Of course, when hazardous conditions exist, schools are closed, and no buses are on the road. However, when caught unexpectedly in or even after a significant winter weather event, bus drivers take on the responsibility of transporting the children safely. How do they do this?
Winter driving conditions can cause delays
Traveling on snowy, icy roads can cause a driver to become delayed due to reduced speeds or obstacles such as snow drifts. School bus drivers are keenly aware that they are transporting society’s most valuable asset – their children. So, these drivers trained in winter weather driving and operating well equipped vehicles deliver the children safely to school and home. Schools and parents work together to establish procedures in case of unforeseeable delays but how do school bus drivers prepare?
Preparation for winter weather driving
Driving a school bus can be stressful so winter driving conditions make an already tough job more difficult. Safety can be improved, and driver stress reduced with preparation. How? With specialized winter driving training, well equipped and maintained vehicles the driver can focus on the task at hand. But, what about the bus itself? By employing a few strategies and solutions, driving performance in poor conditions can be improved.
Download “Tips on driving a school bus...” for information on taking the stress out of winter weather driving.
