The school bus driver is expected to make a safety inspection of their vehicle before receiving any passengers. (L) (Sec. 683, Act 300, P. A. 1949 as amended) NOTE: Drivers shall have the knowledge to perform the requirements. Pre-trip inspection – A pre-trip inspection shall be done in accordance with the printed pre-trip inspection on the pre-trip and mileage form. Drivers shall perform the following daily pre-trip inspection. A.M. – Prior to departure of morning run, check all lights and perform a walk around of the vehicle. Remove “Empty” sign from rear door window, place in front. NOON – Prior to departure of noon run, check all lights and perform a walk around of the vehicle. Remove “Empty” sign from rear door window, place in front. P.M. – Prior to departure of afternoon run, check all lights and perform a walk around of the vehicle. Remove “Empty” sign from rear door window, place in front. Drivers shall not, unless authorized, start another driver’s vehicle or perform the inspection for another driver. When warming the bus, turn High Idle Switch so that the motor idles just enough to keep the batteries and air tanks from discharging. Return the switch to its normal position before driving. Review idle time guidelines and Espar heater instructions posted in each bus. Pre-trip and Mileage Form A pre-trip and mileage form shall be initialed after each pre-trip is performed. Mileage shall be recorded at the start of the day and completed at the end of each run during the day. Fueling Drivers are responsible for ensuring their assigned vehicle has no less than one half tank of fuel at any time. Driver needs to fuel any time the bus is near a half of a tank of fuel. If using a spare bus or another driver’s assigned bus, drivers shall fuel the bus after they have finished using the bus. trip
Loading and Unloading Students Sight distance – The entire vehicle shall be clearly visible for a minimum of 400 feet. Give traffic adequate warning that the bus is going to stop. Slow down. Check mirrors. Turn on alternating yellow flashers a minimum of 200 feet prior to stop. Turn on right turn signal. Pull as far to the right as possible, cancel turn signal, and come to a stop. Place the bus in neutral and apply parking brake. Check traffic. Open door to activate alternating red lights. Load crossing passengers using the uniformed hand signal – palm out and a sweeping motion to the right. Students that are required to cross the roadway use the uniformed hand signal – palm out and a sweeping motion to the left* Count the number of students loading or unloading the bus. Close the door and allow traffic to clear. If traffic does not move, do not direct traffic with any signal. When traffic clears, activate the left turn signal. Recheck the mirrors for traffic and pedestrians. Enter the roadway safely. NOTE: Certain roads and volume of traffic will not permit buses to let traffic clear. If this is the case, let traffic clear every other stop and notify management of this condition. PA 187 Section 55 2. (d)
5. Drive defensively under varying traffic conditions and inclement weather. 6. Drive with safety of students as first priority. 7. Establish favorable working relationships with other drivers, maintenance personnel, bus attendants, teachers, students, principals and entire school staff. 8. Bus drivers shall achieve self improvement by attending training sessions, in-service and workshops conducted by (School District) or other approved agencies. SPECIFIC ABILITIES: Operate all vehicle types in transporting students in school district. 2. Identify with geographic service area of school district and routes traveled. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations promulgated by local, state, and federal agencies. 4. Demonstrate knowledge of state laws and local ordinances. Deal with exuberant behavior characteristics of youthful riders. 6. Administer disciplinary procedures in keeping with school policies. 7. Be alert and exercise good judgment concerning emergencies and day-to-day operations. 8. Shall be able to conduct a bus evacuation drill as required by Transportation Management. 9. Keep accurate records and reports as required, submit in legible condition, and turn in at the specified time. 10. Conduct yourself as a professional (School District)’ staff member at all times. 11. Other duties as required. 12. Exhibit a caring attitude and friendliness to students. EVALUATION: A formal performance evaluation may be performed when deemed necessary. Informal evaluations are continuous.