’ cars. PPT-154 -01 11

School Bus Driver A vehicle driver, whether school bus or motorist, really has control over 2 functions; 1) Speed 2) Direction Basic vehicle safety is dependent on a vehicle’s surrounding space and its speed. These can be managed by the driver. Maintaining a cushion of safe space around the vehicle will help minimize accidents. PPT-154 -01 12

Proper Following Distance The distance you are behind other vehicles traveling in the same direction is a function of speed and your ability to see those objects. PPT-154 -01 13

4 -Second Rule This rule maintains a cushion of safety at the front of the vehicle. Count to four when you observe the vehicle in front of you pass a stationary object. If your vehicle passes that same object before you get to 4, you have not allowed enough following distance. Slow down to achieve a 4 second following distance. Add a second to this distance for additional hazards: § Darkness, § Slippery road condition, § High traffic density PPT-154 -01 14

Inclement Weather Real Accident Causes in Inclement Weather: It’s not the weather; it’s the driver who fails to modify his or her driving habits to the weather conditions which really causes the accident. PPT-154 -01 15

Unsafe Conditions Physics: § “Ice = Slippery” o o o Speed Momentum Inertia Mass Acceleration/Deceleration Temperature These conditions operate on your bus and other vehicles with which you share the road! PPT-154 -01 16

Unsafe Conditions § Speed. One of the two things you have control over. The other is direction. § Momentum. Is the product of the object’s mass or weight and its velocity. PPT-154 -01 17

Unsafe Conditions § Inertia. An object continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a straight line, unless it is acted upon by a net external force. § Mass. The vehicle weight. PPT-154 -01 18

Unsafe Conditions § Acceleration/Deceleration. Speeding up or slowing down. § Temperature. Extremes may change the coefficient of friction assigned to a road surface thereby reducing traction. PPT-154 -01 19

Tailgaters Allow tailgaters to pass. The cushion around the sides of your vehicle is maintained by limiting the time traveling adjacent to other vehicles and avoiding their blind spots. Can’t see the driver in their side view mirrors, or can’t see the rear view mirror of an adjacent car you are driving in their blind spot and they can’t see you. The same applies to buses. PPT-154 -01 20

Placement at Intersections Part of space management. Turning? Place your vehicle so that it is closer to the travel direction side of the lane. Keep your wheels straight while waiting. Allow enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you. (You should be able to see the other vehicle’s rear tires touch the road). PPT-154 -01 21

Road Conditions Speed limit signs indicate the maximum safe speed during normal conditions/situations. Larger vehicles should travel below the speed limit; reduce speed when conditions are not optimal. Your overall visibility affects your speed. Night driving and driving in poor weather limit your ability to see the hazards ahead. Drive at speeds within your sight distance; don’t overdrive your headlights PPT-154 -01 22

Bus Driver Safety § Observe established company policies. § Arrive early to warm up your bus and clear your bus of snow and ice. § Reduce your driving speed. § Increase your following distance: o Between 6– 8 seconds at speeds of 40 mph and less, o 8– 10 seconds at speeds of over 40 mph. Take control of you! PPT-154 -01 23

Driver Safety Concepts Winter driving conditions include not just the road surface but: • Snowstorms and “white-outs” • Icy conditions and • Sun glare; early morning and afternoon. Other seasons present their own distinct hazards i. e. in Fall wet leaves which may cause skidding • Get the proper sleep, • Dress for conditions, • Wear appropriate footwear for inside and outside conditions. PPT-154 -01 24

Bus Driver Precautions § Reduce your speed on approaching the bus stop. § Come to a complete stop “before” you reach the area where the children are standing, and § Have the children walk to your bus. § Make sure your bus stops are cleared of: o High mounds of snow o Other obstructions which preclude you seeing children PPT-154 -01 25

PA School Bus Laws Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists: stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus: stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. PPT-154 -01 26

PA School Bus Laws If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, § Motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. § Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. PPT-154 -01 27

Student Safety Actions § § § Arrive early at the bus stop (5 minutes) Waiting-stay away from traffic (5 steps from curb) No horseplay while waiting Face the direction of the arriving bus Never run after a bus if its left PPT-154 -01 28

Boarding Students § Cross with care if you must cross a road to board § Don’t push or run § Walk 10 feet in front of bus so driver can see you; you can see them § Use handrails when boarding § Go directly to your seat. PPT-154 -01 29

On the Bus § Stay in your seat § Talk quietly and do not distract driver; if crossing railroad tracks, driver needs to hear train; § Questions of driver-raise your hand § Keep all body parts inside the bus § Follow driver’s instructions § Do not play with emergency exits; do not block aisles with backpacks or other equipment. § Never stand while bus is in motion PPT-154 -01 30

Getting Off the Bus § Get on/off only at your designated stop (other stops require a parent’s note) § Don’t let loose articles get caught in handrail or door § Walk 3 steps away from door. § Be aware of traffic § Cross only in front-never behind bus § If you leave something behind-tell the driver § Never speak to strangers § Go directly home! PPT-154 -01 31

School Bus Drivers § Perform pre-trip inspection and service needs, especially for extracurricular trips. § Be positive with students. § Ensure unloading children are safe before deactivating 8 -way lights and moving bus. § Do not permit students to exit before all traffic is stopped and safety equipment is activated. PPT-154 -01 32

School Bus Drivers § Do a post-trip inspection and make sure no students are still on-board § Be prepared to react to emergency situations. § Provide instructions to students on: 1. Bus emergency procedures 2. Equipment use 3. Safe loading/unloading procedures PPT-154 -01 33

Motorist Pitfalls Driving Distractions Traffic congestion Not familiar with area Cellphone/texting Demanding work schedules, appointments Sunlight glare “Following the Leader” (1 driver reacting incorrectly; others follow) Remember: the same which distracts the driver of a car can also distract school bus drivers! § § § PPT-154 -01 34

Special Railroad Actions Read the Road when approaching a railroad crossing PPT-154 -01 35

School Bus Drivers At railroad tracks, stop/look/listen It takes the average freight train hauling 6, 000 tons and traveling at 55 mph a mile or more - the length of 18 football fields - to stop. PPT-154 -01 36

Railroad Crossings Procedures at railroad crossings: § Slow down; test your brakes § Check for surrounding traffic § Prepare the bus by reducing distractions of radio and noisy students § Stop where you have best view-no closer than 15 feet to closest rail (no more than 50 feet from closest rail) § Look and listen in both directions for an approaching train § When way is clear, proceed. PPT-154 -01 37

Railroad Crossings Obstructed View of Tracks § Have maximum sight allowance at highway-rail grade crossings. § Don't cross unless you can see in both directions. § Take extra caution at "passive" crossings without gates or signals. Even with active signals look and listen to confirm it's safe to proceed. PPT-154 -01 38

Special Railroad Actions Police Officer or Flagman at the Crossing: § Obey directions if there's a police officer or properlyidentified railroad flagman at the crossing. § If you believe the signals are malfunctioning and there is no flagman present, call your dispatcher, report the situation and find out how to proceed. § Some crossings have an 800 number posted on or near the crossbuck for reporting problems; use that to quickly identify your location. PPT-154 -01 39

Questionable Clearance If it won't fit, don't commit! Know the length of your bus and size of the containment area § At any highway-rail intersections § At crossing with a signal or STOP sign on the opposite side. § Make sure the bus completely clears the railroad tracks. PPT-154 -01 40

Evacuating a Bus stalls or is trapped on tracks Evacuate immediately - Get everyone off the bus Move far away from the tracks, moving in the direction from which the train is coming. This will keep evacuating students away from the point of impact between the train and the school bus. PPT-154 -01 41

Emergency Vehicle Actions § Emergency vehicles are required to stop fully when a school bus is loading/unloading. § It is legal to proceed with caution if not risking students’ safety (Even if bus’s 8 -way light system is still activated). § Emergency vehicle must be responding to a “True Emergency. ” PPT-154 -01 42

“True Emergencies” Fire: ”A situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual – or significant property loss…. . and action by an emergency vehicle operator may reduce the seriousness of the situation. ” PPT-154 -01 43

“True Emergencies” Ambulances: (Title 75, Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Section 6129) May NEVER exceed the posted speed limit, may NEVER enter an intersection with a red light against them, or a stop sign, without first coming to a complete stop, and proceeding ONLY when it is safe to do so. PPT-154 -01 44

Emergency Vehicles Summary: “…The driver of an emergency vehicle shall come to a complete stop when a school bus flashes its red signal lights and activates it side stop signal arms. After stopping, the driver of the emergency vehicle may pass the school bus only after exercising due diligence and caution for the safety of the students in a manner that will not risk the safety of the students. ” This includes fire and EMS vehicles and other Emergency Vehicles to which the definition pertains. PPT-154 -01 45

Legal: Evacuation Drills Section 15 -1517 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 requires “. . . schools using or contracting school buses for the transportation of school children are required to conduct two emergency school bus evacuation drills on school grounds during each school year. ” PPT-154 -01 46

Evacuation Drills: Legal The case: Evacuation Drill Injury Lawsuit The parents of a Pennsylvania child sought damages in a civil action, from the school district and the independent school bus contractor for injuries sustained during a school bus evacuation drill. The student’s medical condition led to multiple leg bone fracture when jumping during the drill. A critical review of your evacuation drill policy and procedure would be wise. PPT-154 -01 47

Legal: Evacuation Drills Code also states: “The first [drill] to be conducted during the first week of the first school term and the second during the month of March, and at such other times as the chief school administrator may require. ” “Each such drill shall include the practice and instruction concerning the location, use and operation of emergency exit doors and fire extinguishers and the proper evacuation of buses in the event of fires or accidents. ” PPT-154 -01 48

Drills: Best Practices Create and train drivers on policies and procedures § Select less physical practices to ensure understanding while reducing possibility of injury. § Practice loading/unloading and moving away from the bus (100 feet minimum) § The orderly conduct expected § Weather hazards § Review and modify policies as needed PPT-154 -01 49

Drills: Best Practices Do students know all evacuation routes? These may be vehicle-specific. Opening entrance door with power and manually? If driver is incapacitated can the bus be stopped? Train on emergency equipment: § 2 -way radio § Emergency flashers § Fire extinguisher § First aid equipment PPT-154 -01 50

Special Needs Buses Be knowledgeable of student needs Un-securing a tied down wheel chair Use of wheelchair lift Understand specific student needs PPT-154 -01 51

Summary Parents should train their children regarding behavior when: § Going to the bus stop § At the bus stop § On the bus § Leaving the bus: - At school - Returned home § Travel in groups if possible § No talking to strangers Protect our Kids!! PPT-154 -01 52

Contact Information Health & Safety Training Specialists 1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324 Harrisburg, PA 17104 -2501 (717) 772 -1635 RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@pa. gov Like us on Facebook! - https: //www. facebook. com/BWCPATHS PPT-154 -01 53

Bibliography Consumer Reports. School bus safety tips for drivers and children. http: //www. consumerreports. org/cro/news/2011/08/scho ol-bus-safety-tipsfor-drivers-and-children/index. htm “School Bus Safety: Crashworthiness Research” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) www. nhtsa. gov/Research/Crashworthiness/School+Bus+ Crashworthiness. . . Pennsylvania School Bus Association. http: //www. paschoolbus. org/Safety. Education. aspx PPT-154 -01 54

Bibliography Just Drive PA http: //www. justdrivepa. org/Traffic-Safety. Information-Center/School-Bus-Safety/ National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences Legal Focus, R. C. Kelly Law Associates, 623 North Broad Street, Lansdale, PA 19446, Phone: 215 -896 -3846 2010 Pennsylvania Code title 75 -Vehicles Chapter 31 - General Provisions 3105 - Drivers of emergency vehicles PPT-154 -01 55

Bibliography “Child Safety Research in School Buses, ” Linda B. Mc. Cray, NHTSA and John Brewer, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center United States Paper Number 05 -325. wwwnrd. nhtsa. dot. gov/pdf/esv 19/05 -0325 -W. pdf http: //oli. org/education-resources/safety-tips PPT-154 -01 56

Related Programs Here are some of our additional Power Point programs which may supplement this one: § § Distracted Driving Safe Driving in Inclement Weather Safe Vehicle Operation Work Zone Safety PPT-154 -01 57

Questions PPT-154 -01 58