The number one goal of every school bus driver is the transportation of all students safely. Many drivers learn from day-to-day situations how to improve their safety measures. Ultimately, over the years they develop proven methods for providing student transportation in a safe and efficient manner.
It starts with preparation. Whether they start their shift on time or before schedule the well-prepared bus driver is always making sure all is in order. Vehicle basics - all fluids, lights, tires, mirrors, and over all condition of the bus are checked. In addition, vehicle specific equipment like cameras and GPS systems are checked as well. There is nothing left to chance.
Dedicated and focused driving. In route to or returning from school well trained bus drivers are alert to the surroundings and make their presence known. They make sure the vehicle is easily seen at stops through its high visibility paint, lights, and arm stop sign. They will even use the horn if necessary. When driving they constantly adapt to their surroundings quickly to move smoothly and safely through various traffic scenarios.
Adverse weather does not deter them. For many school bus drivers there may be few snow days if at all. Even if school is cancelled due to inclement weather road conditions can still remain hazardous for the next few days. Similar to traffic, bad or inclement weather is just another challenge the bus driver must face and deal with. Whether they are faced with hard driving rain, snow, or ice they must use the resources available to them.
The Onspot automatic tire chain system. When it comes to ice and snow having a vehicle equipped with a set of Onspots is an asset to any school bus driver. The system provides traction on ice and snow at the flip of a dashboard switch. Most bus drivers have used or heard about this time saving safety device. For the few who have not used or heard of the Onspot system we encourage you to learn more about the system below. As climates change over the years and drivers transfer to other locations it may only be a matter of time before you may have to use the Onspot system. And as we all know a well-trained driver is a prepared driver. Learn more here.
Check out the Onspot Operations trainig at the E-Training portal. Click here
