8605 - BUS SAFETY PROCEDURES

Van Buren Intermediate School District

Administrative Guidelines

8605 - BUS SAFETY PROCEDURES

Proper transportation of students is a matter of continuing concern and it is imperative that all staff members associated with student transportation adhere to the following guidelines which have been designed to maximize the safety of students.

	A.	Each bus driver must maintain effective communications with the Transportation Department at all times and particularly when s/he encounters any situation that is out of the ordinary. To that end, each bus shall be equipped with a FM radio which is to be kept in operating condition at all times.
	B.	Each bus driver will be provided all information relating to the safety and welfare of student riders. The Transportation Supervisor is to ensure that each driver thoroughly understands the information.

Prior to the beginning of each school year, each driver shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in CPR and first aid, including emergency procedures for dealing with such conditions as epileptic seizures, fainting, and insect bites. Those who do not meet District standards will be provided opportunities for appropriate training.

	C.	Each bus driver is to carry in the bus a copy of the completed emergency medical authorization for each student rider.
	D.	At the completion of each bus run, the driver is to do a complete walk-through of the bus to make sure that no student has remained.
	E.	The driver shall maintain a record of each student rider for ready reference whenever a question arises about a student. Such a record shall include name, address, telephone number, name and location of contact person, the bus driver's name and the number of the bus the student rides, and information regarding physical and/or mental characteristics of the student which would require special attention.
	F.	In addition, the Transportation Supervisor shall:

		1.	conduct routine and periodic surveys of the School District area and routes to determine the safety of current bus routes and bus stops;
		2.	ensure that each bus driver's records of qualifications and certification are up-to-date and on file in the Superintendent's office with a physician's certificate that the bus driver has passed an annual physical;
		3.	ensure compliance with all Department of Education safety specifications for school buses as well as statutory requirements for first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, traffic flares, and other safety features;
		4.	maintain and update information concerning traffic rules and regulations and distribute it to each driver;
		5.	ensure that there is no smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages on any school bus.

Dangerous and Illegal Weapons

The safety of students and staff is of paramount importance, and control of dangerous and/or illegal weapons is a particularly sensitive and critical responsibility. No weapon or other device that poses a danger to anyone in the vehicle shall be permitted. If a staff member discovers such a weapon or device, s/he should take the following actions:

		1.	Radio for help immediately.
		2.	Isolate the student, if possible, and if necessary, evacuate the bus.
		3.	Avoid attempts to disarm the student unless the situation appears to be life-threatening.

Inclement Weather

Whenever the weather forecast indicates inclement weather approaching, the Director of Operations and Finance is to inspect the condition of the roads. If the forecast relates to the current school day, s/he should take actions to close school in sufficient time so students can be transported home before road conditions would make such transportation hazardous. If the forecast relates to the next school day, the Director of Operations and Finance is to make his/her decision prior to 5:00 AM. The decision should be based on both personal observation of the roads and discussion with the Highway Department and/or the State Highway Patrol or Sheriff.

If transportation is cancelled, bus drivers will be notified by means of the telephone chain and parents by means of the radio and TV stations.

Emergency Bus Evacuation

Each bus driver, in conjunction with the Transportation Supervisor, shall conduct at least two (2) bus drills per year with each bus load of students. In the event of a real emergency, the following procedures shall be used. Drills are to be patterned on this procedure:

	A.	Stop bus, if not already stopped, off the road and out of the mainstream of traffic, if possible.
	B.	Put on emergency flasher lights and immediately issue orders as to which exit is to be used.
	C.	Maintain calm and direct students to "walk - not run" and to be careful when disembarking.
	D.	Send someone for help immediately after making sure that all students are evacuated.
	E.	Form students into a group at least 100 feet from the bus and as far away from traffic as feasible.
	F.	Check bus list to ensure all students are accounted for and are in good condition.
	G.	The driver shall report to the Transportation Supervisor that a drill has been conducted.