Bus Drivers Manual
Of the Los Angeles Unified School District
Welcome to the LAUSD Transportation Team!
As a bus driver for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), you are part of a team of professionals that successfully and safely transports thousands of students to school each day. The District has one of the largest student transportation programs in the nation and our bus drivers have continually proven that they are the safest and most dedicated in the country.
The District encompasses approximately 715 square miles and provides school bus transportation to more than 650 individual school sites. Each year, our District and contract drivers travel approximately 40 million miles transporting our students. Such a large program demands the highest level of professionalism from all Transportation Services Division employees.
To assist the professional bus drivers of the LAUSD, we have developed this policy publication. Many years of transportation experience have contributed to these policies, procedures, and regulations. These guidelines have helped students, school personnel and drivers alike. All policies and rules are subject to change as required. Therefore, you must exercise diligence in keeping current with changes.
As a bus driver in service to the District, you are personally responsible for familiarizing yourself with and following the policies, procedures, and regulations contained in this manual. If there is a need for clarification on particular points or issues, check with your supervisor immediately. The District requires each bus driver to stay informed and to follow the requirements of this Manual, its revisions, and other bulletins and memorandums. Also, it is the driver’s responsibility to update this manual as instructed by their supervisors.
The bus driver can be the first District employee our traveling students see each morning and the last in the evening. As a result, your personal influence extends beyond that of many other District staff members. The Transportation Services Division is confident you will effect a positive influence on our students by displaying the highest level of professionalism in carrying out your responsibilities as an LAUSD bus driver.
Sincerely,
Enrique Boull’t, Director Transportation Services Division
FOREWORD
This policy and procedure manual provides a wealth of information pertinent to your assignment as a school bus driver for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The Los Angeles Unified School District has compiled and disseminated this manual solely to meet the needs and requirements of employees of the District and the Transportation Services Division. The District does not intend it to be used for any other purpose. Any bulletins and memorandums issued by the District on a later date, which may be in conflict with the manual information are superseded by the most current instructions.
The objective of the manual is to make available, as much as possible, all of the current policies, laws, and regulations in effect at the time of this printing. Any changes, additions, or deletions will be forwarded to you as they become effective. It is your responsibility to ensure the manual is always current.
Questions pertaining to the interpretation of laws and regulations may be referred to the Transportation Services Division’s Safety Center, located at 2710 Media Center Drive, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Telephone: (323) 342-1390.
Safety Center staff of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Transportation Services Division have researched and compiled the contents of this manual.
This manual shall remain the property of the Los Angeles Unified School District and shall be surrendered upon completion of District service.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE TITLE I Transportation Mission & Staff...... 1 II Publication for Drivers...... 4 III Driver Requirements...... 7 Part 1 Documents ...... 7 Part 2 Absences...... 14 Part 3 Appearance & Behavior...... 17 IV Federal Alcohol & Drug Testing...... 24 V Operating Rules & Policies ...... 37 Part 1 Bus Operation & Use...... 37 Part 2 Bus Fueling, Parking, Wash Racks ...... 49 Part 3 Bus Assignments...... 62 Part 4 Routes, Stops & Schedules...... 64 Part 5 Passengers, Passes & Rosters...... 68 Part 6 Safety ...... 72 Part 7 School Bus Warning Lights ...... 79 Part 8 Relationships & Behaviors...... 83 Part 9 Illegal Acts, Reporting ...... 88 Part 10 Hours of Service & Assignments ...... 92 Part 11 Time Reports (DBR)...... 101 VI Effective Student Management...... 141 VII Transportation Services for Students with Disabilities ...... 158 Part 1 Student Information ...... 159 Part 2 Understanding Students with Disabilities...... 160 Part 3 Transportation Services Division Guidelines ...... 167 Part 4 No One Home to Receive...... 171 Part 5 District Equipment Requirements ...... 179 Part 6 Assisting Students with Disabilities ...... 189 Part 7 Instructions to Students...... 191
VIII Using the Two-Way Radio ...... 199
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
SECTION PAGE TITLE
IX Preparing for Emergencies ...... 207 X Emergency Equipment ...... 219 XI Accidents & Incidents...... 229 XII Vehicle Condition Reports ...... 246 Part 1 Requirements...... 246 Part 2 Completing a VCR form ...... 256
CHARTS, FORMS & TABLES (Samples)
Behavior Curve...... 143 Contract DBRs...... 127-136 Decimal Equivalent Table ...... 105 Dispatch Report...... 140 District DBRs ...... 113-123 First Aid Kit Contents ...... 220 INDEX ...... 268-279 Loading Zones...... 195 Notice of Safety Concern on School Bus...... 157 PURL ...... 193 Roadside Reflector Placement Chart ...... 228 Routing Symbols...... 194 Special Equipment Inspection Sticker ...... 181 Streets to Avoid...... 196 VCR Distribution Chart ...... 254 VCR Form...... 255
SECTION I
TRANSPORTATION MISSION & STAFF
MISSION & GOALS
The mission of the Transportation Services Division is to support the educational process by providing safe, dependable, efficient and cost-effective transportation services.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of all division staff and personnel are to support this mission by prompting good customer service and satisfaction, safety and efficiency.
DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION Has overall responsibility for the administration of the Transportation Services Division. Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of all sections, units and departments within the division.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION Assists the Director of Transportation in the management of the division by planning and coordinating various division activities. Acts for the Director of Transportation as required.
AREA BUS SUPERVISOR Supervises student transportation operations in an assigned area of the District.
ASSISTANT AREA BUS SUPERVISOR Assists in the supervision of student transportation operations in an assigned area and operates a bus as necessary to support the Services Divisions mission.
AUTO MECHANIC (BUS/TRUCK) Repairs and maintains heavy-duty buses and trucks, passenger automobiles and other Fleet equipment for the District.
BUS DISPATCHER Schedules, routes and dispatches District and contract buses and drivers, and assists in the supervision of student transportation operations. Dispatchers who are assigned to parking locations supervise District cover drivers, supervise parking at those locations, and coordinate bus movement activities.
1 COMPUTERIZED ROUTING CENTER (CRC) ROUTERS CRC routers plan and develop routes for student and other transportation routing and scheduling operations of the District.
COMPUTERIZED ROUTING CENTER (CRC) ROUTING SUPERVISOR Plans, develops, coordinates and supervises transportation routing and scheduling operations for the District.
DRIVER TRAINER (BUS/TRUCK) Trains District bus and truck drivers and contract bus drivers in safe and efficient driving practices and in various laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to transportation.
FLEET MAINTENANCE MANAGER Responsible for supervising automotive maintenance and repair work and establishing and implementing plans, programs, and standards of the District Fleet.
FLEET TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST Plans, develops, coordinates, and presents training and warranty programs relating to Fleet operations. Serves as a technical resource and develops and analyzes vehicle specifications. Acts for the fleet maintenance manager as required.
GARAGE SUPERVISOR Responsible for the operation of a garage, involving supervision of the repair, maintenance, and servicing of a variety of Fleet and related equipment.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Manages all aspects of the Divisions Human Resources functions, and Personnel Unit operations & staff.
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST I Administers, plans and coordinates the Division’s alcohol and drug testing program. Assists management and administrative staff in such areas as personnel management, staff development, and related administrative staff functions.
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES REPRESENTATIVE Assists Administrative staff in the Personnel Unit by planning, initiating, and coordinating activities in such areas as personnel management, staff development, facilities planning, discipline, and related staff functions.
2 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGER Manages the daily operation of District and contract student transportation services within a geographic region of the District for regular, special trips and special education programs.
SENIOR BUS DISPATCHER Supervises the scheduling, routing and dispatching of District and contract buses and assists in the supervision of student transportation section.
TRANSPORTATION DISPATCH MANAGER Manages the operation of Bus Operations Dispatch, bus dispatchers.
TRANSPORTATION INSPECTOR Investigates various operations of the Transportation Services Division for adherence to pertinent Board of Education, city and state laws, rules, and regulations.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNER Analyzes and evaluates student transportation routing, conducts field surveys of environment and student impact on transportation systems, and performs special studies as directed.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MANAGER Manages the activities of the Transportation Services Division’s Inspection and Safety units by planning, organizing, supervising, and participating in the investigation of accidents, possible violations of law and rules, and complaints regarding transportation services and personnel. Participates in scheduling, conducting and assessing bus driver training programs, provides technical direction on training methods and procedures.
3 SECTION II
PUBLICATIONS FOR DRIVERS
1. DISTRICT MANUAL The governing board of any school district may adopt and enforce additional requirements governing the transportation of students of the district as the board may deem necessary. Such requirements shall not conflict with any law or regulation. Drivers shall follow District policy as stated in this manual in addition to state law. New drivers should study this manual and become thoroughly familiar with its contents. The information contained herein will increase a driver’s professional knowledge. It will also help a driver safely transport the students and staff members of the school district. While on duty, a driver should keep a copy of the manual in his/her possession. Periodically, new memorandums, bulletins, and other notices will be distributed. Drivers must retain copies of updated information and place these documents in their copies of the manual. Drivers must keep abreast of changes as they occur.
2. FAILURE TO COMPLY A DRIVER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW, BOARD RULE, DISTRICT POLICIES, THESE PROCEDURES AND/OR REGULATIONS, OR THE INSTRUCTIONS OF A TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINE, UP TO AND INCLUDING DISMISSAL FROM DISTRICT SERVICE.
3. OTHER PUBLICATIONS Drivers must possess, read, comprehend, and apply the information contained in each of the following:
A. Department of California Highway Patrol Passenger Transportation Safety Handbook (HPH 82.7) (provided to all District Drivers). B. California Drivers Handbook (Basic Rules of the Road) (available from the Department of Motor Vehicles). C. California Commercial Drivers Handbook (available from the Department of Motor Vehicles). D. Community (or Standard) First Aid Manual (available from the American Red Cross or from your Driver Trainer during renewal).
4. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY Driver should review these publications on a regular basis. For a professional school bus driver, there is no excuse for not knowing the rules and regulations that apply to his/her job. Drivers should direct questions about these publications to the Area Bus Supervisor, Senior Bus Dispatcher, or Driver Trainer.
4 5. BULLETINS & MEMORANDUMS When special bulletins, memorandums or other changes of information are issued, drivers shall read these documents and keep them with their individual copies of this manual. If a newly issued bulletin, memorandum or information letter conflicts with any of the instructions in this manual, the bulletin or memorandum takes precedence and the new or revised instructions are to be followed. Drivers shall always check with their immediate District supervisor if they do not understand a bulletin or memorandum. When the immediate supervisor is not available, the driver shall call the Bus Operations Dispatch office for instructions. Contract drivers must check with their Area Bus Supervisor.
6. OTHER LAWS & REGULATIONS The California Highway Patrol’s regulations, all relevant laws relating to student transportation (e.g., the Vehicle Code, the Education Code, and the Municipal Codes), and District or Division bulletins are to be considered part of this handbook.
7. SITUATIONS NOT COVERED BY PUBLICATIONS When a driver has a problem that is not covered by these guidelines, or faces a serious or hazardous situation in the field, he/she shall call Bus Operations Dispatch for instructions either by the two-way radio or by telephone. When a driver can foresee a problem, he/she shall discuss what to do in advance with his/her Area Bus Supervisor or Assistant Area Bus Supervisor. Contract drivers shall notify the Area Bus Supervisor or Assistant Area Bus Supervisor.
8. ACCIDENT PACKET The accident packet must contain the following forms and is kept in the first aid kit:
Bus Accident Passenger List (Form 78.55) Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report Form (for all drivers) Please Help! School Bus Accident-card Please Help! School Bus Breakdown-card List of California Highway Patrol Offices Witness Cards
5 9. FORMS & GUIDES
Bus Rules (Safety First sign in English/Spanish) (Form 78.22) Current Route Sheet Current Set of PURLS, (Special Education) Daily Bus Reports, (Form 78.30 – B or C) Guide to Schools and Offices – Provided for District Drivers Late Bus Passes, (Form 78.31) Map Book (Thomas Bros. Atlas is recommended) School Journey Guide (LAUSD) Stop Sign (Mandatory for escorting students) Current Student Roster for assigned route (3 sets) Tachograph/Speedograph Charts Notice of Safety Concern on School Bus, (English/Spanish) (Form 78.50) Vehicle Condition Report (Form 78.111)
6 SECTION III
DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
Part 1 DOCUMENTS
1. UNPAID STATUS Some driver activities are conditional to classified employment and require that the District driver be in an unpaid status while meeting such conditions. These activities include, but are not limited to the following:
A. Renewal training and testing to maintain required credential and documents B. Renewal of Medical Certificate C. TB testing D. Being fitted for and/or picking up the authorized District uniform
Generally, both District and contract drivers shall be in an unpaid status when completing and/or correcting Daily Bus Reports.
2. REQUIRED DRIVER DOCUMENTS California laws and regulations prohibit the operation of any motor vehicle by any person who does not hold a valid license to operate that class of vehicle. No person shall operate a school bus unless that person holds a valid status on all of the required documents subject to the following provisions.
A. DOCUMENTS Required documents include all of the following: (I.) Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License with both passenger (P) endorsement and School Bus (S) endorsement [VC 310, 12500, 12517, 12517.4] (II.) Special Driver Certificate valid for driving a school bus. The Special Driver Certificate authorizes the holder thereof to drive a school bus and a school pupil activity bus. [VC 12517] (III.) Medical Certificate (DL-51A). [VC 12804.9] (IV.) Valid First Aid card (or other valid document specified by [VC 12522] if the Special Driver Certificate requires one.
7 B. IMMEDIATE POSSESSION When driving a District school bus and while on duty, every driver shall keep current (valid), and have in his/her immediate possession the documents listed above in current status, and maintain the required endorsements which shall be free of any restriction that is not authorized by the District. Contract bus drivers shall have all required driver documents in their immediate possession when in District service.
Drivers must have these documents in their immediate possession while on duty and while driving [Policy & VC 12951]. If a driver loses or allows any of these documents to expire, the District will remove the driver from duty until he/she has renewed any expired documents, has obtained valid documents, and has submitted acceptable copies to the Safety Center at Transportation Services Division. Failure to possess valid credentials could result in a recommendation of disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
C. FREE OF UNAUTHORIZED RESTRICTIONS No District driver shall hold a required license or certificate subject to a restriction that would prevent the driver from fulfilling all of the requirements of his/her job. For example, on the Commercial Driver License, a restriction 48 prohibits the driving of any vehicle with air brakes. Since most District buses have air brakes, a restriction 48 on the license would prevent the driver from fulfilling his/her job requirement of operating an assigned bus.
D. CURRENT COPIES ON FILE AT SAFETY CENTER District drivers are required to maintain Commercial Driver Licenses and shall submit photocopies of each required driver document within 24 hours of receiving them (or the next business day) to the Safety Center. If the driver’s current documents are not on file, the Division will remove the driver from District service.
3. ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, OR NAME CHANGE Bus drivers shall promptly notify the correct District office whenever an address or phone number has changed. The District considers each driver an important part of the emergency network. Therefore, Bus Operations Dispatch must know where and how to reach every driver. The District also needs each employee’s correct address information to promptly deliver paychecks. In case of some emergencies, Bus Operations Dispatch also needs correct emergency information to contact family members.
Because the Transportation Services Division must maintain a Department of Motor Vehicle record for each driver, drivers shall use the same names at work as the names on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Transportation Safety Center must approve any request for a name change (use LAUSD Form 8040) before changing
8 District records. Before we approve a name change, the driver must present proof that he/she has filed the new name with the Department of Motor Vehicles. A driver shall make sure all his/her documents required for driving bear the same name-no exceptions will be allowed.
Drivers shall report changes of address and phone number as follows:
A. DISTRICT DRIVERS’ CHANGES Drivers shall complete “District Driver Information Form 78.284”, when any personal information changes have been made. Drivers shall submit the completed form to the Personnel Unit. The Personnel Unit will issue these forms upon request. All changes of address and phone numbers must be reported immediately.
B. CONTRACT DRIVERS’ CHANGES Contract drivers should follow their respective employer’s instructions regarding change of address or phone numbers. Additionally, contract drivers shall submit a “District Driver Information Form 78.285”, to the Area Bus Supervisor or Assistant Area Bus Supervisor, who will keep one on file and forward the other to the Safety Center. Contract drivers shall submit changes of addresses or phone numbers immediately to the District.
C. NOTIFYING DMV All drivers shall notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of any change of address within then (10) days of the change [VC 14600]. Drivers must contact the DMV directly when making the change.
D. ADDRESS OR NAME CHANGES Employees must report any change of name or address to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days in order to keep their licenses valid and their records up-to- date [VC 14600]. District policy requires District bus drivers to immediately complete the District Driver Information Form (Form No. 78.284) whenever there is any change in required document status regarding expiration dates, qualifications and/or restrictions, and changes of name, address, or telephone numbers.
Contract drivers shall immediately complete the Contract Driver Information Form (Form No. 78.285) to report any changes. The Transportation Services Division allows no grace period for reporting name, address, or telephone number changes.
4. IN-SERVICE TRAINING During each twelve month period of special certificate validity, each school bus driver shall complete ten (10) hours of in-service training conducted or approved by a State
9 Certified Instructor [E.C. 40085]. District bus drivers shall attend authorized in-service classes conducted or pre-approved by District Driver Trainers as authorized by the Transportation Services Manager. In-service credit shall not be given for any training designated by the Division as mandatory classes or meetings at which drivers attend in PAID status. District bus drivers shall accrue all annual in-service training and renewal hours in unpaid status only. Except with a signed physician’s release and approval from the Transportation Services Manager, District drivers shall not attend in-service or renewal classes when absent for illness or workers compensation claim.
A. INITIAL TRAINING PERIOD When an original applicant for a certificate certifies on a day other than his/her birthday, the driver’s in-service training requirement may be less than the (10) hours for any first period which is shorter that twelve months. The driver and the instructor shall compute the driver’s minimum requirement for in-service training hours in that period as follows:
(I.) CALCULATING Count the number of months occurring between the month of issuance of the California Special Driver Certificate and the month of the applicant’s following birthday. Do not count the month of issuance or the month of birth. (II.) ONE HOUR PER MONTH Drivers must complete one (1) hour of training for each month counted. Thereafter, the driver’s twelve-month (12) training period for certificate validity will be computed from the day after the driver’s birthday through the driver’s following birthday. The driver must complete all required training on or before each birthday.
EXAMPLE: The certificate issuance date in September 30, 2008. The driver’s following birthday is on January 1, 2009; count “one” for each of the months of October, November, and December. Do not count September or January. Therefore, the driver’s in-service requirement for that period would be three (3) hours of in-service training.
The District recommends each driver spread out his/her attendance at in-service classes over the whole training period.
B. EXPIRATION DATES An applicant must renew his/her Commercial Driver License before the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue the Permanent Special Driver Certificate. Applicants may renew their Commercial Driver Licenses and Special Driver Certificates up to six (6) months prior to their dates of expiration. The expiration date of the
10 permanent special Driver Certificate shall be the applicant’s birthday of the year that the Commercial Driver License will expire.
Early renewal or upgrading of a Commercial Driver License and upgrading of the special Driver Certificate have the same effect on an existing and unexpired permanent Special Driver Certificate. If a driver upgrades his/her certificate after issuance, the expiration date will remain the same. If a driver renews the driver license more that six (6) months before its expiration, the license will have a new expiration date; however, the expiration of the Special Driver Certificate will remain unchanged.
C. RENEWAL INSTRUCTION All instruction for certification shall be given by, of under the direction of, instructors certified by the State Department of Education [E.C. 40081]. District drivers shall receive this instruction from their District Driver Trainers.
D. TRAINING CERTIFICATE Each applicant for the renewal of a Special Driver Certificate shall submit an accompanying California Department Training Certificate (form T-01) with each renewal application [E.C. 40087].
E. MEDICAL EXAMINATION REPORT Each applicant for the renewal of a Special Driver Certificate shall submit a current and properly completed DL-51 Medical Examination Report [VC 12517.2(a)]. To comply with this law, drivers shall do the following:
1. Take completed DL-51 to the DMV and submit the document asking for a receipt. Then submit a copy of the DL-51a to the Safety Center.
DMV shall have a current DL-51 on file of all drivers in District service. Failure to comply with this provision of law could lead to discipline.
School bus drivers shall undergo a physical examination in the month they attain the age of 65 and each twelfth (12th) month thereafter and submit the report as required.
F. COURSE APPROVAL All courses of study and training activities mentioned in this section are subject to the approval of the State Department of Education [E.C. 40081].
11 G. ANNUAL IN-SERVICE COMPLETION Renewal applicants will compute their training periods from birthday to birthday. Each school bus driver shall complete ten (10) hours of training each year. If a driver fails to complete the required training in any given year before his/her birthday, the driver may have to reapply as an original applicant and complete the forty-hour (40) course of training required of an original applicant. The District will place any District driver who has not completed the required ten (10) hours of training on or before his/her birthday on Unpaid/Un-Excused status. The driver shall remain on unpaid status until the driver has completed the missing in-service training hours. A contract driver who has not completed the required training shall be removed from District service.
H. ISSUANCE The Special Driver Certificate shall be issued only to applicant who meet all requirements and qualify by examination(s) as prescribed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The California Highway Patrol shall conduct the examination(s) or any other agency designed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Such certificates shall be valid for not more that five (5) years, but may be renewed under such conditions as the Department of Motor Vehicles may prescribe.
5. RENWEAL COURSES During the last year of a Special Driver Certificate’s validity, a District driver shall successfully complete a fifteen-hour (minimum 15 hours) course including all Classroom Units required for renewal by the Department of Education. The driver shall have signed the required Training Certificate (T-01) before reporting to the California Highway Patrol for the renewal tests. The fifteen (15) hours required shall be conducted and documented by a District Driver Trainer or District-approved instructor.
6. DOCUMENT VALIDITY Drivers shall renew all required documents before the expiration dates. Each driver shall ensure that he/she has received the permanent copies of his/her driver license and special certificate before either temporary document expires.
A. DISTRICT VERIFICATION Upon receipt, District drivers shall immediately submit to the Transportation Services Division Safety Center photocopies of all duplicate or renewed permanent and temporary documents, including Medical and First Aid certifications. Drivers must provide copies of both sides of all the required documents in each instance. The Driver Trainer or Regional Transportation Manager provides the link between the driver and the Division Safety Center. Whenever a driver receives a new or duplicate required document, either the Driver Trainer or other regional staff shall fax and forward the photocopies of the documents to the Safety Center. Contract
12 drivers shall present copies of renewed document(s) to their Area Bus Supervisors on or before the expiration date(s).
B. TEMPORARY SPECIAL DRIVER CERTIFICATE A temporary Special Driver Certificate shall be valid for ninety (90) days from the date of issuance, or as indicated in writing on the certificate by the issuing School Bus Officer. The Department of Motor Vehicles issues the permanent Special Driver Certificate after verifying eligibility. If a driver does not receive a permanent certificate within the ninety-day (90) period, the driver must contact the School Bus Officer at the CHP area office where he/she received the temporary certificate. If a District driver’s temporary certificate expires, the Division shall place the driver on Unpaid/Un-Excused status until the driver obtains a new or extended certificate and provides the Safety Center with appropriate photocopies. Any uncertified contract driver shall be removed from District service.
C. TEMPORARY COMMERICAL DRIVERS LICENSE The Department of Motor Vehicles prints the expiration date of an Interim Driver License (Temporary) directly on the license. The expiration date is sixty (60) days from the date of issuance. If a driver does not receive the permanent Commercial Driver License before the end of the sixty-day (60) period, the driver shall return to a DMV office for a new interim license or an extension. If a District driver’s Interim Driver License expires, the Division shall place the driver on Unpaid/Un-excused status until the driver obtains a new or extended license and provides the Transportation Services Division Safety Center with appropriate photocopies. Any contract driver who is not licensed shall be removed from District service.
7. TRAFFIC CITATION NOTIFICATION All drivers shall immediately forward copies of all traffic citations received on or off duty to the Deputy Director of the Transportation Services Division.
8. DRIVING RECORD Drivers shall maintain safe driving records as evidenced by the absence of charges and convictions that would affect the validity of their Special Certificates for the operation of a school bus. Violations and preventable accidents that occur while a driver is in District service may result in a recommendation for disciplinary action.
13 Section III
Part 2 ABSENCES
1. DISTRICT DRIVERS’ ABSENCES
A. REPORTING ABSENCES FROM WORK The District requires drivers to notify Bus Operations Dispatch of all absences from work, regardless of the length or nature of the absence. This also applies to tardiness, regardless of the reason, for a.m. or p.m. sign-on times.
To avoid disruption of service to students, all drivers must report absences in a timely manner. Under the terms of the Unit C Agreement, District drivers shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch by calling (323) 342-1460 or (800) LA-BUSES on the day prior to the absence, or no later than two (2) hours before their scheduled sign-on times. Drivers should note the name of the Dispatcher assisting them.
Example: If a driver’s scheduled sign-on-time is 0600, he/she must notify Bus Operations Dispatch no later than 0400 on the first day of absence. If possible, the driver should call the evening before to report the absence. He/she would avoid an unnecessary wait on the phone at an early hour of the day.
B. RETURN TO WORK Each driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch when he/she is ready to return to work. If the absence lasted five (5) days or less, the driver should call one (1) day prior to the actual return date, but in no case later than two (2) hours before his/her scheduled sign-on time on the day of his/her return. If the absence lasted more than five (5) days due to injury or illness, please refer to Section C or D below.
If a driver fails to notify Bus Operations Dispatch of his/her anticipated return, a dispatcher may assign a cover driver (or substitute) to the route. If both the cover driver (or other substitute) and the regular driver report for duty, only the cover driver (or substitute) will work and be paid for the day.
C. ABSENCES OF SIX (6) TO TWENTY (20) DAYS When a driver has been absent from six (6) to twenty (20) consecutive days due to illness, the driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch one (1) day prior to the actual return date, but in no case later than two (2) hours before his/her scheduled sign-on time on the day of his/her return. However, if there are any work restrictions, the driver should contact his supervisor first to ensure the required accommodations can be made. On the return date, he/she shall submit a completed Certification/Request
14 of Absence for Illness, Family Illness, New Child (Form 60.ILL). This form must be accompanied by a medical release which must not bear any work restrictions that prevent the driver from safely performing the core duties.
D. ABSENCES OF MORE THAN 20 DAYS A driver absent more than twenty (20) working days must apply for a Leave of Absence by requesting the proper forms from the Personnel unit. The completed forms must be submitted to the Personnel unit as soon as possible.
Drivers on Leave of Absence for an illness or injury are required to send one (1) completed Certification/Request of Absence for Illness, Family Illness, New Child (Form 60.ILL).
When a driver has been absent more than 20 consecutive days because of illness or injury, he/she must clear through the Personnel Unit, no later than 10:00 a.m. one day prior to returning to work. Division staff will schedule an appointment for the driver with the District’s medical service.
The District’s medical service will not clear a driver to return to work unless he/she presents a signed release from his/her personal physician. The personal physician’s release form must specify which date the physician has authorized the driver to return to work. The medical service will return the driver to work only if the driver’s medical condition will allow safe operation of a District vehicle. The physician’s release must not bear any work-related restrictions which would prevent the driver from safely performing the core duties.
After the medical service clears the driver, he/she must immediately deliver the signed forms, in person to the clerk in the Transportation Services Division Personnel Office. Upon obtaining clearance for their safety credentials, the clerk will clear the driver to return to work.
The driver shall then contact Bus Operations Dispatch by 1:00 PM to return to work. See item B above. After any absence of ten or more days, if an as-needed contract has been assigned to cover the absent driver’s route and the District driver fails to report his/her return to work to Bus Operations Dispatch BEFORE 1:00 p.m., the driver will not be permitted to return to work the following day to allow notification to the contract company of the canceled as-needed route.
2. DISTRICT WORKPLACE INJURY OR ILLNESS If a District driver becomes injured on the job, he/she shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch of a possible disruption in service by calling (323) 342-1460 or (800) LA-BUSES. The driver must complete an Accident/Incident report and give it to his/her immediate
15 supervisor. In addition, he/she must contact the clerk in the Transportation Services Division Personnel Unit to officially report the injury or illness. The clerk will take the information required for the Employer’s Report of Injury and send the driver to appropriate health facility, if necessary.
Before returning to duty after a workplace injury absence of any length, drivers must present a medical release stating the length of absence and ability to return to work. The physician’s release must not bear any work-related restrictions which would prevent the driver from safely performing the core duties.
3. DISTRICT UNPAID ABSENCES Unpaid absences are generally classed as unpaid/unexcused absences. The following list gives examples:
A. If a driver oversleeps (970A) or his/her personal car breaks down (970B), the driver’s absence will be unpaid. The driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch as soon as possible when 970A or 970B situation occurs.
B. If a driver fails to notify Bus Operations Dispatch of his/her absence, the absence will be handled as an Absence without Official Authorization (A.W.O.A.). The driver shall be required to discuss the circumstances with the Regional Transportation Manager or, if a cover driver, with the Transportation Dispatch Manager within twenty-four hours. A driver is considered A.W.O.A. when he/she has neither reported for duty nor notified Bus Operations Dispatch of an intended absence within one hour of the assigned sign-on time.
C. As discussed on Part 1, staff from the Safety Center may place a driver on unpaid/unexcused status when the driver has failed to comply with certain documentation requirements. The Transportation Services Manager or designee will clear the driver in Bus Operations Dispatch, after the driver fulfills the documentation requirements. The driver then shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch of his/her intent to return to work.
A pattern of excessive absenteeism and tardiness can result in counseling, written notices, and a recommendation for disciplinary action. District managers will use progressive disciplinary measures when poor attendance habits do no improve.
4. CONTRACT DRIVER’S ABSENCES Contract drivers will follow their company’s procedures for reporting absences. Contract drivers play an important role in the transportation service. Their absences can disrupt the service we provide students. Contract drivers should avoid unnecessary absences.
16 Section III
Part 3 APPEARANCE & BEHAVIOR
1. WATCHES In order to maintain schedules and record information on reports accurately, drivers shall have and use reliable watches with second hands or digital readings that include seconds. The District will not accept an inaccurate watch as an excuse for missed schedules or errors on time reports. Drivers shall set their watches to the correct time each morning.
2. PERSONAL APPEARANCE Drivers shall be in uniform and present a neat, clean and well-groomed, professional appearance when on duty and while attending in-service training programs. Parents, students, and teachers may make judgments about a driver’s ability based solely on his/her appearance. Drivers shall avoid inappropriate clothing or accessories when on duty. Drivers must avoid inadvertently endangering themselves, students and others by wearing clothing identified as gang attire. While on duty, drivers represent the school district to everyone they encounter and their buses appear as moving billboards. A professional appearance is an important part of good customer service.
A. DRIVER UNIFORMS While on duty, District and contract drivers shall wear their complete uniforms (including identification badges) furnished by the District or contract company. All regular District drivers shall wear only the uniforms authorized on the purchase voucher issued for an authorized vendor. Provisional and probationary drivers shall wear appropriate clothing that is similar in color and appearance to the District issued uniform, such as light blue shirts or blouses, and dark blue pants or skirts. For these substitutions, the restrictions listed below apply. New contract drivers must wear clothing similar in color and appearance to their company uniforms. No blue denim jeans allowed.
(I.) UNEVEN SHIRTTAILS When wearing any uniform shirt with an uneven shirttail, the driver shall have the shirttail tucked inside the pants/skirt waistband at all times on duty or on District Property. A driver may wear the shirttail un-tucked only if the shirttail is square cut or evenly shaped and sewn all the way around the bottom.
17 (II.) FIT OF CLOTHING Drivers shall wear clothing that fits properly. No driver shall wear oversized or undersized garments. Drivers shall avoid any clothing which could be mistaken as gang-related attire. All shirts must be properly buttoned. Drivers may leave unbuttoned only the top button of their uniform shirts. (III.) OPTIONAL ITEMS • Jackets must be solid navy blue or black in color. • Caps must be District (blue with Division logo) or company issued. • Neckties must be solid navy or black. • Vests and sweaters must be solid navy blue or black. • Sweatshirts are not permitted.
While on the yard, employees may wear a navy blue hat with no logo. When leaving the yard, the employee must be in full uniform and wear only the official cap. For items listed above, the Director or Transportation may grant an exception on a case- by-case basis.
(IV.) SHORTS Bus drivers may wear dark blue short, but these shall be of the same style and dimensions as District issued shorts. When wearing shorts, the driver shall also wear nylons, pantyhose. Or dark blue or white socks (or color consistent with the uniform). (V.) MATERNITY Pregnant drivers may wear maternity tops and slacks in colors compatible with the employer-issued uniform. (VI.) JEWELRY & EYEWEAR Drivers shall not wear jewelry that could catch in machinery or be pulled by students. Examples include large rings, dangling earrings, long necklaces and chains, or very loose bracelets. Eyewear should not block or hinder your peripheral vision while operating a vehicle in District service. (VII.) FINGERNAILS Drivers shall not wear long fingernails that may create safety or health problems when operating equipment, performing daily bus inspections, providing first aid, or assisting children. (VIII.) SHOES & HOSIERY Drivers shall wear shoes that have leather uppers, fully cover toes and heels, and do not pose a safety hazard when operating equipment. Open-toed shoes, platform shoes, clogs, thongs, clothe athletic shoes, slippers, sandals, and shoes with very high or spiked heels are prohibited.
Drivers shall wear shoes of solid-color only; solid black, solid dark brown, or solid navy blue. Other colors and multi-colors are prohibited. Drivers shall 18 not wear white or multi-colored athletic shoes. Leather athletic shoes that are all black are acceptable.
Shoelaces must be of the same color as shoes worn and always be tied. Hosiery or socks, as appropriate, must also be worn.
B. DRESS STANDARDS Overall standards of dress for personnel in bus driving positions are as follows:
(I.) CLEANLINESS Drivers shall maintain normally accepted standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness at all times. To project a professional image, drivers shall wear clothing that is neat and clean. (II.) HAIR Drivers should keep their hair neatly styled and groomed. Drivers shall not wear curlers. Men may wear moustaches and beards, but they shall keep them trimmed and clean. No employee shall wear an extreme haircut or hair style that interferes with vision or any other work requirements. (III.) CASUAL CLOTHING Bus drivers are required to wear full uniforms at all times while on duty. No modifications, variations, and/or casual attire are allowed. (IV.) ACCESSORIES District policy prohibits bandanas and/or scarf’s used for head coverings or hanging out of pants pockets, colored shoelaces that do not match the shoes worn, jackets, hats, caps, and other outerwear having insignias, logos, or wording not directly related to the District, Transportation Services Division, or the driver’s contract bus company. (V.) REVEALING CLOTHING Drivers shall not rear revealing clothing that creates an attractive nuisance. (inappropriately sized: i.e.; too tight, too loose) (VI.) BUTTONS, PINS Drivers may wear only those buttons, signs, patches, pins, or other such articles that directly relate to the District, Transportation Services Division, contract bus company, or exclusive Bargaining Unit (Union), and as long as the item(s) is (are) not negative or offensive in any way.
3. IDENTIFICATION BADGES The District Identification Badge is part of a driver’s required uniform. District and contract drivers shall wear their identification badges at all times while on duty. The driver shall not affix or place on or over the badge any item not directly related to the District that will cover the driver’s photograph or any of the pertinent information on the badge.
19 Drivers shall wear only the authorized identification badge with the magnetic strip issued by the Safety Center.
A. IN PLAIN VIEW The driver shall wear his/her identification badge in plain view with his/her photograph visible. Drivers should clip their badges on their collar or pocket of the shirt, blouse, or jacket. Drivers shall not clip their badges to their belts, waistbands, or pant/skirt pocket tabs.
B. LOST BADGES If a driver’s badge is lost or stolen, the driver shall notify his/her immediate supervisor.
4. BEHAVIOR STANDARDS School bus drivers are highly visible. Drivers make the decisions about how others will view them. Members of the public, parents, teachers, school administrators, and students visualize the District when they see bus drivers. Drivers represent the District, their companies, and the Transportation Services Division.
Everyone especially parents, expects drivers to operate their vehicles safely and prudently, even when there are no students aboard. Parents also expect drivers to communicate and behave professionally when working with their children. Therefore, all drivers shall adhere to the following guidelines while on duty.
A. APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE While in district service, drivers shall speak with all persons using courteous language that is free from profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity. Drivers are expected to be professional at all times. This includes the selection of radio stations played with students aboard. Talk radio or other programs of sexually explicit or suggestive topics should not be played with students aboard.
B. EATING OR DRINKING Drivers shall not eat or drink in the presence of students while on/at a bus or while operating a school bus in District service.
C. PURCHASE WHILE ON DUTY A driver should not enter a store where alcoholic beverages are sold while in uniform or while on duty. If the driver must purchase food or beverage items for lunch, he/she shall carry the purchase(s) out of the store openly displayed in full view and unwrapped. This way, the driver will avoid giving a false appearance of having purchased alcoholic beverages.
20 D. COOPERATION Drivers shall cooperate with school principals and personnel in attempting to solve problems in a manner consistent with Division policy.
E. COURTESY Drivers shall be courteous to all persons, parents, and the public, even if those individuals show anger or discourtesy (Board of Education Resolution, published October 10, 1988).
F. TIME SCHEDULES Drivers shall maintain their assigned time schedules and routes as instructed by their supervisors. No unauthorized deviations are permitted.
G. PERSONAL ERRANDS Drivers shall not use their school busses to run personal errands or conduct personal business.
H. SAFETY FIRST Drivers must remember that they are primarily responsible for the safety of the students they transport for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
I. DESIGNATED OR AUTHORIZED STOPS Bus drivers shall stop to load or unload students only at designated or authorized bus stops.
J. APPEARANCE Drivers shall maintain clean, well-kept appearance.
K. SLEEPING IN PUBLIC Drivers shall not sleep not in public or aboard the bus while on duty.
L. SUGGESTIVE BEHAVIIORS While on duty, drivers shall avoid any behavior, suggestion, hint, or gesture that could be mistaken for sexual or other inappropriate behavior.
M. FAMILIARITY Drivers shall not become overly familiar or personal with students, citizens, parents, or school staff. Drivers shall not allow these persons to become overly familiar and personal with them. Drivers shall establish and maintain professional and businesslike relationships with all persons they encounter during the course of work.
21 N. DRIVING HABITS Drivers can help establish good public relations through good driving habits. Drivers shall strictly observe all laws relating to speed, lane usage/changing, following distances, right-of-way, etc. Members of the public will tend to view courteous bus drivers as good or safe drivers.
O. EMOTIONS Drivers shall control their emotions and accept criticism calmly. Drivers shall at all times display a professional attitude and demeanor. Drivers shall avoid any public display of emotions that might draw attention to them in a negative way. Drivers shall avoid displaying signs of road rage.
P. NAMES, TITLES Drivers shall instruct students to address them by their proper titles of Mr., Mrs., or Ms., and their last name. Drivers shall not allow students to address them by nicknames or their first names. In the presence of students and/or parents, drivers shall address other drivers and staff members by their proper titles and last names.
5. SMOKING California regulation prohibits smoking while transporting students or in the immediate presence of students [13 CCR 1222].
A. SMOKING POLICY Effective January 1st, 1995, the Board of Education has resolved that the entire District shall be a tobacco-free workplace. Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are prohibited on all district property (owned or leased) and in all District vehicles. This affects all persons at any District site or any school sponsored activity, athletic event, and meeting. Employees found to be in violation of the Board resolution may be subject to disciplinary action.
B. SMOKING Smoking is prohibited on all District or school property and in all District vehicles. Drivers shall not smoke in the presence or close proximity of students at any location. Smoking related trash items should not be placed in waste container on the bus. Contract drivers shall provide a smoke-free environment for District students. If the contract company permits smoking in its vehicles, contract drivers shall thoroughly air out the bus before picking up students in District service.
6. ALCOHOL & DRUGS California regulations prohibit drivers from driving when their ability to drive safely is affected by any cause [13 CCR 1214].
22 A. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or under the combined influence of intoxicating liquor and any drug, to drive a vehicle either on or off the highway [VC 23152 and 23153].
B. PROHIBITED TRANSPORTATION Alcoholic beverages shall not be transported in a school bus at any time [13 CCR 1221].
C. PROHIBITED DRUGS Drivers shall not use any medications or drugs that affect the central nervous system while on duty or just prior to duty. No driver shall operate a school bus while under the effects of any prohibited drugs mentioned in the reference guide for alcohol and drug testing. Furthermore, some over-the-counter or prescription medications may be considered unsafe if they tend to reduce alertness, bring on drowsiness, or slow reaction time. These substances include, among others, some antihistamines, pain relievers, and remedies for colds or hay fever.
If a driver requires medication, the driver shall check with his/her physician to make sure it will not impair the driver’s ability to operate any vehicle. The driver should obtain transportation form 78.307 (Physician’s Medication Release) and have the attending physician complete the form when prescribing medications including over- the-counter medications that may affect driving ability. If the driver is taking any medication that contains a warning against driving and/or operation of machinery, he/she shall have the physician complete form 78.307.
D. FEDERAL DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING Drivers are subject to the Federal Alcohol and Drug Testing Program. For further information, see the employee handbook on the program and Section IV of this manual. Contract bus drivers are subject to the federal Alcohol and Drug Testing program as administered by their contract companies.
7. AVOIDING HOSTILE INVIRONMENTS Memorandum No. Q-1 from the Office of the Superintendent requires all employees to avoid and prevent hostile environments for students with disabilities.
“Hostile environments include, but are not limited to, the creation and designation of labels and verbal, visual, or physical conduct which evidence a lack of acceptance or an inability or unwillingness to serve or accommodate students due to their disabilities. ”Drivers shall “conduct themselves in the course of their employment by word, gesture, act, and demeanor so as to ensure that all students will be accorded just and equitable regard and treatment. Hostility in any form shall not be tolerated.”
23 SECTION IV
FEDERAL ALCOHOL & DRUG TESTING
Bus drivers are among the list of employees subject to alcohol and drug testing under the Omnibus Employees Transportation Act of 1991. Details of the District’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program are outlined in the covered in “Employees Policy Guide”.
1. ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY The Federal regulations address only minimum requirements for employer’s drug and alcohol testing program and do not address personnel or disciplinary issues for employees who violate the rules. The District has established policies and practices that address personnel and disciplinary actions, and they are included in this section and the handbook. In addition, the District has adopted a general Zero Tolerance Drug and Alcohol Policy for all employees. For further information on the District’s Zero Tolerance Policy, see Bulletin No. 3630.0, dated March 28, 2007, titled Implementing Zero-Tolerance Policies for Drug-Alcohol-and-Tobacco-Free and Workplaces, from the Office of the Chief Operating Officer.
In order to have a successful program, it is important that employees know what is expected of them. The handbook explains the drug and alcohol rules required by the Federal government and the District’s policies and procedures established to meet those requirements.
A. Drug & Alcohol Rules In February 1994, the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published rules requiring drug and alcohol testing for persons who drive commercial motor vehicles (CMV) requiring a commercial driver license (CDL) and perform safety-sensitive functions. The purpose of the rules is to help prevent accidents and injuries resulting from the misuse of drugs and alcohol on the job. Therefore, District employees who are required to have a CDL have been required to undergo drug and alcohol testing since January 1, 1995. The primary District rule regarding drugs and alcohol is that violations will result in immediate suspension and dismissal from service.
B. Definition of A Safety-Sensitive Function A “Safety-Sensitive Function” is defined as all time: • Waiting to be dispatched; • Inspecting equipment, or otherwise inspecting, servicing or conditioning any CMV at any time; • Spent at the driving controls of a CMV; • Other than driving time, spent on or in a CMV; 24 • Loading or unloading a CMV, supervising or assisting in the loading or unloading, attending a vehicle being loaded or unloaded, remaining in readiness to operate the vehicle or in giving or receiving receipts for shipments loaded or unloaded; and • Repairing, obtaining assistance or remaining in attendance upon a disabled CMV.
C. Employees Affected by the Drug & Alcohol Rules The District has identified the following job classifications whose incumbents are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing (covered employees): • Area Bus Supervisor • Assistant Area Bus Supervisor • Driver Trainer (Bus Truck) • Heavy Bus Driver • Light Bus Driver • Automotive Mechanic • Automotive Mechanic (Bus/Truck) • Garage Assistant • Garage Attendant
D. Covered Employee’s Responsibilities A covered employee must: • Report to work without drugs or alcohol in his/her system; • Be able to perform his/her job duties without impairment due to the use of drugs or alcohol when on duty or subject to duty; • Not possess or use alcohol while on duty; • Not use, possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute drugs in the workplace; • Subject immediately to a drug or alcohol test when ordered by a supervisor, manager or other designated District representative; • Notify Dispatch and supervisor when taking any medications which may interfere with the safe and effective performance of duties or operation of District equipment; • Not perform safety-sensitive functions within four hours after using alcohol; • Not use alcohol for eight hours following an accident or until tested, if required to submit to a post-accident test; • Inform your physician of your job duties when taking legally prescribed drugs and non-prescription medications and determine from the physician, or other health care professional, whether the prescribed drug may impair your job performance or mental or motor function and remove yourself from service if you are unfit for duty.
25 • Promptly notify his/her supervisor when he/she sees or has knowledge of another covered employee: (I.) Using, possessing, manufacturing, distributing or selling drugs at work, or (II.) In a condition that impairs his/her ability to perform job duties or that poses a hazard to the safety or welfare of others; and • Confirm receipt of the District’s written policy concerning drug and alcohol testing by signing a Certification Statement certifying he/she has received a copy of the handbook.
Recognizing physical signs of someone’s substance abuse problem may be difficult because abusers often become good at hiding them. Physical signs and symptoms usually are not noticeable until the abuse problem has progressed to an advanced level. At advanced stages, the drug or alcohol abuser is less able to disguise the physical signs and often becomes careless because of a clouded mental state.
Specific signs include: • Blood spots on shirt sleeves (indicating intravenous needle use) • Bloodshot or watery eyes • Slowed, slurred or incoherent speech • Hand tremors • Swaying or staggering • Odor of alcohol on breath • Odor of marijuana smoke (smells like a combination of incense and sweet alfalfa) • Racing heartbeat or irregular rhythms • Runny nose or sores around nostrils (caused by chronic cocaine snorting) • Slow reactions • Very large or small pupils • Use of “slang” words for drugs • Secretive behavior (e.g., whispering, wearing sunglasses indoors)
E. Mental Effects of Drug & Alcohol Abuse A drug or alcohol abuser uses chronically and excessively without regard for his or her health. Abuse causes problems on the job because the effects of drugs and alcohol occur not only during intoxication, but also continue later in hangovers, general tiredness and mental impairment. This impairment complicates and endangers the lives of the user and the persons around him or her. The following safety problems might be caused by a truck driver, bus driver or heavy equipment operator showing the following effects of substance abuse: 26
• Psychotic behavior • Learning difficulty • Excessive sadness or fear • Poor memory • An “I don’t care” attitude • Loss of concentration • Slow reactions • Difficulty prioritizing tasks • Poor coordination • Refusal to accept authority • Delayed decision making • Overconfidence, feeling of invincibility • Confusion • Sleeping on the job
F. Subsequent Effects of Drug & Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace An employee under the influence of drugs or alcohol affects everyone in the workplace. The problems his or her substance abuse can cause for him/herself and fellow employees include the following: • Increased accidents or “near misses” • Equipment breakdown due to careless/inadequate maintenance • Absenteeism or tardiness • Lower productivity • Poor work quality, including excessive waste • Low morale, problems working with others • Theft of material equipment to support high expense of drug habit • Quitting or transferring to avoid detection
G. Intervention & Rehabilitation The District encourages employees with drug or alcohol dependencies to voluntarily obtain the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment of their problem. The District supports such efforts through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides confidential crisis intervention, assessment, information and referral services for a wide range or problems, including alcohol and drug abuse. The District’s EAP can be reached at (866) 312-3077 or on the web by going to www.liveandworkwell.com/access code:LAUSD.
27 2. REQUIRED TESTS The District has contracted with a drug and alcohol testing company for drug and breath alcohol testing in strict compliance with the DOT Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (49 CFR Part 40).
A. Drugs Tested for: • Marijuana (THC metabolite) • Opiates (including heroin) • Cocaine • Phencyclidine (PCP) • Amphetamines
B. Situations That Require Testing Covered employees are required to submit to drug and alcohol testing in the following situations: • Pre-Employment tests are conducted before applicants, including current employees in non safety-sensitive positions, are offered a safety-sensitive position requiring a CDL. • Random tests are conducted on a random, unannounced basis. Random drug testing may be conducted at any time the employee is on duty. Random alcohol testing must be conducted just before, during or just after a covered employee’s performance of safety-sensitive duties. • Post-Accident tests are conducted under the following circumstances: ◊ The accident results in the loss of human life. ◊ The accident results in bodily injury that requires medical treatment away from the scene whether or not the employee receives a citation. ◊ The employee receives a citation arising from the accident and the accident resulted in disabling damage to the vehicle(s), which required towing. ◊ The supervisor determines that the employee’s performance could have contributed to the accident. • Reasonable Suspicion tests are conducted when a trained supervisor suspects an employee has violated prohibited drug-related conduct and alcohol use discussed in the handbook. Alcohol testing is authorized only if the observations are made just before, during or just after the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions.
C. How Testing is Conducted (I.) Random Testing Just before testing begins, a supervisor or designated representative will inform selected employees that they must undergo random drug and alcohol testing, ensure employees read and sign the Drug and 28 Alcohol Testing Notification Form and instruct employees to proceed to the testing site immediately. (II.) Post-Accident Testing When an employee (driver) is involved in an accident involving a District vehicle, the driver must follow the Post-Accident Procedure. A supervisor will be dispatched to the scene and will receive instruction from management whether drug and alcohol tests are required. If the accident occurs after normal business hours, the driver should contact Dispatch at (323) 342-1460, (800) LA-BUSES or contact School Police at (213) 625-6631. If tests are required, the supervisor will transport the driver to the testing site as soon as possible. (III.) Reasonable Suspicion Testing When an employee is required to submit to a reasonable suspicion drug and/or alcohol test, the supervisor will transport the employee to the testing site immediately.
3. ISSUES RELATING TO DRUG TESTING A. Prohibited Drug-Related Conduct The use of illegal drugs by safety-sensitive employees is prohibited on or off duty. The drug rules also prohibit:
(IV.) Reporting for or remaining on duty requiring the performance of safety- sensitive functions when the employee uses any controlled substance, except when instructed by a licensed medical practitioner who has advised the employee that the substance (prescriptions and over-the- counter) does not adversely affect the employee’s ability to safely operate a CMV; (V.) Reporting for or remaining on duty or performing a safety-sensitive function while testing positive for drugs; and (VI.) Refusing to submit to a drug test.
B. How Drug Testing is Done A trained collection site person will collect samples using split specimen procedures, which means each sample is subdivided into two bottles labeled as “primary” and “split” specimen. Both bottles are sent to a laboratory certified and monitored by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for analysis. The primary specimen is used for analysis; the split specimen remains sealed.
Drug testing is conducted by analyzing an employee’s urine sample for drugs. Employees are required to have privacy when providing a urine sample. However, an employee must provide a sample under direct observation if:
29
• you are suspected of tampering with or substituting the specimen during the specimen collection process. • present a urine specimen that fails outside the acceptable temperature range of 32°- 38°C/90° - 100°F • you have a Negative Dilute test result and the creatinine of the specimen was equal to or greater than 2mg/dL, but less than or equal to 5 mg/dL • your test specimen is invalid and the (MRO) Medical Review Officer reported that there was not an adequate medical explanation for the result • your positive adulterated or substituted test result had to be cancelled by the MRO because the split specimen was not available or the split specimen test is invalid
If the employee cannot provide a complete sample within a three hour period, he/she will be referred for a medical evaluation to determine if the inability to provide a sample is genuine or constitutes a refusal.
A trained collection site person will collect samples using split specimen procedures, which means each sample is subdivided into two bottles labeled as “primary” and “split” specimen. Both bottles are sent to a laboratory certified and monitored by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for analysis. The primary specimen is used for analysis; the split specimen remains sealed. The analysis of the primary specimen is a two-stage process. First, a screening test is performed. If it is positive for one or more of the drugs, then a confirmation test is performed using state-of-the-art gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. If the analysis of the primary specimen is confirmed positive, the employee has 72 hours from the point of notification to request the Medical Review Officer (MRO) to send the split specimen to another (DHHS) certified laboratory for analysis.
C. Review & Interpretation of Laboratory Results All drugs tests are reviewed and interpreted by a MRO before they are reported to the District. If the laboratory reports a confirmed positive specimen result, the MRO will contact the employee to determine whether there is a medical explanation for the confirmed positive test result. If the MRO accepts the explanation, the drug test is reported as a verified negative or cancelled test. If the MRO concludes that no legitimate medical reason exists for a confirmed positive test, the MRO will report the result as a verified positive. The MRO may verify a test as positive without having communicated directly with the employee about the test in three circumstances: (I.) the employee expressly declines the opportunity to discuss the test;
30 (I.) neither the MRO nor the designated employer representative; after making all reasonable efforts, has been able to contact the employee within 10 days of the date on which the MRO receives the confirmed positive test result from the laboratory; or (II.) more than 12 hours have passed since the time the employer successfully contacted the employee and instructed him/her to contact the MRO.
D. Refusal to Submit to Drug Testing An employee, who fails to provide adequate urine for drug testing without a valid medical explanation, or fails to cooperate in the testing process or adulterates, dilutes or substitutes the samples in any way, will be regarded as refusing to submit to drug testing.
E. Steps Taken to Protect Employees & the Drug Testing Process Every effort will be made to protect employees and the integrity of the drug testing process and testing results. The District and collection site personnel will take the following precautions to ensure that the specimen’s security, proper identification and integrity are not compromised.
• The collection site must afford privacy to employees and must be secured at all times by preventing access to unauthorized persons. • Collection site personnel must be training requirements outlined by the DOT. • Collection site personnel shall ensure that employees are positively indentified through the presentation of photo identification or identification by District representative. • A Drug Testing Custody and Control Form must be completed by the collection site personnel/donor at the time of collection, and accompany all specimens to the laboratory. • After the specimen has been given to the collector, the collector and the employee complete the remainder of the collection process together, including sealing and labeling specimen bottles, initialing bottle labels or seals, and signing and dating the custody and control form. • The specimens must be kept in sight of the employee/donor and collection site personnel until sealed and ready for shipment. • The District, the laboratory and the MRO shall maintain all drug testing results and records under strict confidentially. Except as required by law, employee records shall not be released without the written consent of the employee.
31 F. Notification of an Employee’s Drug Testing Result The District will designate a representative for receiving and handling drug testing results in a confidential manner. The MRO will report the results as follows:
Result: Notify: Negative Designated Division Representative Positive Designated Division Representative Pre-Employment Employee Transactions Services Division Division Designated Representative
4. ISSUES RELATING TO ALCOHOL TESTING A. Prohibited Alcohol-Related Conduct Because alcohol is a legal substance, the rules define specific prohibited alcohol-related conduct.
• No employee shall report for duty or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions while having an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater. • No employee shall be on duty or operate a CMV while the employee possesses alcohol, unless the alcohol is manifested and transported as part of a shipment. • No employee shall perform safety-sensitive functions while using alcohol or within four hours after using alcohol. • No employee required to take a post-accident alcohol test shall use alcohol for eight hours following the accident, or until the employee undergoes a post-accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first. • No employee shall refuse to submit to an alcohol test.
Federal rules define two thresholds regarding alcohol levels. The first prohibits reporting for duty or remaining on duty to perform safety-sensitive functions while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. A breath test with an alcohol concentration greater than 0.02 but less than 0.04 prohibits the performance of safety sensitive functions until the start of the employee’s next regularly scheduled duty period, but not less than 24 hours. The District has opted to apply the 0.02 threshold as the minimal level to maintain employment.
B. How Alcohol Testing is Done Alcohol testing is conducted by measuring the alcohol in a volume of breath using an evidential breath testing (EBT) device. A Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) will conduct a screening test first. Any result less than 0.02 alcohol concentration is considered a “negative” test and no further testing is 32 required. If the alcohol concentration is 0.02 or greater, a second or confirmation test will be conducted to confirm the screening test results. If an employee attempts and fails to provide an adequate amount of breath, he/she will be required to obtain an evaluation from a licensed physician to determine if the inability to provide breath is due to a medical condition or constitutes a refusal.
C. Refusal to Submit to Alcohol Testing An employee who fails to provide an adequate amount of breath for testing without a valid medical explanation or who fails to cooperate in the testing process will be regarded as refusing to submit to alcohol testing.
D. Steps Taken to Protect Employees & The Alcohol Testing Process Every effort will be made to protect employees and the integrity of the alcohol testing process and testing results. The District and collection site personnel will take the following precautions to ensure the accuracy, reliability and confidentiality of test results. (IV.) Breath samples will be taken by a BAT, who is trained in the operation of the EBT with courses that are equivalent to the DOT model course. (V.) EBTs used shall be approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and meet the requirements of the DOT. (VI.) The testing location must be sufficient to prevent unauthorized persons from seeing or hearing test results. (VII.) Unauthorized persons shall not be permitted access to the testing location while the EBT is unsecured. (VIII.) The BAT shall ensure that employees are positively identified through the presentation of photo identification or identification by a District representative. (IX.) A Breath Alcohol Testing Form, prescribed by the DOT, must be completed by the BAT and by the employee being tested during the testing process to ensure that the results are properly recorded. (X.) The BAT shall supervise only one employee’s use of the EBT at a time and shall not leave the alcohol testing location while the testing procedure for a given employee is in progress. (XI.) The District shall maintain records in a secure manner. Except as required by law, employee records shall not be released without the written consent of the employee authorizing release of the information to an identified person.
33 G. Notification of an Employee’s Alcohol Testing Result The District will designate a representative for receiving and handling alcohol testing results in confidential manner. The BAT will forward the results of the screening and/or confirmation test as follows:
Result: Notify: Screening Test Designated Division Representative Below 0.02 Confirmation Test Site Supervisor Above 0.02* Designated Division Representative
Note: Employees whose test results are 0.02 or above must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duty. These results will be verbally transmitted by the BAT to the supervisor immediately.
5. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS A. Alcohol Concentration Covered employees who report for duty or remain on duty to perform safety- sensitive functions while having an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
B. Alcohol Possession Covered employees found to possess alcohol while on duty or when operating a CMV, unless the alcohol is manifested and transported as part of a shipment, will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
C. On-Duty Alcohol Use Covered employees found to be using alcohol while performing safety- sensitive functions will be removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
D. Pre-Duty Alcohol Use Covered employees found to have used alcohol within four hours prior to the performance of safety-sensitive functions will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
E. Alcohol Use Following an Accident Covered employees who are required to take a post-accident test found to have used alcohol within eight hours following the accident and prior to
34 submitting to a post-accident alcohol test will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
F. Controlled Substance Use Covered employees who report for duty or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions while using any controlled substance, except when the use is pursuant to the instructions of a licensed medical practitioner who has advised the driver that the substance does not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a CMV, will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
G. Controlled Substance Testing • Covered employees who report for duty, remain on duty or perform a safety-sensitive function after testing positive for controlled substance use will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service. • Covered employee applicants who test positive for controlled substance use will not be eligible for employment with the Los Angeles Unified School District. • Covered employee applicants who are current District employees who test positive for controlled substance use will not be eligible for assignment in a safety-sensitive position and may be subject to disciplinary action.
H. Refusal to Submit to an Alcohol or Controlled Substance Test • Covered employees who refuse to submit to an alcohol or controlled substance test will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service. • Covered employee applicants who refuse to submit to a controlled substance test will not be eligible for employment with the District. • Covered applicants who do not complete the pre-employment controlled substance test after the testing has commenced will not be eligible for employment with the District. • Covered applicants who are current District employees and refuse to submit to a controlled substance test will not be eligible for assignment in a safety-sensitive position and will be subject to disciplinary action. • Covered applicants who are current District employees and refuse to submit to a controlled substance test will not be eligible for assignment in a safety-sensitive position and will subject to disciplinary action. • Covered applicants who are current District employees and do not complete the pre-employment controlled substance test after the testing 35 has commenced will not be eligible for assignment in a safety-sensitive position and will be subject to disciplinary action. • Covered employees who have a verified adulterated or substituted drug test result will be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive position and dismissed from District service. • Covered employees who fail to undergo medical examination or evaluation required or permitted by DOT regulations, as directed by the District or MRO will be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service. • Covered employees who fail to cooperate with any part of the testing process will be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service. • Covered employees who fail to appear for any test within a reasonable time (as defined by the District) or fail to remain at the collection site until the completion of the testing process, as directed by the District, will be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions, placed on suspension and dismissed from District service.
36 SECTION V
OPERATING RULES & POLICIES
This section covers the standard operating procedures and policies of the District and the Transportation Services Division, as well as other requirements. By accepting employment or contract service with the Los Angeles Unified School District, bus drivers agree to follow these procedures and polices. Upon receipt of new bulletins and memorandums, drivers should read these documents. The bulletin or memorandum takes precedence and the new or revised instructions are to be followed. When a driver does not understand a policy, the driver should ask his/her immediate supervisor for assistance.
Part 1 BUS OPERATION & USE
1. AUTHORIZED USE OF DISTRICT VEHICLES District policy restricts the use of District vehicles to purposes authorized by the appropriate District supervisor or manager.
A. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF BUS The District prohibits the unauthorized use of a bus for any purpose.
(I.) DRIVER’S PERSONAL BUSINESS Drivers shall not use any District bus for personal errands, including but not limited to the following examples; shopping trips, visiting, going to the doctor or dentist, stopping for coffee or snacks, stopping at credit union or bank, or going home for lunch. Under District policy, supervisors cannot authorize the use of any bus for personal use. Drivers shall use District vehicles only for authorized District-related transportation or driver training. (II.) MIDDAY SPLITS During the midday split, the driver is not on an assignment. Midday splits include any period of time the driver is not on assignment and has been directed, either by the assigned route sheet or directly by the supervisor, to sign off paid time until the next trip. Requests to park midday at a location other than the assigned location must be approved in advance by the driver’s immediate supervisor. In these cases, the supervisor cannot authorize the driver to use the bus to go to lunch. (III.) SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITY If a District supervisor determines that a driver is using a bus for personal business or has parked it in an unauthorized location, a District representative may confiscate the bus. The driver may be subject to a recommendation for
37 disciplinary action for using the bus for personal business or any unauthorized reason(s).
B. UNAUTHORIZED PASSENGERS The District prohibits the unauthorized transportation of any passenger. District employees shall not transport any person in an assigned vehicle without having received authorized directions or instructions to provide that transportation.
2. UNSAFE BUS No driver shall operate an unsafe bus at any time. A Driver is responsible for thorough inspections of his/her assigned bus prior to operation. Required inspections include pre- trip, post-repair, post-incident, and rest stop inspections (on out if town trips).
Drivers are also responsible for knowledge of accuracy of expiration factors of CHP inspection certificates, service expiration dates and odometer mileage for their assigned buses. District drivers shall check that odometer mileage and scheduled maintenance date(s) have not exceeded those posted on the sticker. The driver shall remove the bus from service and report the circumstances to Bus Dispatch and Area Bus Supervisor. The Division suggests that to avoid exceeding the posted date and/or mileage the driver should notify his/her Area Bus Supervisor, Assistant Area Bus Supervisor, or Bus Dispatcher when the date of operations is within 72 hours or 300 miles of the service expiration(s).
Driving an unsafe bus, a bus for which service date or miles will expire before or upon completion of an assignment, or a bus that has exceeded service miles or date may result in a recommendation for disciplinary action up to and including termination from District service.
3. BANNERS OR SIGNS ON BUSES District policy prohibits the display of any signs, posters, or other materials on or in a school bus, unless that material is required or authorized by law or regulation. Regardless of the reason or nature of the material or sign, drivers shall not permit any person to display any materials or sign. Drivers shall not permit any person to display any materials on a school bus. California laws and regulations strictly prohibit displaying any signs on a school bus other than those required or specifically permitted by law.
4. DESTINATION SIGNS ON BUSES The District requires each bus to display appropriate route and school name signs. When transporting students to and from school, drivers must ensure that they have the proper route signs displayed on the assigned buses, as follows:
38 A. DISTRICT BUSES (I.) Route Number displayed in dash-mounted holder. (II.) Route Number and School Name in a holder mounted on the right exterior of the bus. (III.) District’s “COVER BUS” sign in sign holder on the right side exterior of a cover driver’s bus or a spare bus. B. CONTRACT BUSES (I.) Route Number displayed in dash-mounted holder. (II.) Transparent School(s) Name(s) provided by the District on right front passenger window at upper edge. (III.) Optional School Name and Route Number displayed in a sign holder mounted on the right exterior of the bus. * Area Bus Supervisors provide these signs.
5. USE OF AM OR FM RADIOS The District restricts the use of AM or FM radios or players on buses to reasonable volume levels and unobjectionable content. Every driver must use good judgment and remain sensitive to passenger need when choosing an AM or FM radio station to play for student passengers. Drivers must consider to age-appropriateness, type of music, language content and volume level.
A. VOLUME SETTINGS Drivers are prohibited from setting the volume so loud that it prevents them from hearing emergency vehicles, distracts them, or allows people out side their buses to hear it. Drivers must be able to respond to Dispatch and retain control of their students and bus. All drivers must play any radio equipment at a volume that is safe for them, safe for the students, and good for public relations. B. PROGRAM SELECTION Drivers must choose appropriate music or subject matter. Drivers should exercise discretion over their choices of talk, music, or religious programs. When passengers are aboard, drivers shall not play talk radio, political/religious materials, or stations known to transmit questionable language that may be offensive to others. When on activity trips, the driver should consult with the teacher or coach to determine an acceptable type of music to play. Proper choices will favor good public and community relations. * Portable radios must be properly secured at all times.
6. USE OF LISTENING DEVICES The District prohibits bus drivers from wearing any headsets, earplugs, or any other listening devices used for radios, tape recorders, etc., in either ear while driving buses in District service. Wearing such devices creates a safety hazard. Drivers shall not operate
39 cellular telephones while driving, inspecting, or fueling a bus in District service. Defensive driving requires a driver’s undivided attention at all times.
7. CLEAN BUSES State regulations require that every bus shall be kept clean and free of litter [13 CCR 1232]. The District requires every District driver to clean and sweep their assigned bus daily. A District driver’s assigned bus is any bus that a Bus Dispatcher has assigned to that driver for that work period. Before driving any assigned bus, the driver must check it for cleanliness. When necessary, the driver should sweep or dust as necessary for the health and safety of the students. A driver shall not accumulate or leave trash or loose articles on the dash, on passenger seats, in the stop sign holder, or above the sun visor. Trash shall be placed in an appropriate trashcan and personal or business articles shall be secured properly. Contract companies shall provide a clean interior for all students.
At the end of the day, District drivers must leave their assigned buses clean for the next day’s use. This means each driver must sweep the assigned bus thoroughly and place any debris in a trash bin. Drivers shall not sweep trash out onto the roadway or bus lot. The driver shall sweep his/her bus after completing the post-trip inspection in the assigned bus stall. Finally, drivers must make sure they have secured their buses, by closing all the windows and hatches to prevent rain and dust from creating unhealthful conditions inside the bus overnight and locking all doors.
8. SECURING EQUIPMENT District policy requires drivers to secure all property and personal items.
A. BROOMS Drivers shall neither lay any broom on the floor, across the backs of seats, or across the aisle leading to the emergency rear or side exits, and not wedge the broom between seats and the wall. Brooms shall be secured either in the storage compartment or attached securely to the broom holder. B. DASHBOARD Drivers shall keep the dash area of their assigned buses clean and clear of loose articles. A driver should secure all personal items to prevent movement before he/she begins moving the bus. C. STOP SIGN HOLDER Only the hand-held stop sign shall be stored in the stop sign holder. Papers, trash, personal items, tools, etc. shall be stored in appropriate locations other than the stop sign holder. D. TRASH CONTAINERS All trash containers must be small enough to prevent obstruction of the aisle or step well. The District recommends a small plastic container. Drivers should place or secure these containers to prevent movement. The step well must be kept clear.
40
E. SPECIAL EDUCATION EQUIPMENT When transporting students with disabilities, a driver may need a container for lunch boxes or personal items of passengers. Each driver must place and secure these items, including crutches, braces, etc., to prevent the blocking of aisles or causing other safety hazards. Drivers must always remove and properly store wheelchair tie-downs and detachable shoulder/lap restraints from the floor the floor tracks or wall mounting when these items are not in use [13 CCR 1293].
9. BULKY EQUIPMENT District policy requires drivers to comply with state regulations and guidelines concerning placement and securement of equipment. Bulky equipment encountered by a driver may include large band instruments, luggage of all types, bedrolls, duffle bags, etc. When transporting groups such as bands, drill teams, etc., drivers must remember that California regulations require them to keep doors and aisles clear at all times and to prevent anything from blocking their view [13 CCR 1216]. State guidelines recommend that drivers place bulky items such as bass drums, tubas, or boxes of miscellaneous equipment on the bus, in appropriate storage locations, prior to loading of the remaining seats have been filled. Guidelines recommend that drivers place bulky equipment in luggage compartments, when provided, or on the rear-most seats, below the level of the seat backs while keeping the aisle and emergency exit(s) clear and unobstructed.
10. DRIVER’S SEAT The District requires drivers to comply with California regulations about securement of the driver’s seat whenever operating any bus. California regulations require the driver’s seat to be capable of being locked in position during movement of the bus [13 CCR 1270]. The use of items such as pins or bolts to hold the driver’s seat above the normal lock-in position is prohibited. A driver’s use of such devices could lead to accidental separations of the seat from the pedestal. As a result, the driver could suffer severe injury, lose control of the bus, and contribute to a collision, affecting the health and safety of many others, including transported students. Drivers shall not use any device to elevate the seat above the bus manufacture’s highest locking position. Drivers shall not drive any bus when the driver’s seat locking device fails to lock the seat in place.
11. DRIVER’S SEAT BELT USE California regulations require the driver to be properly secured to the driver’s seat at all times, whenever the bus is in motion and any student is aboard [13 CCR 1224]. District policy requires every driver to use and properly secure the driver’s seat belt whenever driving, operating, or otherwise moving any District vehicle, even when not transporting school students. If the vehicle is equipped with lap restraints or seat belts for passengers, drivers must instruct their passengers to wear them and how to properly adjust them. Students with disabilities shall be provided with restraints (e.g., lap restraints) as required
41 by their Individualized Education Programs. Drivers are responsible for the securement of these restraints when required.
12. OPEN DOORS California regulations prohibit drivers from putting any school bus in motion until the doors are closed [13 CCR 1217, effective May 15, 1998]. It further states the doors of a school bus shall be closed while the bus is in motion, whether or not there are passengers in the school bus. Drivers shall not open the doors until the vehicle is stopped. District policy requires drivers to keep the doors closed at all times when the bus is in motion, with or without passengers.
13. HEADLAMP USE California regulation requires the driver of any school bus to ensure the headlamps are lighted while the bus is in motion and when a student is aboard [13 CCR 1225]. District policy requires driver to have the headlamps lighted at all times when moving any assigned bus. When the headlamps are lighted, other motorist are more likely to notice the presence of a school bus. This increases safety. The driver shall turn off the headlights whenever engine is off.
14. GEAR SHIFT EXTENSIONS District policy restricts the use of gear shift extensions to the standard four-inch extensions issued by the District garages. Drivers shall not install their own personal gear shift extension on any District bus. California regulations state that the steering wheel outer rim shall not be located closer than three (3) inches from the instrument panel, windshield frame sill, other obstructive surface, or mechanical device, expect the turn signal operating unit, or steering post mounted gear shift on school buses constructed on or after January 1, 1950. When installed by the garage, in no case shall the movement of the ear shift bring the lever closer than three (3) inches from the outside rim of the steering wheel. Only District-issued parts will be permitted. Under no circumstances shall a driver remove gear shift parts before a weekend, holiday, or other period of time of work.
15. CHP INSPECTION A driver shall not wash his/her assigned bus on the same day as the scheduled annual CHP Motor Carrier Inspection. Washing the exterior of the bus just prior to inspection may cause some lights to blow out. Instead, the driver must be sure the bus is washed and cleaned thoroughly the day before the inspection. If there are any mechanical problems, the driver must report them to the appropriate Garage Supervisor before the bus is inspected. No driver shall contact the Motor Carrier Inspector (CHP) directly.
42 16. OPERATING SPEED When in District service, drivers of school buses or any District vehicle shall comply with all Prima Facie speed limits [VC 22352] and posted speed limits on all roadways. Prima Facie speed limits are those speed limits which exist without the necessity for the posting of signs, e.g., 25 mph in business or residence district.
A. SPEED LIMITS District policy prohibits bus drivers, when driving any District Vehicle, from exceeding any speed limit established pursuant to laws set forth in the California Motor Vehicle Code. This restriction also applies to contract drivers when transporting any District student, employee, or parent group while in District service. B. DISTRICT BUSES District policy, effective August 1997, prohibits any employee or other person driving a bus in District service from exceeding 55 mph at any time. A District driver shall restrict the operating speed of their assigned bus to 55 mph or less, on all roadways where speeds of 55 mph or greater are permitted for other vehicles. Whenever transporting District students, employees, or parent groups, any contract bus driver shall restrict the operating speed of the assigned bus or School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB), when applicable, to 55 mph or less. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disciplinary action. C. BASIC SPEED LAW In addition to parts A and B above, when in District service, the driver of any school bus or any District vehicle shall driver no faster than safe or prudent given the existing conditions of roadway, traffic, or weather.
17. USE OF DESIGNATED LANES District policy requires bus drivers, when driving any District bus, to occupy the lane designated by appropriate signs for the vehicles specified in VC 22406 and VC 21655. This rule also applies to contract bus drivers whenever transporting any District student, employee, or parent group while in District service.
18. REQUIRED LANE CONTROL All drivers of District and Contract buses shall comply with these rules.
A. APPLICABILITY OF VC21655 District policy requires any bus driver, when driving any District bus, to comply with the provisions of VC 21655. These provisions apply to contract bus drivers whenever transporting any District student, employee, or parent group while in District service.
43 B. NO LANE DESIGNATED These rules apply on all roadways where the Department of Transportation has not designated a lane(s) for vehicles subject to VC 22406.
(I.) THREE LANES OR LESS Whenever a specific lane has not been designated on a roadway with three lanes or less in the direction of travel, the driver shall drive the bus in the extreme right-hand lane, except as necessary to pass a slower moving vehicle. To prepare to execute a left turn, exit the roadway, or follow on the driver’s intended route. (II.) FOUR LANES OR MORE Whenever driving on a roadway with four or more lanes of travel in the direction of travel, the driver may drive in either of the two lanes furthest to the right, except as necessary to prepare to execute a left turn or exit the roadway, or to follow on the driver’s intended route. (III.) OVERTAKING AND PASSING When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic.
C. MULTIPLE LANES FOR TURNING Division policy requires drivers to begin all turns from the right-most lane, where the roadway provides more than one lane for turning either right or left.
a. TURING LEFT When preparing to turn left, where more than one lane is signed or marked for a left turn, driver shall begin the turn in the right-hand lane of the lanes permitted to turn left. b. TURNING RIGHT When preparing to turn right where more than one lane is signed or marked for a right turn, drivers shall begin the turn in the right-hand lane of the lanes permitted to turn right.
19. UNCONTROLLED T-INTERSECTIONS When approaching an uncontrolled intersection on the terminating street where it meets a through street, drivers of buses in District service shall stop before entering the intersection.
20. PROHIBITED CHEMICALS & MATERIALS District policy prohibits the transportation or storage of chemicals, non-approved cleaning solutions and corrosives, or aerosol spray cans in or on a school bus. Drivers shall not
44 store or transport any such item on board, in any compartment, or in any locker in or on a school bus. This policy supports the requirements of the Motor Carrier Inspector.
The prohibited items and chemicals or cleaning solutions include any aerosol spray cans, waxes, polishes, cleaning solvents, paints, anti-pest chemicals or solutions, etc. Drivers shall use only the cleaning solutions or chemicals that the Fleet Maintenance Manager has approved. Each service garage maintains a supply of the approved cleaning supplies.
If a bus needs a paint touch-up for the wheels, bumper, etc., the driver shall complete and present a VCR to the Garage Supervisor. The garage personnel will inspect the bus and determine the condition of the part needing paint or attention. Garage personnel will either do the paint touch-up or schedule the bus for painting or touch-up at a later time. In the District spill kits for biological hazards, drivers may carry only the pump style spray cleaner for the clean-up solution. The service garages will provide replacement pump- style bottles with solution.
21. CHECK RIDES The Area Bus Supervisor, Assistant Bus Supervisor, and/or Driver Trainer will do a check ride and observe the pre-trip inspection with each driver during the school year. Drivers shall expect these and be prepared for them.
22. EVALUATIONS Each driver will receive a performance evaluation at the end of the school year. Such evaluations are based on the quality and quantity of work performed throughout the year.
23. TWO-DRIVER OPERATIONS When two drivers are assigned con-jointly to the same trip and bus, both drivers share equal responsibility for all related tasks, procedures and reports. If the responsibility would have been placed on a driver in a single-driver operation, then each driver in a two- driver operation equally shares that responsibility. Such responsibility includes (but is not limited to) the items below:
A. Compliance with all laws, regulations, policies and procedures. B. All reports, both written and oral, including all notifications required by law or District policy. C. All inspections of the bus, including pre-trip, mid-trip and post-trip. D. Condition of the bus, all required equipment, and all vehicle documentation including the information on the vehicle service sticker. E. Compliance with all drivers’ hours of service requirements.
45 Thus, each driver shall conduct the pre-trip and brake inspections before driving the bus, and each bears responsibility for the condition of the bus before leaving the parking location. Each driver will be held accountable for reporting any accident or other interruption of service in the manner described in Section XI and using the two-way radio appropriately according to Section VIII. Each driver will be subject to the driver’s hours of service requirements as described in Part 10 of this section. Both drivers are responsible for the post-trip inspection required for the proper distribution of VCRs.
24. SRP DRILLS When scheduled by the immediate supervisor, the driver shall conduct “Safe Riding Practices” drills with the students assigned to his/her route.
1. RAILROAD CROSSING All drivers shall comply with legal regulatory requirements for school buses approaching and crossing railroad grade crossings. Drivers are expected to observe all of the following when transporting students or other passengers in District service:
A. Before traversing any set of railroad tracks, the driver shall stop the bus at least 15 feet (and not more than 50 feet) away from the nearest rail [VC 22452]. B. At no time shall any driver stop with any portion of the bus upon any rail or closer than 15 feet to the rail. C. The driver should stop as close as practical to the right edge of the roadway and with the side of the bus parallel to the edge of the roadway [13 CCR 1228]. D. The driver may activate the hazard lights (four-way turn signal) while approaching a railroad crossing stop and while stopped at the crossing [VC 25251(a) (2)]. E. While stopped, the driver shall open the entrance door of a type 1 bus or the driver’s window of a type 2 bus [13 CCR 1228]. F. While the door or window is open, the driver shall listen and look for signs of an approaching train, and proceed only when the tracks are clear and it is safe to proceed [13 CCR 1228]. G. Drivers should instruct passengers to remain quiet while the bus is stopped at or proceeding across the rails. H. Drivers shall not proceed around any crossing gates that are closed [VC 22451]. I. Before proceeding after waiting for a passing train, the driver shall wait for any closed crossing gate to fully open and the red warning lights to stop flashing [VC 22451]. J. Before proceeding after waiting for a passing train where there are more than one set of tracks, the driver shall check the other set(s) of tracks for any approaching train(s).
46 Some tracks may be posted with “EXEMPT” signs. School buses are exempted from stopping for tracks when the “EXEMPT” sign is painted black with yellow lettering. Whenever in doubt about whether to stop for tracks, a driver shall stop and meet all the indicated requirements listed above.
25. PARKING ON ROADWAYS & OFF-DISTRICT SITES Drivers shall obey all parking laws. Buses shall not park on private property except as directed on a Dispatch Report or by a District permit. No bus shall be parked with body of the vehicle extending over any portion of a sidewalk, driveway, or crosswalk.
26. SCHOOL LOADING ZONES Drivers shall exercise care in school loading zones due to the large number of students present. When entering, leaving, or traversing a school loading zone, the driver shall use first gear at all times and not exceed 8 mph. A driver should move his/her bus as far forward in the designated loading area before loading/unloading. Drivers shall not back- up without assistance in loading zones.
At school dismissal times, drivers shall be at their buses, standing outside at their passenger doors, ready to supervise loading as soon as the bell rings. Drivers should follow the directions of the assigned supervisor.
27. IDLING POILICY Excessive engine idling wastes fuel, clogs fuel injectors, dilutes engine oil, and causes excess smoke. The California Air Resources Board has established new regulations [13 CCR 2480] Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit School Bus Idling at Schools. This regulation covers vehicles with any type of fuel source (gas, diesel, CNG, etc.), excluding electric vehicles. Failure to adhere to these new regulations could subject the driver to significant fines and criminal prosecution.
To be compliant with the regulations the following procedures have become effective:
A. During your bus inspection, the bus should only be idling while building up air to a safe operating pressure. The bus shall not be allowed to idle while you are moving your personal vehicle to a stall, visiting Dispatch or ABS Office, restroom, etc.
B. Whenever parked, stopped to load or unload student(s), and other situations including, but not limited to, waiting to fuel or wash bus, the engine shall be turned off. This applies to all buses except when an exceptional needs student is aboard who requires special climatic temperature control. The requirement must be clearly stated in the student’s Individualized Educational Plan.
47 C. Idling is permitted when it is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters, or air conditioners to ensure the safety or health of the driver or passengers. When idling the bus to operate the air conditioning, the driver should set the fast idle, if equipped, to not put undo strain on the engine.
D. Idling is permitted for buses with turbo-charged diesel engines to cool down after long freeway driving (3 to 5 minutes).
28. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY When inclement weather (e.g. heavy rain, fog, mist, etc.) reduces visibility to less than 200 feet or to a point that the driver determines it is unsafe to continue, a driver in District service shall stop until visibility has improved. If a driver discontinues service, he/she shall:
A. Ensure the bus is in a safe location and completely off the main traveled portion of the roadway. If on the freeway, use the next available exit and pull to a safe location.
B. Secure the bus and turn off all exterior lights.
C. Inform dispatch of exact location and the problem. If unable to use a two-way radio and a phone is not readily available, stand by with students. Do not attempt to leave or allow students to leave.
D. When visibility improves notify dispatch when proceeding on route or, if Dispatch was not originally informed of the disruption in service, make contact as soon as possible.
48 Section V
Part 2 BUS FUELING, PARKING, WASH RACKS
1. ASSIGNED PARKING LOCATIONS District policy requires District drivers to park their assigned buses only at their assigned bus parking locations. (e.g. leaving the bus unattended during the midday or at the end of the workday). A driver shall not park at private homes, on public streets or at any other locations while off duty. However, with the approval of the Area Bus Supervisor or Bus Dispatcher, a District driver may park the assigned bus, during a midday split, at one of the following locations:
A. Area Bus Supervisor’s Station One (office site); B. A morning or afternoon receiving school on the driver’s assigned route; C. An approved parking location to attend in-service or renewal training given by District Driver Trainers.
2. SECURING OF BUSES District policy requires District drivers to secure their assigned buses whenever leaving them unattended at any location. Drivers must lock and secure their buses by closing and locking all windows, and locking or pinning all emergency exits and doors, when parking.
A. AT PARKING LOCATIONS Drivers shall properly secure their buses when leaving them unattended in the assigned bus stall at all times. Drivers shall leave the bus keys on or under the third seat on the left side. Drivers should take all their personal items of value with them. No employee should leave personal items in a unattended bus.
B. SECURING BUSES ON ACTIVITY TRIPS District policy requires drivers to secure buses whenever leaving them unattended. When on midday or evening activity trips, drivers must lock and secure buses whenever they leave them unattended anywhere. On activity trips, drivers should keep the keys in their immediate possession and not in the bus. When drivers must leave personal or District property on the bus, they shall remain with the bus until the group returns, except during the driver’s duty free meal period. Immediately after returning any group to the school (Pick up Location) and before leaving the school locations, every driver must check the bus for sleeping passengers and articles that passengers may have forgotten. A driver shall take any found property into the school office before leaving the site.
49 3. THEFTS FROM BUSES District policy requires drivers to report all thefts. When a driver discovers a theft, he/she shall report it in writing to the appropriate supervisor and manager. The supervisor or manager will notify the Transportation Inspectors or the School Police Department for investigation. Drivers should report thefts of any nature including thefts of personal items or District property and equipment. If a District driver discovers that the emergency equipment is missing, the driver must notify Bus Operations Dispatch and obtain an accident/incident identification number on the VCR when requesting replacement equipment. When a District driver needs a replacement hand-held Stop Sign, he/she can obtain one from the Clerical Unit at Media Center. He/she will not need an accident/incident identification number.
4. FUELING POLICIES Drivers are responsible for following all fueling procedures and policies. District policy prohibits the fueling of any bus while students are aboard no matter what type of fuel is used. The driver of any bus in District service shall not permit the fueling of the bus when any student or passenger is aboard. Drivers shall not run out of fuel while operating a bus in District service.
A. FUEL AT HALF FULL District procedure requires District drivers to refuel any assigned bus when the gauge indicates half full. Generally, a driver should plan to fuel sometime during the day when the fuel gauge will reach half full. No driver should interrupt service to fuel for this reason. During the pre-trip inspection, the driver should evaluate whether the bus will need more fuel that day. Each driver must plan accordingly. Per the Bus Bidding Procedure, drivers will be assigned to a specific stall at their parking lot and are required to insure the bus is clean, fueled, and ready for operation the next day. Fueling should be done midday or after the p.m. assignment not in the morning before rollout. By fueling when the gauge reads half full, a driver will avoid running out of fuel during the daily assignment. The driver will also be ready to respond to any emergency. Contract drivers shall have sufficient fuel to complete all assigned trips without running out of fuel.
B. FUELING BY FUEL SERVICE All District drivers should check on the fueling procedures established at their assigned lots. At a parking location where the District provides fuel service at night, a driver should sign-up for fuel service only when the gauge registers half full or less. The sign-up fuel sheet is located at the Garage Service Desk.
50 C. FUEL LINES When fueling, District drivers must follow the directional flow patterns at the garage site to approach the pump, wait behind the limit line when provided, and determine whether one side of a pump is for diesel and another for gasoline. At the fuel pumps, drivers should show courtesy to others who may be waiting to fuel. No driver should go ahead of others who are already waiting.
D. SPECIFIC FUELING POLICIES: District drivers shall be held responsible for these fueling policies.
(I.) ATTENDING BUS Drivers shall not leave any assigned bus or vehicle unattended at any fuel pump or on any fuel line. (II.) REMAIN AT THE NOZZLE Drivers must remain at the fuel nozzle while the pump dispenses fuel. District policy prohibits drivers from stepping away from the fuel nozzle for any reason. During the entire fueling process, drivers must ensure that the fuel nozzle remains in contact with the inlet opening of the fuel tank. (III.) FUEL SPILLS (Minor) When a minor fuel spill (less than a gallon) occurs, the assigned driver must clean it up. The garage provides oil-absorbing material, shovels, and waste tubs for used material. The driver must use the shovel or scoop to spread clean material over the spill. Each driver must mix the fuel and oil-absorbing material well with the shovel and dispose of the used material with the broom and/or shovel in the container provided for that purpose. Drivers should never use water on any fuel spill. (IV.) FUEL SPILLS (Major) Any spill larger than a gallon constitutes a major spill. When major fuel spills occur, drivers must immediately notify the Garage Supervisor on duty, or Bus Operations Dispatch when the garage is closed. Major fuel spills are considered toxic hazards. (V.) SWEEPING BUSES AT PUMPS Drivers shall not sweep their buses while at the pumps. (VI.) RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUELING The assigned driver is responsible for fueling the vehicle. Even at any parking location where nighttime fuel service is provided, the driver is responsible for the refueling of the bus. (VII.) ELECTRONIC FUEL KEYS Drivers shall not interchange electronic fuel keys to fuel vehicles.
51 (VIII.) LOANER BUSES Each driver must refuel any assigned loaner bus before returning it to its assigned stall at the end of the day. (IX.) SPARE BUSES Each driver must refuel any assigned spare bus before reporting the bus as returned to any on site Cover ABS or to Bus Operations Dispatch.
5. FUELING PROCEDURES District policy prohibits the fueling of District and contract buses while students are aboard no matter what type of fuel is used. California Regulations state, “The driver shall not permit a school bus to be fueled while the engine is running, a radio on the vehicle is transmitting, the bus is close to any open flame or ignition source (including persons who are smoking), or passengers are aboard the bus, except one fueled with diesel fuel in an open area or in a structure open on both the entrance and exit ends” [13 CCR 1218]. Drivers shall not use a cellular phone while fueling any vehicle. Drivers shall remain 50 feet from any fuel station, or vehicle being fueled while using the cell phone. Regulations also state, “Fuel shall not be transported except in the vehicle’s regular fuel tanks” [13 CCR 1216 (b)].
A. GERNERAL PROCEDURE Drivers must follow these procedures. (I.) ON ACTIVITY TRIPS If on an activity trip, a driver shall unload passengers at on appropriate rest stop before approaching any fuel pumps. (II.) TYPE OF FUEL Before approaching the pumps, the driver should verify the type of fuel the vehicle uses and the location of the fuel port. (III.) REMAIN AT THE NOZZLE The driver must remain beside the fuel nozzle while fueling, except when fueling CNG powered vehicles at the parking location. When fueling at non- District sites, the District drive must not allow non-District persons to fuel the bus and he/she shall not leave the bus unattended when fueling (IV) OBJECTS BLOCKING PUMP HANDLE No driver shall use, either by insertion or attachment of, any object of any kind to keep the fuel pumping hands-free. During pumping, the fuel flow shall be maintained by either the constant application of the drivers’ hand or by the mechanical design of the pump. (V.) NOZZLE CONTACT WITH FUEL INTAKE The driver shall not hold the nozzle partially out of the intake while trying to see if the tank is full. The nozzle must make physical contact with the intake during the entire fueling process.
52 (VI.) AVOID SPILLS The driver shall make sure pump shuts off when the tank is full. (VII.) DRIVER TO REMAIN AT THE FUEL ISLAND Except when fueling CNG powered vehicles, the driver shall not leave the fuel island for any reason during fueling. If the bus needs oil, before leaving the fuel island, the driver must finish fueling, replace the nozzle in its holder, and replace the fuel cap. (VIII.) REPLACING THE FUEL NOZZLE Each driver must replace the fuel nozzle in the holder on the pump. A driver who pulls away from the pumps with a nozzle still inserted in the fuel intake of the bus must report an accident. The Driver Trainer will consider the accident to be a preventable accident. The driver may face disciplinary action. (IX.) REPLACING THE FUEL CAP A driver must replace the fuel cap securely before leaving the pumps. California law prohibits the operation of any motor vehicle unless the fuel intake in closed with a non-combustible fuel cap. (X.) CLEANING UP SPILLS The District holds the driver responsible for cleaning up any minor spills and notifying the garage of major spills. The garage has provided drums with absorbent material for this purpose near the pumps. (XI.) PARKING LOTS WITHOUT FUEL PUMPS For buses at parking locations where no fuel pump or no fuel service is provided, the assigned driver must refuel the vehicle on Friday, even if the fuel level is more than one-half tank. (XII.) SPARES AND LOANERS Division policy requires all drivers to refuel all assigned spares before returning them and loaners before parking them for the night. (XIII.) CNG FUELING When parking bus in stall a driver operating any CNG powered bus shall connect the CNG fuel pump and start the fueling process. At the end of the day, before beginning the fueling process, the driver shall complete all other end of day requirements. (XIV.) CNG FUELING INSTRUCTIONS Drivers shall follow the CNG fueling instructions printed on the side of the fueling dispenser as the standard operating procedure. (XV.) CNG PARKING STALLS Except for the assigned driver’s personal vehicle on the day of operation, no driver shall park any vehicle other than the assigned CNG powered bus in a parking stall equipped as a CNG fueling station.
53 (XVI.) CNG FUELING PRECAUTIONS Drivers shall know where all shut off valves are located and shut them off in the event of an emergency. Obtain this information from your Driver Trainer or the garage. When fueling CNG buses, do all of the following:
(1.) Pull forward into the bus stall; do not back into the stall. (2.) Turn off the engine and properly secure the bus. (3.) Remove the fuel line from the terminal, remove the rubber cap from the inlet valve in the bus fuel compartment. (4.) Attach the fuel line by pulling back on the outer sleeve and pushing inward with the attachment. Then release the outer sleeve. (5.) Listen for a click. (6.) With one hand, check for securement before opening the fuel valve. The hookup should be snug. (7.) During the fueling process, the lines will be under high pressure. (8.) WARNING: if you detect any movement or smell of gas, immediately turn the valve to the off position. Then detach the fuel line and go back to step (4). (9.) The main fueling station’s compressor must be operating and the red light should be off. If the red light is on, contact the garage supervisor. (10.) Upon completion of fueling, the driver shall vent the fuel line at the bus connection, disconnect the fuel line by pulling back on the outer sleeve and remove the line from the bus. (11.) Attach the fuel line to the terminal post on/off valve, unless an emergency situation exists such as a fill valve or hose leak. This valve is for garage and vendor service only.
(XVII.) PROPANE FUELING Check with assigned Driver Trainer for proper fueling procedure.
(XVIII.) CREDIT CARD FUELING When fueling with a District credit card, drivers shall verify the accuracy of the billing information including the total charged. Drivers shall not accept gratuities such as prizes or stamps when fueling with a District credit card. The driver shall submit the signed charge slip to his/her immediate District supervisor with the vehicle number and license plate number printed clearly on the slip.
54 6. FUELING LOCATIONS The following table lists the availability of fuel and oil at the District parking locations.
FUEL LOCATION ATTENDANT HOURS MAP PAGE AVAILABLE Alameda Garage Wet Line See garage 0530 to 6901 S. Alameda St. Fuel service 674 E7 closing (323) 589-4631 only
Diesel Business Division Propane 0530 to 2130 634 E7 Garage Unleaded
BSC – Freeway Garage No oil shed 634 E7
CNG Gardena Bus Garage Diesel 1823 S. Hoover Ave. 0530 to 2000 764 B1 Propane (310) 515-3165 Unleaded Nutrition Center Charlotte Ave. at None None 635 B3 Soto St. Sepulveda Garage Oil shed 8920 Sepulveda Blvd. None 501 H7 0530 – 1730 (818) 997-2643 Sun Valley Bus CNG Garage Diesel 0530 – 0700 532 J4 11247 Sherman Way Unleaded (818) 982-1459
Van Nuys Bus Lot Diesel Oil on truck near south 16200 Roscoe Blvd. Propane fence 0500 -0700 531 E2 (818) 891-9035 Wet Line Submit VCR midday
7. PARKING FOR REPAIRS OR SERVICE District garages and bus parking lots generally lack sufficient space for any vehicles not requiring service and assigned to park at other locations. Therefore, before parking any vehicle in the garage area, drivers shall check with the garage supervisor. Drivers shall always park either the assigned vehicle or personal vehicle only in the stall of the assigned vehicle. Drivers shall not park a personal vehicle in the garage working areas or adjacent to the outside of the garage. Following the procedures listed below will speed up the repair process. 55
A. REPAIR LINE When bringing a vehicle to a garage for repair, the assigned driver must either park in the repair line or where directed by the garage supervisor.
B. PROHIBITED PARKING Drivers shall not park in the aisles or driveways. No driver shall park any vehicle in an empty stall or the assigned stall for any other vehicle. Drivers shall not park in irregular shaped end spaces which are not intended for parking, whether or not such spaces have “NO PARKING” signs or markings.
C. ENTRANCES AND EXITS Drivers shall not enter any bus lot through any gate or entrance marked or posted “EXIT ONLY”. All drivers shall enter or exit bus yards and garage lots only through authorized openings. All drivers shall follow directional flow markings and design of service roads, parking lot aisle ways, etc.
D. SUBMITTING VCR Upon arriving, the driver shall report directly to the service window or desk. The driver shall submit a completed Vehicle Condition Report, and discuss any problem with the supervisor in charge. Drivers should not go directly to an individual mechanic unless directed by the supervisor at the garage.
E. MAJOR SERVICES Each driver must deliver the assigned bus to the designated garage location at or before the stated time and date for the scheduled service. Drivers must follow the instructions of the Area Bus Supervisor, Cover ABS or Bus Dispatcher.
F. MINI SERVICES Drivers shall deliver the assigned bus to the designated garage location by the required time and date for the scheduled service. Drivers shall follow the instructions of the Area Bus Supervisor, Cover ABS or Bus Dispatcher.
G. ESTIMATED COMPLETION OF SERVICE OR REPAIR Before leaving the garage, drivers should ask when the vehicle will be ready. Drivers shall not stand by waiting for a bus to be repaired. If the bus will not be ready in time for the next assignment, the driver shall get another bus from Bus Operations Dispatch or the Cover ABS.
H. OUT-OF-SERVICE BUS Before going back on-duty when the assigned bus has been placed out-of-service, the driver shall contact the on-site Cover ABS or call Bus Operations Dispatch to see
56 if the vehicle is ready. In cases where the driver knows the bus will be out of service for the next sign-on time, either for the a.m. or p.m., the driver shall report for duty fifteen (15) minutes early to get a bus from the Cover ABS/AABS and insert an appropriate comment on his/her DBR for the day. If the on site Cover ABS/AABS is not available, the driver shall call Bus Operations Dispatch.
I. WAITING After leaving a bus for repairs or service midday, the driver shall not wait with the bus, unless instructed to do so by the supervisor.
8. PARKING RULES Division policy requires drivers to comply with all of the following parking polices:
A. ASSIGNED STALL Each driver must park his/her personal vehicle in the designated stall of his/her assigned bus. For example, when using a loaner bus, the driver must park his/her personal vehicle in the stall of the loaner bus for the day. The driver must leave the stall of the regular bus empty for the return of the regular bus. When the regular bus is out of service, in another parking location, its assigned stall shall be kept open to receive it when the garage brings the bus back.
B. VISITING OTHER GARAGES OR LOTS No driver shall park inside a bus lot where the driver is not assigned. Visiting drivers are prohibited from parking inside the parking facility. Visitors must park on the street, outside the facility, where permitted by the local ordinance signs. At Gardena Bus Garage, drivers may also park buses at the Artesia Transit lot on 182nd St. (at the intersection of Hoover St.). Visitors must park on 16th St. at BSC lot.
C. GARAGES AREAS Drivers shall not park personal vehicles in the garage working areas or adjacent to the outside of the garage. If the bus is not assigned a parking stall at a garage, the driver shall park in the incoming service line provided by the garage supervisor. Buses that have no assigned parking stall and are not being reported for service at the site shall be parked in available street parking. Contractors shall park in available street parking.
D. MEDIA CENTER Transportation Services Division office restricts parking at the site. Policy permits bus parking in the numbered stalls behind the office (stalls 33-55). Drivers must back into stall. Drivers should park their buses alongside another bus. Drivers must provide a safe passageway for other buses to leave the parking area. Drivers must always remember to secure their buses.
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E. BUS PARKING GUIDELINES Parking and vehicle movement is very tight at all locations. Each driver must pull the bus out of the stall immediately upon completing the pre-trip inspection and immediately park his/her personal vehicle in that stall. Aisles must be kept clear. Drivers shall leave the parking lot immediately. All employees are responsible for keeping aisles clear for everyone.
F. SIDEWALKS Drivers shall not park any District vehicle with any portion of the body of the vehicle extending over any portions of a driveway, crosswalk, or wheelchair access ramp at any District or non-District site or on any roadway.
9. WASH RACKS (DISTRICT) Before taking any bus to a garage location to use the wash rack, drivers must call the garage to verify the wash rack is working and receive approval from the Area Bus Supervisor or other assigned supervisor.
A. WASH RACKS – INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTIONS Drivers must follow the procedure set forth in section 9 B @ (Wash Rack Procedure) below, at all District wash racks. Further, each individual Bus Garage may have specific additional restrictions. Here are some specific restrictions:
(I.) BUSINESS DIVISION GARAGE (a.) Enter the lot from the first driveway, west of San Pedro St. (b.) When exiting the wash rack, pull far enough forward for any vehicle behind the bus to exit safely. (c.) Follow the Wash Rack Procedure listed in section B below. (II.) SUN VALLEY GARAGE (a.) Enter the lot only from Sherman Way. Any other approach is dangerous and may result in an accident. (b.) After washing the bus, drivers must re-adjust mirrors and immediately leave the lot, unless the bus is assigned to park at Sun Valley. (c.) Follow the Wash Rack Procedures listed in section B below.
(III.) GARDENA GARAGE (a.) Follow the Wash Rack Procedure listed in section B below.
B. WASH RACK PROCEDURE This is the general procedure every driver shall follow at all District wash racks. A driver’s failure to follow this procedure increases the likelihood of a preventable accident, and may also result in disciplinary action. District supervisors, trainers,
58 and other professionals have developed this procedure to ensure everyone’s safety and prevent accidents.
(I.) WAIT FOR OTHERS TO CLEAR THE WASH RACK Drivers shall never enter a wash rack while any other vehicle or person is inside the rack. (II.) USE SPECIFIED ENTRANCE Drivers shall enter the wash rack only thorough the garage entrance specified for an individual garage. Entering another way may result in an accident. (III.) ALIGN PARALLEL TO WASH RACK A driver shall align the sides of the bus parallel to the length of the wash rack. (IV.) POSITION BETWEEN YELLOW LINES A driver shall position and align the bus between the painted yellow lines at the entrance to the wash rack. When positioned between the yellow lines, the bus is in position to stay between the guiding rails of the wash rack. (V.) SECURE BUS AND CHECK The driver shall secure the bus and do all of the following: (a.) Turn off all exterior lights. Lighted bulbs can blow out if they get wet. (b.) Get out of the bus and check that the front (steering) wheels are straight (parallel with the side of the bus). (c.) Drivers shall also verify that the bus is parallel to the yellow lines and rails. The bus must not be at an angle to the rails. (d.) If the bus has moveable front mirrors, the driver must move them toward the front to avoid damage. (e.) Every driver must tightly close all windows, doors, and hatches to keep the inside dry. (VI.) ACTIVE WATER FLOW & STOP Drivers must pull forward and stop the bus once the first switch-arm has been activated. The driver must wait to see the water start. No driver shall begin rolling past the water activation point, toward the brushes, until after having stopped and waited for the water to start. (VI.) DO NOT STEER Drivers shall not STEER IN THE WASH RACK! Steering can cause an accident. If the driver has properly moved past the water activation point, the bus will go straight ahead. (VIII.) DO NOT STOP Drivers shall NOT STOP IN THE WASH RACK! After passing the water activation-point and while continuing through the wash rack, DRIVERS SHALL NOT STOP! Stopping can cause an accident. (IX.) PROPER SPEED IN WASH RACK Drivers shall use idle speed while going through the wash rack. Proceeding too fast or too slow can cause an accident.
59 (X.) DO NOT BLOCK EXIT Upon clearing the last brushes, then a driver can begin to steer. Drivers should pull forward to allow others to exit. The exit shall be kept clear. (XI.) READJUST MIRRORS After leaving the wash rack, drivers shall check and properly readjust all mirrors. (XII.) CHECK FOR DAMAGE Drivers shall check their buses for any new damage. (XIII.) FUEL BEFORE NOT AFTER Driver shall not go to the fuel pumps or oils shed after leaving the wash rack. Water dripping from the bus creates a safety hazard, leading to slip and fall injuries. (XIV.) PARKING Drivers in buses assigned to other parking locations shall leave the garage lot immediately. These drivers should park out on the street to wipe down the windows, etc. Drivers assigned to park at the garage facility may park in the assigned stall.
C. ACCIDENTS IN THE WASH RACK If any damage to the bus or any incident of any kind occurs while entering, going through, or exiting the wash rack, drivers must call Bus Operations Dispatch and report the accident. When the damage requires repairs before leaving the garage facility, the driver shall write the accident identification number, (log number) on the VCR submitted for the repair. Failure to do this may result in disciplinary action.
(I.) ACCIDENTS FROM STEERING IN THE WASH RACK A severe accident can result with even the slightest turn of the wheels while a bus is in the wash rack. The floor of the wash rack is covered with a skid pan of stainless plates which were designed to prevent a bus from gaining enough traction to climb over and become lodged on the side rails of the wash rack. Such plates are very slippery.
If the driver turns the wheels, the steering may not respond until the front of the bus begins to exit from the rack, at which point, the bus could move suddenly and collide with the brushes or other supporting structures. Drivers can avoid such accidents by simply not steering while in the rack.
In addition, if a driver turns the wheels, the bus may slip to one side. Consequently, damage could result from too much pressure against parts of the wash rack. If a bus slips while rolling, the rear dual tires may roll up over the side rails. The rear dual tires may then become stuck on the rails. Again, drivers can avoid such accidents by simply not steering while in the rack. Any
60 resulting accidents caused by drivers steering in the wash rack will be deemed preventable.
(II.) ACCIDENTS FROM STOPPING IN THE WASH RACK When a bus stops in the wash rack or goes excessively slow, the spinning brushes put too much pressure on parts of the bus, such as mirrors, windows, warning light hoods, and lenses. Consequently, windows may pop, lenses may fly off, hood may bend, and mirrors may crack. No driver should ever stop in the wash rack. Drivers can avoid these types of damages described. Such accidents will be deemed preventable.
10. MAXIMUM SPEED ON DISTRICT PROPERTY Board of Education Rule 1287 (maximum speed on District property) applies to all persons operating vehicles on District property. This Board Rule limits the maximum speed at all sites to eight (8) mph for all vehicles. District sites include, but are not limited to, parking locations, service roads, school parking lots, parking and service facilities, and school grounds. This rule applies to all vehicles, including employees’ personal vehicles, and all District owned vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks and buses.
11. GARDENA BUS LOT All District vehicles en-route to the Gardena lot facility via the southbound Harbor Freeway (110 Freeway), are to use the 190th St. exit. Exiting Artesia Boulevard to access southbound Vermont Avenue is prohibited.
Drivers operating a bus in District service shall not cross the private parking lot (rideshare) at 182nd St. and Hoover St. This area can be used for training and temporary parking while reporting to your Area Bus Supervisor. It shall not be used for midday parking. Do not cross the bridge between the lot and Vermont Av. in a bus at anytime.
61 Section V
Part 3 BUS ASSIGNMENTS
1. SPARE BUS PROCEDURE Every driver must follow District procedures regarding use of spare and loaner buses.
A. OBTAINING A SPARE OR LOANER BUS When an employee needs another bus, he/she must see the on-site Bus Dispatcher who will assign a loaner or spare bus. When no on-site Cover ABS/AABS is on duty, the employee must call Bus Operations Dispatch at (323) 342-1460 or 1-(800) 522-8737 (LA-BUSES). Drivers shall not take any spare or loaner bus without authorization from a Bus Dispatcher or Cover ABS/AABS. No person other than a Bus Dispatcher or Cover ABS/AABS has the authority to assign buses. Drivers shall record the name of the Bus Dispatcher or Cover ABS/AABS who makes the spare or loaner bus assignment onto their DBRs.
B. MULTIPLE BUS ASSIGNMENTS If a driver discovers that the assigned spare or loaner bus is unsafe or otherwise unusable, he/she must contact the on-site Cover ABS/AABS or Bus Operations Dispatch for reassignment. The driver must submit a VCR for the condition of the unusable spare or loaner to the garage and on-site Cover ABS/AABS, before reassignment. Without the VCR, the garage will not know to repair it. Whenever the route or trip will be delayed by 15 minutes or more, the driver must contact Bus Operations Dispatch.
C. DAILY INSPECTION OF SPARE OR LOANER Each driver shall complete a proper inspection of the vehicle to uncover any safety defects or other conditions requiring repairs [13CCR 1215]. A driver must also provide a clean environment for all passengers, regardless of the level of cleanliness found in the spare or loaner. No driver shall drive an unsafe bus.
D. CONDITION OF SPARE OR LOANER The on-site Cover ABS/AABS supervises the condition of spare and long-term loaner buses at the location. Area Bus Supervisors monitor the condition of the buses assigned to their drivers. All drivers shall keep their assigned buses in a condition of readiness for use.
(I.) NEEDS ENGINE FLUIDS, REPAIR, CLEANING When a driver receives an assignment of a spare or loaner bus, and that bus needs fuel, oil, repair, cleaning, etc., the driver shall report this condition to
62 the on-site Cover ABS/AABS or a supervisor after the morning route. If possible, the driver should ask a supervisor assigned to morning duty on the bus lot to verify the condition of the bus. The driver shall not drive the bus until it is in safe condition required to transport students. The driver must follow all procedures required with respect to these conditions.
(II.) FOUND DAMAGE If a driver finds damage on a spare or loaner bus or any other assigned bus, the driver must immediately notify Bus Operations Dispatch. Procedures for accidents, breakdowns, and other interruptions of service are covered in Section XII.
E. RETURNING A BUS When returning a spare of loaner bus, every driver must always:
(I.) Fuel the bus, regardless of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. (II.) Park the bus in its assigned stall. (III.) Sweep and clean the bus. (IV.) Close all windows and hatches. (V.) Place the key on or under the third left seat. (VI.) Pin the emergency exits and lock the entrance door with the padlock. (VII.) Turn in the Vehicle Condition Report for any needed repairs to the garage and submit the CHP-BIT VCR to Dispatch. (VIII.) SPARES - either call Bus Operations Dispatch or personally return the bus to the on-site Cover ABS/AABS before signing off. (IX.) LOANERS – drivers are not required to call Bus Operations Dispatch or see an on site Cover ABS/AABS to return a loaner bus. Loaner buses are assigned for a maximum of one day only. If, on the next workday, the driver still needs another bus, he/she must either call Bus Operations Dispatch or see the on-site Cover ABS/AABS.
63 Section V
Part 4 ROUTES, STOPS, & SCHEDULES
1. ROUTES & SCHEDULES Every bus driver must follow the schedule and routing exactly as shown on the route sheet. Except for an emergency, a driver shall not deviate from the assigned route, leave bus stops early, or make routing or time changes without prior approval from the supervisor.
When a driver discovers an error on the route sheet, he/she must discuss it with the Area Bus Supervisor as soon as possible for corrections. Such errors include, but are not limited to those affecting time or mileage and incorrect or missed turns or street names. If a driver believes that a time or routing change would improve service, the driver should discuss this with the Area Bus Supervisor.
2. ROUTE REVISIONS When the Division needs to adjust bus stop locations or times for students, the supervisor and driver must give advance notice to parents and students. The advance notice must be written and delivered at least 48 hours in advance of the starting date and time (form 78.232 – Change in Student’s Bus Pickup time and/or Location). In an emergency situation, the Division may authorize the supervisor to reduce the advance notice to 24 hours. However, the supervisor must still put the notice in writing and telephone the parents. The Division requires direct written notice to parents. The Division will not accept as official notification any verbal notice given by a driver to parents or students.
3. DESIGNATED BUS STOPS The Area Bus Supervisor works with a Transportation Planner to designated school bus stops. District policy requires bus drivers to stop only at the designated school bus stops listed on their assigned route sheets. Therefore, drivers shall stop only at the stops authorized specifically for the trip.
A. PARENT REQUESTS FOR CHANGES If a parent requests a driver to change a bus stop location, the driver shall politely inform the parent he/she cannot change the stop, and then refer the parent to the Area Bus Supervisor. The driver should not state an opinion whether the change is possible.
64 B. EMERGENCIES & SAFETY ISSUES Emergencies may require a driver to deviate from the assigned route. When this happens, a driver must immediately notify Bus Operations Dispatch for instructions. The driver must prepare to accurately describe the emergency or unsafe condition and offer suggestions. Each driver must follow instructions from Division supervisors and Bus Operations Dispatch. If the emergency or unsafe condition is likely to continue, the driver must contact the supervisor for the route as soon as possible after completing the assignment.
4. DESIGNATED BUS STOPS AT A SCHOOL By law, drivers must operate the School Bus Warning Lights for all students who are boarding or exiting the bus and for all students who must cross any street upon which the bus is stopped [VC 22112]. California law also requires the driver of a school bus to escort students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades one through eight whenever they cross the roadway on which the bus is stopped [VC 22112]. District policy extends a driver’s responsibility for escorting students who cross the roadway up to and including all high school students (see School Bus Warning Lights).
BUS STOPS The following rules apply to bus stops used in the District:
A. DESIGNATED STOPS To ensure safety, no student may be discharged from the bus at other than the designated stop. The California [VC 22112] states:
The driver shall stop to load or unload students only at a school bus stop designated for students by the school district superintendent or authorized by the superintendent for school activity trips.
B. PROHIBITED STOPS 13 CCR 1238 prohibits school bus stops in the following places:
1. Closer than 200 feet to the nearest rail of any railroad grade crossing or grade except at railroad stations or on highways that parallel the railroad tracks. 2. On the left side of any highway. 3. On divided or multiple-lane highways where pupils must cross the highway to board or after leaving the bus, unless traffic is controlled by a traffic officer or official traffic control signal.
C. APPROVED STOPS Unless approved by the California Highway Patrol, a school bus stop shall not be designated at the following locations:
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1. Upon the main traveled portion of a highway where there is not a clear view of the stop from 500 ft. in each direction along the highway and the speed limit is more than 25mph (13 CCR 1238]. 2. On a highway, pursuant to California [VC 22504].
D. DISTRICT GUIDELINES FOR STOPS The District has developed additional guidelines for school bus stops:
1. Students will be picked up at and delivered to their authorized location only. The District may designate the specific or alternate pick-up or delivery location for safety reasons. Stops and student addresses must be within District boundaries. 2. Due to the large number of students transported, we are unable to change an address temporarily for parents who wish to take vacations or plan to be away short periods of time during the school year. 3. A student will be picked up dropped off at the same address every day; morning and afternoon addresses may be different, but are to be consistent each day; e.g., a student cannot be dropped off at one address Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and a different address Tuesday and Thursday. 4. Students will be picked up and delivered at a point no further from the edge of the street than the curb line. 5. Buses will not enter private property without a permit authorized by the Safety Section of the Transportation Services Division. For additional information, contact the Area Bus Supervisor.
E. DANGEROUS LOCATIONS Transportation will not be provided to locations on streets that have been identified by Division staff as too dangerous for school buses to use. For example; Baxter St. between Allesandro St. and Echo Park Avenue near Elysian Heights ES and Clifford ES. No bus shall use Baxter St. in this area.
Route sheets may be marked “No heavy buses” or “41 passenger or less bus only” or with other safety instructions. See the Forms, Charts & Tables section for a list of Streets to Avoid.
F. RED CURB ZONES Parking regulations may be indicated by the use of painted curbs. The color red means “no stopping, standing, or parking”, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. However, a bus may stop in a red zone marked or sign posted as a bus loading zone [VC 21458].
66 5. DOUBLE PARKING Although California law permits school buses to double park to load or unload on streets where the speed limit is not higher than 25 mph [VC 22500 (h)], drivers in District service should avoid doing so whenever possible. If a special education bus stop is placed on a street with a speed limit higher than 25 mph, the driver must park the bus at the curb to load or unload. If this cannot be done, the driver shall notify dispatch for instructions and consult with the Area Bus Supervisor of the route concerning the stop location.
67 Section V
Part 5 PASSENGERS, PASSES, ROSTERS
1. STUDENTS ROSTERS Each driver and the Area Bus Supervisor share responsibility for maintaining an accurate roster of students eligible to ride the bus. A driver shall have 3 copies of the printed roster on the assigned bus at all times while transporting students on the assigned route.
A. UPDATING ROSTERS Drivers must correct their rosters daily, if necessary, to assure accuracy. Drivers shall not delay scheduled trips or routes in order to update rosters. Drivers shall make corrections directly on their rosters or attached pages. If a printed roster is unavailable, the driver and/or the Area Bus Supervisor shall manually prepare a roster.
B. LOCATION OF ROSTER Drivers shall maintain student rosters behind the bus rules (Safety First) sign or stop sign holder packet. In an emergency, a driver will use the roster to assist Bus Operations Dispatch or school authorities. During emergencies, District officials may need to know student home telephone numbers and addresses.
C. STUDENTS NOT ON ROSTER If a student who is not listed on the roster appears at a bus stop wanting transportation, the driver shall transport the student to school. Upon arriving at school, the driver shall escort that student to the school office and report the situation.
2. STUDENTS NOT ON ROSTER Drivers shall not permit any student to exit the bus except at the student’s designated bus stop.
A. PRE-APPROVED NONRECURRING EMERGENCY In a nonrecurring emergency situation, a driver may receive written authorization from the school principal for a specific student to travel on the bus to a specific school bus stop. In such cases, this pre-authorized stop must be designated on the existing route sheet. The District does not include such activities as music lessons, scout meetings, etc., within the definition of emergency for this rule.
68 A student may approach a driver with a handwritten note from a parent. The driver shall escort the student to the school office to see the school principal with the note. Without the principal’s authorization, the driver shall not honor the handwritten request. The school principal will investigate the matter before either approving or disapproving the request which must indicate an existing stop on the route. If the principal approves the request, he/she will complete and sign a “Request For Special Transportation By School Bus” (form 78.226) and give a copy to the student. When the student returns to the bus for the return trip, he/she must present it to the bus driver. The driver shall then permit the student to exit at that stop. In some cases, the emergency may include the same change for the next morning.
3. NEW STUDENTS On the first day of the school year or session, each driver shall determine which of the students waiting at each designated stop are going to the school(s) on his/her route. Many different routes may use the same stop. Some students may be waiting for another bus. Later in the school year, newly enrolled students may appear at designated stops. The driver must determine what school the student will attend. If the student’s school is on the route, the driver shall transport the student to school. Upon arrival, the driver shall escort the student into the main school office.
New students are frequently taken to school in the morning by the parents, with the result that they first ride on a bus in the afternoon. The driver must determine the proper bus stops for any new student before leaving the school. When seeing a new student in the afternoon, a driver must ensure that the student is on the correct bus, knows his/her stop, and understands the rules. It is recommended that drivers seat new students near the front in order to monitor their well-being and to ensure that they exit at the correct stops.
New students coming to us from other states with different procedures for crossing the street and riding the bus will need instruction.
For younger students and students with disabilities (special education), drivers have increased responsibility. The District must ensure that every student is delivered to the correct designated stop. If, for any reason, a driver is not sure about a designated stop, the driver must immediately contact the Area Bus Supervisor or Bus Operations Dispatch.
4. BUS PASSES In fairness to bus riders, it is necessary to have a policy on bus passes which will be applied equally in all areas and by all drivers. If a school or Area Bus Supervisor wishes to follow a practice differing from this standard policy, it must be approved in advance and drivers will be furnished a written memo outlining what that policy is to be.
69 A. BUS PASS PROCEDURE: When bus passes are required, the bus driver shall require each student to present his/her bus pass for both a.m. and p.m. trips. A driver shall not leave any student at a bus stop without the authorization of the Area Bus Supervisor or Bus Operations Dispatch. (I.) STUDENTS WITHOUT PASSES When a student comes to the bus without his/her bus pass, the driver shall exercise one of the following options, if applicable:
(a.) HANDWRITTEN NOTE A student may carry a note from the school or parent and use it as a pass for three days. During this time, the driver shall instruct the student to get a regular pass. (b.) BORROWED BUS PASSES Students are not allowed to lend their own or borrow another’s bus pass. Such conduct may result in a suspension of transportation. Drivers shall confer with the Area Bus Supervisor and the school principal in these matters. (c.) NEW STUDENTS Drivers shall explain the procedure for obtaining and using a bus pass to new students. New students should be allowed a reasonable amount of time to obtain bus passes, not to exceed two (2) weeks. (d.) LEAVING STUDENTS AT A STOP Drivers shall not leave any student behind at any morning bus stop unless either the Area Bus Supervisor or school principal has previously notified the parents the student may not ride the bus. When bus passes are required, a driver shall transport any student assigned to the route who appears at the bus stop without a pass. The driver shall escort such students to the principal’s office. The principal or Area Bus Supervisor shall notify a student’s parents, when denying or suspending the student’s transportation.
5. LEAVING STUDENTS UNATTENDED A driver shall never leave students unattended on board a school bus, except that for an emergency (or when escorting students across the street), a bus driver shall maintain visual contact with the students aboard his/her bus at all times. Bus drivers shall use the procedure in item 6 below to protect the children they transport.
6. CHECK THE BUS FOR STUDENTS When students are finished unloading from a school bus, the driver shall physically walk through and check the entire length of the bus for remaining students. Before leaving the
70 location, the driver shall look in and below each individual seat to ensure safe delivery of all students.
7. PARENT RIDING THE BUS On occasion a parent may be granted permission to ride the bus to and from school with the student. This sometimes occurs when a student and parent must attend a conference with school authorities and the Area Bus Supervisor. Before the parent can be transported, the school principal must authorize the transportation by completing a “Request for Special Transportation by School Bus” form (form 78.226). The parent must present this form to the driver in order to board the bus.
71 Section V
Part 6 SAFETY
1. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY The District holds each bus driver responsible for the safety and well being of the students assigned to his/her route. Drivers are responsible for the safety of their students, as well as for the safety of other students whom they may incidentally encounter during the day.
2. STUDENT COUNTS ON BUSES Drivers shall count all passengers as they board. At all times, a driver must know how many students he/she has aboard and be able to account for every student. In an emergency, a driver should not have to delay relaying information to dispatch by having to count passengers. After a bus evacuation, without an accurate passenger count the driver cannot accurately account for every student. Drivers must report accurate passenger counts daily on their Daily Bus Reports and on any report for an accident or incident.
3. BUS STOP SAFETY Transportation Services Division personnel have made every effort to establish bus stops in safe locations. Drivers participate by observing all bus stops, monitoring conditions for safety and changes, and verifying that stops meet legal requirements. Drivers must work with Area Bus Supervisors to make necessary corrections.
When a driver discovers a hazard that may be dangerous to students at a bus stop, the driver must notify the Area Bus Supervisor. Drivers must communicate and not permit hazardous situations to continue. However, drivers shall not change any bus stop without authorization from the Area Bus Supervisor.
A. THE DANGER ZONE At a bus stop, the school bus is always in the Danger Zone. Positioning and safe movements are important keys to avoiding accidents. Drivers must always stop their buses a safe distance from any objects of potential danger to students or bus movement.
B. STOP LOCATION AND HAZARDS Every effort has been made to establish bus stops in the safest available locations. Observe all bus stops on your route to make sure they have been placed in the safest possible locations and that the stop meets legal requirements. All route sheets should be updated promptly with your Area Bus Supervisor to indicate correct
72 bus stop locations. If a situation should develop which, in your opinion makes a particular bus stop hazardous for the students, contact your Area Bus Supervisor so that corrective action may be taken. You may not change any bus stop without prior authorization from your Area Bus Supervisor. All stops should be made a safe distance from any obstructions, which could interfere with safe loading or unloading. Watch for trees or poles that may be close to the curb line.
Guide wires that brace power lines are a particular hazard because they are sometimes hard to see. Watch for holes or water puddles that might make a stop unsafe. Stop the bus as close to the curb as practicable. If the stop cannot be made within a safe straddling distance from the curb, stop far enough from the curb so that passengers must step down to the street and then into the bus. Some students may require the driver’s assistance. Do not allow students to jump from the curb to the step or jump from the step to the curb.
In places where parked cars or other obstructions make it impossible to stop parallel and adjacent to the curb, the driver should stop the bus as far to the right as possible, keeping the bus parallel to the edge of the road of travel. This does not block any more of the road than stopping the bus with the front angled inward; it allows full use of the mirrors for observing traffic approaching from the rear.
C. MIRROR USE Use extreme caution when approaching and leaving bus stops and school loading zones. When students are near, do not move the bus until you can do so safely.
First check and recheck all mirrors and make certain that movement of the bus will not create hazards after stopping in a residential area.
D. SECURING THE BUS At all passenger stops, whether loading or unloading, and when the driver does not have to leave the seat, the bus will be secured by having the transmission in neutral, parking brake applied and the driver’s foot off the clutch. “Feet on the floor, open the door”. The driver should put the bus in gear and release the parking brake only after all passengers have boarded and are seated.
A driver may have to leave the driver’s seat at some stops. In such cases, the driver shall do all of the following when leaving the drivers compartment [13 CCR 1226]:
(I.) Curb the wheels for any grade of hill. (II.) Set the parking brake (III.) a. Place the shift lever of a standard transmission in either first or reverse gear, or
73 b. Place the shift lever of an automatic in “park” when equipped with a “park” position or place an automatic in neutral if not equipped with a park position. (IV.) Turn off the engine, and (V.) Remove the ignition key, and (VI.) Keep the key in his/her immediate possession (on his/her person).
The driver may need to give instructions to students who have previously boarded.
4. SAFE STUDENT LOADING California law holds drivers responsible for the safe and orderly manner in which the students board the bus. Different bus stops may require slight variations of procedure. Any variation must enhance safety. Drivers must discuss any variation with their supervisors. Every bus driver shall explain the procedure to the assigned students. Students learn and respond best when their assigned bus driver gives clear, positive directions in a caring manner. To promote safety, the drivers must develop professional relationships of trust with their students. Drivers must teach their students about the following:
A. EXPECTATIONS Drivers must tell students their expectations of how students should behave at bus stops. Generally, these expectations should match the District’s expectations for student behavior on school grounds. This means students should not litter the ground with papers, damage the shrubbery or property in the immediate area, or play upon or in dangerous areas, such as the street.
B. ARRIVING AND WAITING AT THE BUS STOP Every driver should remind students to arrive at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Drivers must continue to remind students to line up in a safe and orderly manner at least twelve feet from the point where the bus will stop. Most students will need the driver to show them where and how to do this. Without a demonstration, students may not understand what the driver means by twelve feet away. Each driver must tell the students they must stand still. No student should move toward the bus until the driver has opened the entry door. Students should have their bus passes ready (if required). Drivers may have to direct students to reform their pre-boarding line, in order to properly condition students to follow the procedure.
If students do not form a pre-boarding line as directed, a driver should not pull into the stop. Instead, the driver should stop the bus, get the students’ attention, and signal them to line up properly. Initial instructions to students should include how the driver will signal them to line up and wait. Where student behavior could result in the
74 bus striking a student, a driver must not pull into the bus stop. The driver must get control of the students first.
C. WAIT FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN Students shall wait in line until the bus has stopped completely and the door has opened. The open door is the signal that the driver is ready to receive students. The students should walk toward the bus in an orderly manner and board in single file. The driver should not permit shoving, scuffling, or rough-housing types of behavior during boarding or waiting to board the bus. Each student must keep one hand free to grasp the handrail during boarding or unloading. When required, students shall present their bus passes.
D. SEATING After boarding, the students must take their seats. If the driver has assigned seats, students should go to their assigned seats or sit as directed by the driver. When the seats are unassigned, students should find seats promptly after boarding, filling the front row seats first if a small group. Large groups should fill the rear seats first to simplify and speed boarding. Drivers should instruct students appropriately.
E. REMAINING SEATED While on the bus, students must remain seated, face the front of the bus, and keep their feet on the floor. Students may not save seats for others. No student shall change seats or stand up while the bus is in motion. Except to alert a driver of an emergency, students should not speak to the driver while the bus is in motion.
F. WINDOWS Unless directed by the bus driver, students shall not open or close windows or emergency exits.
G. BOARDING AT ASSIGNED STOPS Students should board the bus at their assigned stops. Drivers shall warn students who disregard this instruction. When a student continues to board at the wrong stop, the driver shall discuss the situation with the Area Bus Supervisor.
5. DRIVERS TO INSTRUCT STUDENTS Safe and efficient operations of school transportation system require the cooperation of the students with the driver. Drivers must teach their passengers about their responsibilities. Drivers are required to begin each school year or special session by giving their students instructions about the bus rules (Safety First sign). Drivers should inform their passengers upon arrival at school, or sooner in some cases, what type of behavior they expect. The students do not automatically know what a driver expects of them on a school bus. Upon arrival at school during the first week, the driver should read
75 and explain the bus rules to them, making sure that the students clearly understand what is acceptable behavior on a school bus. If necessary, the driver should repeat this procedure each day of the first week of school. As new students begin to ride the bus, drivers must also help them learn the bus rules and what is expected.
6. SAFE STUDENT UNLOADING The District also places a high priority on the safe unloading of students. Experience shows that students and drivers are exposed to many hazards where students unload. Therefore, drivers and students must use procedures designed to prevent accidents. Drivers must implement and enforce procedures for the safety of the students.
The following steps have been established to ensure safety. Keep these guidelines in mind and use the procedure for rotational unloading described below. Drivers are required to teach and enforce rotational unloading when unloading at all destinations.
A. WHO UNLOADS FIRST When unloading, students shall remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver opens the door. Students occupying aisle seats shall rise and move out of the way when students seated in window seats have to leave the bus first.
B. FACING FORWARD Students must face forward when leaving the bus and not turn around to converse with friends. Students should keep one hand free with which to grasp the handrail. Jumping or skipping steps is dangerous and prohibited. Drivers must check for items or articles of clothing, which may become caught on the handrail, door, or objects near the doorway.
7. ROTATIONAL UNLOADING Federal and state regulations require that all students transported from home to school on school buses participate in emergency evacuation drills. The key to any type of evacuation must be an orderly exit from the bus by following a pre-planned method.
All passengers must always follow the standard procedure for exiting the bus through the entrance door. In an emergency, students must be prepared to follow instructions to exit with a minimum of confusion and delay. District policy requires all drivers to establish and use the following unloading procedure daily. With this method, students can exit in the least time with the greatest safety. During routine unloading, the driver teaches the procedure as follows:
76 A. DRIVER’S POSITION For routine unloading at schools or activity destinations, the driver shall stand adjacent to the driver’s seat and face the students, or stand at the bus door assisting students. We do not suggest that drivers exit the bus and stand at bus stops en- route, except as necessary to assist Special Education students. Unless escorting or assisting students, the driver should remain in the driver’s seat at bus stops during morning loading.
B. WHEN TO STAND The driver shall instruct students to remain seated until directed to stand or the door is open.
C. RIGHT FRONT SEAT FIRST Upon the direction of the driver, the passenger in the right front seat will stand and leave the bus. As soon as the passengers from the right seat have cleared the aisle, passengers from the left front seat will stand and leave directly behind them.
D. ALTERNATING SIDES Continue unloading by alternating right and left sides until all students have exited the bus.
E. CHECK BUS WHEN EMPTY After all students are off the bus, the driver shall check the bus for damage, lost articles, remaining students, etc.
F. FOR ACTIVITY TRIPS Drivers are required to teach and enforce unloading procedures to all students and teachers on activity trips.
DRIVERS SHALL ENFORCE THIS UNLOADING PRODEDURE DAILY
8. SAFE DELIVERY OF STUDENTS When delivering students to the home-to school bus stop location, drivers must ensure the safe delivery of each student. Therefore, drivers shall notify or cause to be notified Bus Operations Dispatch when any unsafe condition(s) is (are) present. The following are examples of unsafe conditions:
1. Isolated location for time of delivery 2. Suspicious individual present at stop location 3. Construction impairing delivery 4. Law enforcement activity 5. Parents not present at late night-drop-off
77 6. Age of student for time and location of delivery 7. Parents not present contrary to information provided by student 8. Student communicates a safety concern 9. Severe weather conditions impairing students ability to get home
Adherence to these provisions is intended to assure District Administration, students and their parents that all students will be delivered safely to their designated stops.
78 Section V
Part 7 SCHOOL BUS WARNING LIGHTS
1. USE OF SCHOOL BUS WARNING LIGHTS The District implemented this policy on January 1, 1998 (amended October 1999), seeking to place the safety of children at highest priority. For the different loading and unloading situations faced by drivers, the following subsections highlight key points of the policy.
• District Policy requires each driver to inquire whether any student must cross the street, at each bus stop. • District Policy requires drivers to escort all students, at all grade levels, who must cross the street, except at places controlled by Official Traffic Control Signals.
A. ESCORTING AT NON-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS Drivers shall escort all students, in grades pre-kindergarten through grade 12, at all intersections and places or sites where traffic is not controlled by an Official Traffic Control Signal or a Traffic Officer. Drivers shall escort all students who must cross the street after exiting the bus.
The intersection or place is considered controlled by the traffic signal only if the traffic signal is operating through the green, amber, and red phases, or if a Traffic Officer is directing the flow of traffic and pedestrians. When the traffic light is inoperative, a driver shall consider the intersection or place to be non-controlled, unless a Traffic Officer is controlling traffic. Crossing guards are not Traffic Officers and do not direct traffic. Temporary stop signs placed at some intersections when the traffic signal is not working do not constitute a controlled intersection for compliance with [VC 22112]. Drivers must still escort all students when crossing guards are present or the signal has been replaced with a stop sign(s).
B. SCHOOL SITE PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF BUS STOPS Drivers, upon approach, shall not activate the flashing red signal system at school bus loading zones on or adjacent to school grounds, unless a student must cross the highway or private road upon which the bus is stopped. The subsection applies at all loading and unloading zones on or adjacent to schools (both a.m. and p.m.). When student(s) must cross the roadway, the driver shall then, upon approach, activate the amber warning signal lights (if the bus is so equipped) 200 feet prior to the stop. The driver shall then secure the bus, activate the red flashing lights system, open the door, load or unload students, and escort all students who must cross the street. Drivers shall use handheld stop signs whenever escorting students across the street. 79
C. OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS Drivers are required to use the red flashing lights at intersections controlled by Official Traffic Control Signals. Drivers need not escort students where traffic is controlled by an Official Traffic Control Signal or a Traffic Officer.
When stopping to load or unload where an Official Traffic light is working or a Traffic Officer is directing traffic, the driver shall, upon approach, activate the amber warning signal lights (If the bus is so equipped) 200 feet prior to the stop. The driver will secure the bus, activate the red flashing light system, open the door, and load or unload the students.
Sometimes a traffic signal is not working when the bus arrives and the stop is designated on a divided highway of multilane roadway. If students normally cross the roadway at this light, drivers shall notify Dispatch of the situation and communicate their intention to reroute to the opposite side for the safety of the students and compliance with regulations.
D. NON-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS Upon approach, drivers shall activate the amber warning lights (if the bus is so equipped) 200 feet before stopping. Drivers shall secure the bus, activate the red flashing lights systems, open the door, load or unload students, and escort all students who must cross the street.
E. HOME SITES Upon approach, drivers shall activate the amber warning lights (if the bus is so equipped) 200 feet before stopping if the student does not require assistance. Drivers shall secure the bus, activate the red flashing lights system, open the door, load or unload ambulatory students. While loading students who require assistance to load or disembark, the red flashing lights will not be activated. Students who require assistance include those using wheelchairs, braces, crutches or walkers, those who must be carried onto the bus, and those who ride on the elevator or require the support of another person to walk.
F. EXTRA ACTIVITY ACTIVITIES Only when students cross the roadway, the driver shall, upon approach, activate the amber warning lights (if the bus is so equipped) 200 feet before stopping. The drivers shall then secure the bus, activate the red flashing lights system, open the door, load or unload ambulatory students, and escort all students who must cross the roadway. The driver is only required to use the flashing red signal system when a student must cross the highway or private road upon which the school bus is
80 parked. For students who are confined to wheelchairs, see instructions in subsection “E” above.
G. DISABLED SCHOOL BUS When a bus becomes disabled (breakdown), the driver shall not activate the red flashing light system while transferring students to another vehicle. NOTE: Students shall not be transferred to a vehicle parked on the opposite side of the street.
2. RED LIGHT CROSSINGS The District has developed the following provisions for the use of the red flashing lights of a school bus for “Special Education Transportation”:
A. SCHOOL SITE BUS STOPS When the bus stop for students with disabilities is designated at a school site, the driver shall escort all students with disabilities who must cross the roadway. Remember, escort means going into the street with the student who must cross and activating the school bus warning lights. We often refer to bus stops at school sites as “School-to School Transportation”.
B. STOPS ON ONE-WAY STREETS When the student receiving home-to-school transportation lives on the left side of a one-way street, the supervisor may designate the stop at the nearest corner after consulting with the District Driver Trainer, Planner and the Regional Transportation Manager. On some one-way streets where the student’s walking distance to the corner is too far, the Regional Transportation Manager and Planner may authorize the Area Bus Supervisor to designate the bus stop as an escorted stop. After the supervisor has received authorization for the escorted stop, the driver shall escort any student with disabilities who must cross the street using the proper procedures.
C. DRIVER COMPLIANCE Drivers must comply with District policy and [VC 22112]. District policy requires the drivers of Special Education routes (or transporting students with disabilities) to comply with all state laws and regulations and District policies governing student escort and use of lights.
3. THE DANGER ZONE For years, safety officials have named school bus stops “The Danger Zone” with good cause. Wherever the bus stops to load or unload students, the bus and students are in “The Danger Zone”. If anyone fails to follow procedures, the potential for injury or death of any student in a loading or unloading zone increases significantly. Drivers who follow procedures, obey the law, and use good judgment contribute to the safety of students.
81 Other supportive practices include enforcing safe riding procedures, effective communication, and anticipating the misbehavior of others.
82 Section V
Part 8 RELATIONSHIPS & BEHAVIORS
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS Drivers must establish and maintain professional relationships with the students they transport. Drivers must avoid any act that might cause a reasonable person to be concerned or suspicious regarding their relationships with any student, whether or not the student rides their buses. The District holds all drivers responsible for any deviation from this policy. Drivers must observe the following specific rules carefully.
A. OVER-FAMILIARITY Drivers shall neither develop overly familiar relationships with any student nor allow students to become overly friendly or familiar with them.
B. BUS DRIVER’S NAME Students must address bus drivers using the proper title, such as Mr., Miss, Mrs., or Ms. To assist students in following this rule, drivers must set good examples. When any student is present, drivers shall not address any other driver by using his/her first name or nickname.
C. PERSONAL DISCUSSIONS OR MATTERS Drivers shall not discuss any of the following with students; e.g., personal matters, other drivers or District employees.
D. STUDENTS’ NAMES Drivers shall never refer to or address students using derogatory terms such as dumb or stupid, and drivers shall always avoid saying anything to embarrass students in front of other students. Drivers shall be polite, considerate, and firm. Drivers shall never address any student with a pet name such as baby, sweetheart, dear, sugar, red, etc.
E. UNNECESSARY TOUCHING OF STUDENTS Drivers shall avoid unnecessary touching of students. Drivers shall never touch students in ways that a reasonable person might misinterpret. In situations where drivers must touch students, drivers must use acceptable practices and procedures. Examples of necessary touching include:
(I.) Using an arm to block a student’s exit if necessary for safety. (II.) Carrying a disabled student during boarding or unloading of the bus, assisting a physically disabled student while boarding, unloading, getting seated or
83 unseated, or in securing a student with a lap restraint or other restraining device. (III.) Communicating appropriately with a student who is both blind and deaf. (IV.) Restraining students who are engaged in harming themselves or others. (V.) Rendering appropriate first aid to any injured or ill student.
Drivers must remember to handle all lift cases in a manner entirely unobjectionable to the student, the parent, and the public. This includes avoiding placing either hand upon any part of the student’s body that is inappropriate and/or may lead to misinterpretation. When lifting, drivers shall not cuddle or hold a student in his/her arms any longer than necessary. When drivers are not sure of the acceptable procedure the drivers shall discuss the matter with the Area Bus Supervisor, school administrator or school nurse, and/or the Driver Trainer.
F. PROHIBITED TOUCHING OF STUDENTS Drivers shall not touch students in a manner which conveys an emotional or sexual message or punishes a student. Prohibited touching includes hugging, caressing, patting, kissing, sexually suggestive touching, and any touching that may involve emotional content or might by misinterpreted. Drivers shall not touch students or permit students to touch them in prohibited or unacceptable ways. Unacceptable touching also includes any behavior that may be considered punishment. Drivers shall not inflict corporal punishment on any school students. Drivers must avoid any behavior, including touching, that constitutes corporal punishment.
G. SUGGESTIVE REMARKS BY STUDENTS If any student makes any suggestive remark or tries to become too familiar with a driver, the driver shall immediately report it to the student’s school principal and to the Area Bus Supervisor. The driver should also make a note in a journal of the date, time, location, student’s name, and to whom he/she reported the situation. If possible, the driver should have the person to whom he/she reported the situation initial the journal entry.
H. VISITING STUDENTS PROHIBITED Drivers shall not visit any student’s home nor allow students to visit in their own homes. Drivers shall not make or attempt to make any appointment with any student outside of school hours. Drivers shall not call students at their homes and drivers shall not permit students to call them.
I. GIFTS OR GRATUTIES Drivers shall not give gifts of any kind to students or parents. Drivers shall not accept any gift from any student or parent. Drivers should graciously decline a gift or suggest that the gift be donated to the student’s school or class.
84 J. STUDENTS’ POSSESSIONS Drivers shall load items like lunch boxes, canes, crutches, etc. in locations where they will not become hazardous to passengers.
K. PROHIBITED OBJECTS Students shall not bring large packages, sharp-pointed articles, skateboards, glass jars or bottles, or anything else that might harm someone inside the bus.
L. BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS At no time shall drivers engage in any business transaction with any student or parent.
M. ACCIDENTAL MEETINGS As members of the community, drivers may encounter students or parents when shopping, visiting a doctor’s office or other activities not related to work. The District expects all drivers to handle these accidental encounters in a professional and polite manner.
2. RESPECTFUL TREATMENT OF ALL PERSONS Drivers shall comply with the Board of Education Resolution passed unanimously on October 10, 1988. The resolution requires all persons in the District to “treat all persons equally and respectfully and refrain from the willful or negligent use of slurs against any person on the basis of race, language spoken, color, sex, religion, handicap, national origin, immigration status, age, sexual orientation, or political belief”.
3. AVOIDING PREJUDICE & DISCRIMINATION The Los Angeles Unified School District holds all employees responsible to avoid prejudice and discrimination. Bus driver shall abide by the requirements of Bulletin No. 3, issued on May 3, 1997, by the Office of the Counsel General. This policy states:
“All employees will so conduct themselves in the course of their employment by work, gesture, act, and demeanor so as to assure that all others will be accorded just and equitable consideration, regard and treatment. Prejudice or unlawful discrimination in any form is deemed to be unethical, as well as illegal, and will not be tolerated. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action”.
4. NEPOTISM The District policy on nepotism (Personnel Commission Rule 702) requires employees to endeavor to avoid assignment in work situations with close relatives or co-habitants where conflicts of interest could arise. A driver must not bid or work on a route where he/she is a relative of or living in the same household with his/her immediate supervisor. Drivers should not work in areas where they have any relative or household member
85 already assigned. Upon assignment, a driver shall complete and submit form 78.243 (Confidential Bus Driver Employment Information).
5. CODE OF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS The most important responsibility of the Los Angeles Unified School District (District) is the safety of our students. All employees, as well as individuals who work with or have contact with students, are reminded that they must be mindful of the fine line drawn between being sensitive to and supportive of students and a possible or perceived breach of responsible, ethical behavior.
While the District encourages the cultivation of positive relationships with students, employees and all individuals who work with or have contact with students are expected to use good judgment and are cautioned to avoid situations including, but not limited to the following:
A. Meeting individually with a student behind closed doors, regardless of gender.
B. Remaining on campus with student(s) after the last administrator leaves the school site. (There are exceptions, such as teachers rehearsing with students for a drama/music activity or coaching academic decathlon students, with approval of the site-administrator in advance).
C. Engaging in any behaviors, either directly or indirectly with a student(s) or in the presence of a student(s), that is unprofessional, unethical, illegal, immoral, or exploitative.
D. Giving student(s) gifts, rewards, or incentives that are not school-related and for which it is directly or implicitly suggested that s student(s) is (are) to say or do something in return.
E. Making statements or comments, either directly or in the presence of a student(s), which are not age-appropriate, professional, or which may be considered sexual in nature, harassing, or demeaning.
F. Touching or having physical contact with a student(s) that is not age-appropriate or within the scope of the employee’s or individual’s responsibilities and/or duties.
G. Transporting student(s) in a personal vehicle without proper written administrator and parent authorization forms on file in advance.
H. Taking or accompanying student(s) off campus for activities other that a District- approved school journey of field trip.
86
I. Meeting with or being in the company of student(s) off campus, except in school- authorized and/or approved activities.
J. Communicating with student(s), in writing, by phone, Email, electronically, via internet, or in person, at any time, for purposes that are not specifically school- related.
K. Calling student(s) at home or on their cell phone, except for specific school-related purposes and/or situations.
L. Providing student(s) with personal home/cell telephone, personal Email address, home address, or other personal contact information, except for specific school- related purposes and/or situations.
Even though the intent of the employee/individual may be purely professional, those who engage in any of the above behavior(s), either directly or indirectly with a student(s) or in the presence of a student(s), are subjecting themselves to all possible perceptions of impropriety. Employees/individuals are advised that, when allegations of inappropriate administrative and/or disciplinary action.
87 Section V
Part 9 ILLEGAL ACTS, REPORTING
1. ACTS OF VIOLENCE California Education Code 44014 (paraphrased) requires the following:
A. ATTACKS, ASSAULTS, THREATS Whenever any employee of a school district is attacked, assaulted, or physically threatened by any student, the employee and any person directing or supervising the employee who has knowledge of the incident shall promptly report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county or city in which the incident occurred. Failure to make the report is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) [E.C. 44014 (a)].
B. REQUIRED REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT Although the District may establish procedures relating to the reporting of such incidents, the victim (employee) and the supervisor or person otherwise directing the employee shall still make the report to the proper law enforcement agency [E.C. 44014 (b.)].
C. PROHIBITED ACTIONS Neither the school board nor any supervisor shall do either of the following:
(I.) IMPEDING A REPORT Directly or indirectly inhibit the employee(s) from making the report. An act to inhibit or impede an employee(s) from making such a report is an infraction and punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) [E.C. 44014 ©].
(II.) IMPOSING SANCTIONS Neither the school board nor any employee of the District shall impose any sanctions against an employee (victim) or supervisor for making the report required in A above [E.C. 44014 (d)].
D. DISTRICT REPORTS In order to comply with the intent of the applicable section of the California Education Code and California Penal Code. District drivers shall promptly report such threats, attacks, or assaults committed by students to the Area Bus Supervisor (or immediate supervisor) and Bus Operations Dispatch. In the case of violent acts in the workplace, the administrator shall complete District form PCWVA and mail copies to
88 the cluster or division administrator and the District’s Workplace Violence Prevention Review Committee. When the driver’s immediate supervisor is unavailable, the driver shall make this initial report to the Principal of the student’s school of attendance.
The driver and supervisor or principal shall include the following information in their reports:
(I.) Name and classification of person reporting. (II.) Name of school, place and time where incident occurred. (III.) Name, address and phone number of victim. (IV.) Name, address, age and other identifying information of suspect, if known. (V.) Information, if any, or prior problems with suspect. (VI.) Names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses, if any.
E. PENAL CODES INVOLVED The following Penal Code sections are included here for reference:
240 PC – An assault is an unlawful attempt coupled with a present ability to commit a violent injury on the person of another.
242 PC – A battery is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.
243.5 PC (paraphrased) – Permits a peace officer to arrest a person who has committed an assault or battery on school property during hours school activities are conducted, without a warrant. The peace officer need not have witnessed the assault or battery, but must have reasonable cause to believe that the person arrested committed the assault or battery.
243.6 PC (paraphrased) – Identifies as a felony any battery committed against a school employee engaged in the performance of his/her duties, or as retaliation for any act performed in the course of his/her duties, on or off campus, during the school day or any other time, and requires punishment by imprisonment and/or fines. A school employee is any person employed as a permanent or probationary certificated or classified employee of a school district on either a part-time or full-time basis.
245 PC (paraphrased) – Every person who commits an assault upon the person of another with any of the following means is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment and/or fines:
89 a. deadly weapon, or instrument, or by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. b. firearm, machine gun, semiautomatic firearm
245.5 PC (paraphrased) – The act of assaulting a school employee with any weapon listed in 245 or with a stun gun or taser is a felony if committed by a person who knows or reasonably should know he/she was assaulting a school employee. A school employee is any person employed as a permanent or probationary certificated or classified employee of a school district on either a part-time of full-time basis.
2. WEAPONS, PROHIBITED ITEMS At no time during assigned hours shall any District or contract bus driver carry either on his or her person or on the bus any weapon, knife, firearms of any kind, stun gun, taser gun, other capable of ejecting a projectile, or canister of pepper spray, mace, or other spray or chemical capable of injuring or disabling a person, however temporarily. No employee or driver shall carry any firearm on District property. A driver’s or an employee’s failure to comply with this policy will subject the driver or employee to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
If a driver suspects a student is carrying a weapon (concealed or otherwise on the bus, he/she should immediately notify Bus Operations Dispatch. The District radio call to use is “I have a 10-WILLIAM”. If the driver is at school, he/she shall notify the proper authorities (principal, School Police). The driver shall not search the student or any student’s possessions.
3. CHILD ABUSE REPORTING PROCEDURE All allegations of suspected child abuse must be reported to Bus Operations Dispatch, which in turn will contact the appropriate investigative agency immediately and/or Transportation Inspectors. This will remove the possibility of any incident not being appropriately reported or investigated. In addition to the above and as required by state law, mandated reporters (all District employees and contract bus drivers) must file reports within 36 hours of suspected child abuse/neglect with any child protective services agency.
Any person mandated by the Penal Code who fails to report any instance of abuse/neglect which he or she knows or reasonably suspects to exist can incur criminal, civil, and/or professional liability.
Dispatch will document which agency is contacted, as well as pertinent route and pupil information. Copies of this reporting will be sent to the Director/Deputy Director, RTM,
90 and Senior Human Resource Representative. Information regarding school personnel who may also be filing a report will be included.
If the investigative agency declines to take a report, or indicates an administrative investigation can be conducted, an internal investigation by Transportation Inspectors will be conducted. Bus Operations/Dispatch will notify the Transportation Services Manager or the Inspectors. The director/deputy director will advise on whether removing the driver from service is required. Authorization to remove and return the driver from service will be made by the Director or the Deputy Director. A completed investigative report will be sent to the Director/Deputy Director, RTM, and Senior Human Resource Representative at the conclusion of the investigation.
Child abuse reporting does not relieve the District of its responsibility to take administrative action to investigate and determine whether the action has taken place. Administrative action may include disciplinary action of our employee when appropriate.
For questions pertaining to the District’s Child Abuse Reporting Policy, please refer to Reference Guide No. L-2, dated January 31, 2003, and the District’s Child Abuse Reporting Policy, Bulletin No. 1347, Office of the General Counsel, dated November 15, 2004.
4. MISSING STUDENTS School bus drivers are included among those persons required by E.C. 49370 to report missing children to law enforcement, effective January 1, 2000 (Bulletin No. N-9, Dec. 8, 1999). District and contract drivers should make their reports to School Police. When reporting, drivers should obtain a report number for their records.
5. THEFTS Drivers should avoid thefts by taking personal articles of value and securing the bus, when leaving a bus unattended. Drivers should not leave valuables in any unattended bus. Whenever discovering any theft of personal or District property, the driver or employee shall report the theft in writing to the Area Bus Supervisor.
91 Section V
Part 10 DRIVER’S HOURS OF SERVICE & ASSIGNMENTS
1. HOURS OF SERVICE RULES California Regulations prohibit the following:
A. Drivers being on duty for more than 16 consecutive hours within a work period [13 CCR 1212.5].
B. Drivers driving more than a total of 10 hours since first reporting for duty [13 CCR 1212.5].
C. Drivers having less than 8 consecutive hours off duty before reporting back on duty for a new work period [13 CCR 1201].
D. Drivers driving after being on duty for 15 hours and encountering unforeseen adverse weather conditions that would cause the driver to exceed 10 hours of driving [13 CCR 1201 and 1212.5].
E. Drivers exceeding the maximum 10 hours of driving by more than 2 additional hours when encountering unforeseen and unknown adverse weather conditions [13CCR 1201 and 1212.5].
F. Drivers driving after accumulating 80 hours of on-duty status during any period of eight consecutive calendar days, regardless of the number of paid working hours [13CCR 1212.5].
2. COMPLIANCE WITH 16-HOUR LIMIT Drivers shall exercise good judgment to comply with the regulated maximum 16 hours on duty and 10 hours driving limits for the driver of a school bus. After first beginning work or duty status and having completed 10 hours driving time or 16 consecutive hours on duty, which ever occurs first, drivers shall not again drive a school bus until eight consecutive uninterrupted hours off duty have elapsed. No driver shall drive after reaching either limit. Drivers should remember that the 16-hour on-duty period is considered begun when the tach chart has been inserted, when the driver begins the pre-trip inspection, or begins any job duties, e.g, reporting to a supervisor for instruction, repairs, or a spare bus assignment [13 CCR 1212.5].
92 3. EFFECT OF MIDDAY SPLIT Midday spits of less than a full 8 hours will be counted as part of the total workday or work period, subject to the maximum of 16-hour work period [13 CCR 1201(bb)].
4. MULTIPLE EMPLOYERS District drivers who serve, work or drive for any other agency, employer or motor carrier, are required to notify the Safety Center of the Transportation Services Division of the hours/dates worked and the names and addresses of all other employers. Drivers shall include the hours worked for other employers in the calculations for work period and/or driving hours [13 CCR 1201(q)]. Drivers shall not exclude any time on-duty or driving, even if the time was unpaid. Weekend work for the District, for any other employer, or service of any kind to a motor carrier affects a driver’s eligibility to drive a commercial vehicle and a driver’s status in a work period. Each driver must exercise care to avoid violating Driver’s Hours of Work regulations.
5. NOTIFICATION REQUIRED Drivers are required to notify their supervisor or Bus Operations Dispatch when it appears that their duties for any work period or day may result in their exceeding either the maximum driving time (10 hours) or the maximum work period (16 hours). The requirement applies when the driver may accumulate 80 hours of on-duty time as specified in item 1.F Notification requirements include driving and on-duty time accumulated for any other entity or employer, 13 CCR 1213(k) requires drivers to submit copies of their driver’s logs (or equivalent document) to their primary employer for all on- duty and driving time accumulated in service to another employer. For contract drivers in District service, this includes all work performed for all employers including the contract company.
6. ON-DUTY STATUS Under California Regulation, the driver of a commercial vehicle, including a school bus, is on-duty whenever performing any job duty or requirement. On-duty status begins whenever the driver first reports for duty, is required to be at work and ready for duty, or actually begins performing work duties. On-duty status ends when the driver stops performing work related duties, is relieved from responsibility for performing work duties, and is permitted to go off-duty for a minimum 8-hour period [13 CCR 1201].
7. WORK SCHEDULES Drivers’ schedules are intended to prevent them from exceeding 16 hours on duty or driving more than 10 hours. In some cases, 8-hour splits or late sign-on times are assigned to drivers when activity trips will return very late. Drivers shall receive and obey directions from their Area Bus Supervisors or Bus Dispatchers regarding schedule changes.
93 A. INSTRUCTED SCHEDULE When assigned an 8-hour split or late-sign on for a trip, drivers shall not return to the bus parking location earlier than instructed. Athletic playoff competitions and trips returning after 2000 hrs. will require a late sign-on. When given a late sign- on the driver shall report for duty no earlier than 30 minutes before their regular P.M. scheduled start time.
B. LATE BUS TRIPS When covering Late-Bus trips after regular school hours, drivers must be watchful not to exceed the 16-hour limit. Some drivers want to be at work before their sign-on times. No problem will result as long as the driver who arrives early does not begin performing work-related duties and does not insert the tachograph chart before the assigned time, and later receives a late afternoon trip assignment, the driver’s on- duty status could exceed the 16-hour limit. By regulation, a driver is considered on duty when performing the work, even if the supervisor only permits work to begin in paid status at the assigned time.
C. DELAYED GROUPS When a group delays returning to the bus for a return trip, the delay could extend the driver beyond the 16 hours. The driver must notify Bus Operations Dispatch as early as possible. Bus Operations Dispatch will either provide coverage or give other instructions.
8. HONESTY Personnel Commission Rules and District policy require employees to exercise absolute honesty on all District reports, including time reports. All drivers shall report their actual and correct working hours on their DBRs. No driver shall make any modification in order to circumvent the effect or requirement of any rule, regulation, or law, or for any other reason. No driver shall tamper with the recording or the mechanism of the tachograph/speedgraph of any bus.
9. DAILY ASSIGNMENTS Drivers shall check daily with their Area Bus Supervisor, the Assistant Area Bus Supervisor, or on site Cover ABS/AABS for information, schedule changes, C-Notes, and the following day’s assignments unless a driver has given the supervisor at least 24 hours written notice of an appointment, the supervisor will consider the driver available for assignment and expect the driver to work all assignments. Drivers need to report to work prepared and available for any assignment.
94 A. PASSENGER COUNTS Drivers are responsible for having accurate student counts prior to departure. Drivers must report accurate passenger counts for all trips on their Daily Bus Reports.
B. MIDDAY SPLIT A midday split is a period of more than one hour and less than eight hours during which the driver remains in unpaid status before beginning the next part of the daily assignment. Both full-time and part-time drivers may be assigned midday splits.
When assigned a midday split, the driver shall return to the assigned parking location after his/her morning route. District drivers shall not take a split at the supervisor’s office or any alternate location without the supervisor’s approval. When a driver has received approval to take a split at the Area Bus Supervisor’s office, the driver shall perform work as directed by the supervisor during the periods of time represented by the a.m. and p.m. deadhead time. Schools and office sites may restrict the parking available for contract drivers after the morning route.
C. POST TRIP INSPECTION At the end of the work day, drivers shall perform post trip inspections of the lights and tires of their buses. When a post trip inspection reveals a need for repairs, the driver shall submit the VCR to the garage at that time. District drivers shall not wait until the morning to report such defects. Contract drivers should follow their company’s repair reporting procedures.
10. ACTIVITY TRIPS Immediately upon receiving activity assignments, drivers shall consult with their immediate supervisors or call Bus Operations Dispatch to review the details of the trip, such as the date and school for the trip, the departure time, destination, return time, and other instructions. Drivers should ask their immediate supervisors about special instructions, such as whether seat belts or toddler seats are needed. In the school office, the driver shall reconfirm the destination, number of students, leaving time, and the return time as stated on the activity trip sheet. If any difference exists between the dispatch order and the trip the school expects, the driver shall call Bus Operations Dispatch for instructions. Only Bus Operations Dispatch can approve a change in destination, list of authorized stops, etc. Drivers may never transport more passengers than shown on the Vehicle Inspection Approval Certificate [CHP form 292]. Every passenger must have a safe seat. Prior to departure, drivers should confirm trip details with the teachers (see Driver’s Log Requirements).
95 A. LAP RESTRAINTS, TODDLER SEATS If the group has requested lap restraints (seat belts) or toddler seats, the driver shall install the restraints or seats before arriving at the school. Drivers shall arrive already prepared to start the trip.
B. ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL When assigned a activity trip, the driver shall arrive at the school at least 10 minutes before the pick-up time stated on the dispatch. Upon arriving at school for an activity or field trip, the driver shall go into the school office and report to the office manager or principal.
C. LOADING OF PROPERTY Before permitting passengers to board, the driver may permit the students to assist him/her with stowing picnic boxes, equipment, or other luggage. The teachers and other adults review their passenger lists while students form pre-boarding lines.
D. LOADING OF PASSENGERS Before loading all adults and students, the driver shall politely introduce himself/herself and explain the pre-boarding procedure. If students must cross the roadway, the driver shall activate the school bus warning lights.
E. PRE-TRIP SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Before starting any activity trip, the driver shall review all safety instructions required by E.C. 39831.5 for students on activity trips. District policy and the Education Code require a driver to explain proper student conduct, the location of the emergency exits, the location and use of emergency equipment, and the necessary procedures to the students (REFERRENCE GUIDE NO. 10).
Drivers should give the instructions in the presence of the accompanying adults and teachers. After giving the instructions, the driver shall ask the teacher to confirm the presentation of the safety instructions by signing the dispatch report. The teacher has also received a trip evaluation form on which to rate the quality of service and reconfirm the presentation of these safety instructions.
F. ADULT ASSISTANCE If a discipline problem develops during the trip, drivers should seek assistance from the teachers. If necessary, a driver may permit an adult to stand up during vehicle movement to assist or supervise a student. When an adult must stand to supervise, the driver should prepare to stop in a safe place to complete the process. A professional driver would discuss this with the teacher before departing on the trip. (Business Service Division Bulletin No. 1335, Oct. 19, 2004, Teacher/Bus Driver Cooperation on School Buses).
96 G. AT THE DESTINATION Upon arriving at the destination and before unloading, drivers must confirm the leaving time with all teachers. The group must return to the bus on time so the driver can return to school on schedule. After the group has unloaded, the driver shall check the inside of the bus for students and property.
H. WAITING AT DESTINATION When drivers are on activity trips and instructed to wait for the group, they shall remain with their buses, except for their duty-free meal period. A driver should plan for restroom breaks which will not leave the bus unattended when the group returns.
I. RETURN TO SCHOOL After returning to school and unloading all passengers, the driver shall check the bus for sleeping students and lost property. The driver shall take any lost property into the school office.
11. CONCENTRATION OF BUSES Where a concentration of buses wait at one location, drivers must arrange to monitor the radio at all times. Drivers must remain with their buses. If drivers must leave, no more than half the total number of drivers shall leave the location at a given time. When any drivers leaves the location, the driver shall leave for only a brief time. The other drivers must know where the driver will be. In no case shall all drivers leave the buses unattended at the same time.
12. LATE-BUS TRIP PROCEDURE Drivers must follow proper procedures.
A. DESIGNATED STOPS & ROUTING Immediately after receiving a 1600-1800 Late-Bus assignment, a driver shall contact the Area Bus Supervisor or the school for emergency and designated stop information. The driver shall route the stops for the Late-Bus students to minimize riding time for the students, not for the driver’s convenience.
B. RADIO USE All drivers assigned to Late-Bus trips shall monitor their radios at all times. (I.) 10-8 RADIO CALL When two or more drivers are assigned late-buses at the same school and time, the Area Bus Supervisor shall designate at driver to give the 10-8 over the radio for all the drivers at the scheduled departure time. Only the designated driver shall make the radio call. The driver shall collect and give the following information to Bus Operations Dispatch about each bus at the location:
97 (a.) Route number (b.) Company name if a contract driver (c.) Geographic area where the bus will deliver students
(II.) CHANNEL USE All District drivers departing from the same school of service for a Late-Bus assignment shall make sure they are on the same radio channel. Drivers will be better able to assist Bus Operations Dispatch with calls from concerned parents’ and emergencies.
C. STUDENTS DISCIPLINE The driver shall report any student disciplinary problems to the Area Bus Supervisor for the school on the day after a Late-Bus trip. Any serious disciplinary problems should be reported immediately to Bus Operations Dispatch.
D. LATE-BUS PASSES Some schools require teachers and coaches to issue Late-Bus passes to students who legitimately stay for after school programs. A driver should verify the procedure with the supervisor or the school before beginning a Late-Bus trip. The driver must also report to the supervisor any problems regarding Late-Bus passes.
13. OVERTIME DISTRIBUTION Assignment of overtime to District drivers is based on District need and driver availability. Area Bus Supervisors shall post the most recent list of the distribution of drivers’ overtime within the area. The District updates the list weekly.
A. ACUTAL OVERTIME Actual overtime is the actual number of paid overtime hours the driver has worked.
B. TOTAL OVERTIME Total overtime is defined as the sum of actual overtime hours worked plus all hours charged for the driver’s refusal of trip assignments (e.g., weekends not available when a trip would have been assigned).
14. WEEKEND AVAILABILITY Bus Operations Dispatch considers every District driver to be available for all weekend trips unless the driver has notified Dispatch of his/her unavailability for either Saturday, Sunday, or both.
98 A. NOTIFICATION METHODS Drivers shall use the following methods of notification of unavailability:
(I.) WEEKEND AVAILABILITY FORM The driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch using the Weekend Availability Form indicating the driver is not available for weekend work. The Area Bus Supervisor or on site Bus Dispatcher distributes these forms to each driver at the beginning of the school year. (II.) LETTER OF AVAILABILITY The driver shall submit a letter to the Senior Dispatcher stating the driver’s unavailability. The letter must state the driver’s name, employee number, route number, supervisor’s name, specific period of time of unavailability, and parking location unavailability. It must also include the driver’s signature. (III.) TELEPHONING DISPATCH The driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch of his/her unavailability not later than 12 noon on the Tuesday immediately preceding that weekend. The driver should ask for and record the name of the Dispatcher with whom he/she speaks.
B. FAILURE TO NOTIFY Drivers who have not specified their availability and have received weekend assignments will not be released from responsibility for an assignment after Bus Operations Dispatch makes the assignments.
C. MANDATORY OVERTIME In some cases, even a driver who has submitted an availability form, letter, or emergency request may be required to work overtime.
15. WEEKEND OVERTIME ASSIGNMENT In accordance with the Unit C agreement, weekend trips are assigned to the District drivers in the same class who have the lowest total overtime first. Only Bus Operations Dispatch can change weekend assignment.
16. WEEKEND TRIPS Weekend trips are only assigned on buses parked at BSC Freeway, Gardena, and Sun Valley parking locations. These are the general instructions for weekend trips.
17. DUTY-FREE MEAL PERIOD All District drivers shall be provided a duty-free meal period. When a driver is required to remain with the group on a weekend trip, he/she shall remain with the bus. Drivers shall discuss with the teacher when they plan to take washroom breaks and/or the time of their
99 duty-free meal period, which shall not conflict with the students’ lunch period access to the bus.
District policy requires drivers who are assigned to work six (6) hours or more to take a one-hour duty-free meal period. Exceptions based on the nature of daily assignments may be authorized in advance by the immediate supervisor. If the driver is unable to take the full one-hour duty-free period while on an assignment, he/she must notify dispatch and provide proper documentation on the Daily Bus Report. Such documentation shall coincide with the tachograph recording. In any event, a minimum thirty (30) minute duty-free meal period will provided without exception.
Meal periods shall begin at approximately the midway point of the driver’s day; however, at no time shall the meal period begin or end an employee’s work day. Additionally, in no event will an employee be required to report an unpaid duty-free meal period in place of time actually worked.
100 Section V
Part 11 TIME REPORTS
1. DAILY BUS REPORTS
A. DAILY SUBMISSION Drivers shall complete and submit daily an accurate and legible Daily Bus Report (DBR) to the District supervisor. Drivers shall use either a blue or black ink ballpoint pen to complete DBRs. Drivers shall also submit matching tachograph or speedograph charts.
B. INCORRECT DOCUMENTS The supervisor will return the DBR to the driver for correction if the DBR and chart do not match, and for all other errors. Supervisors shall not permit drivers to generate additional paid time to correct DBRs. Drivers shall correct and resubmit DBRs without delay on unpaid time.
C. HOME TO SCHOOL TRIPS Drivers shall not charge overtime to home-to-school trips, generated overtime should be charged to the mid-day activities that were the cause of the overtime.
D. CERTIFICATION AND/OR REQUEST OF ABSENCE FORMS District drivers shall submit the appropriate Certification and/or Request of Absence Form (for Illness, Family Illness, New Child or for Non-Illness) with the DBR. A driver shall clearly PRINT his/her name and route number near his/her signature.
E. UN-EXCUSED, UNPAID TIME When a driver’s absence was not excused, the driver will remain unpaid. However, the driver shall submit a Bus Driver Benefit Time Report for the Un-Excused/Unpaid time using the Un-Excused/Unpaid receiver order number and indicating the balance of the daily basic time assignment for the day of occurrence. The District shall calculate all unpaid time into the driver’s daily Basic Assigned Hours for all legal and contractual obligations. For example, in a month when a District part-time driver must restrict hours to 139 hours, an unpaid absence of any amount will be treated as part of the maximum 139 hours. If the driver was absent unpaid for 6 hours, the driver could only earn 133 paid hours that month. The supervisor shall not permit the driver to make up the lost hours by additional overtime days.
101 F. REMARKS SECTION The driver shall write appropriate statements in the remarks section of the DBR for any activity not covered in the trip detail section. For example, “Area Bus Supervisor office: 0800-0900”; “Wash bus BSC: 0900-1000”; ORD office new student added to route sheets”. Drivers shall make notes in remarks about tardiness and late insertion of charts. For early dismissals and shortened school days, a driver shall make a note in the remarks section and use the “Early Out” receiver order number where applicable.
G. TACHOGRAPH & SPEEDOGRAPH CHARTS Drivers shall fill out charts completely including driver’s name, date, route number, bus number, beginning, ending and total mileage. At the end of the day, no driver shall leave the chart in the clock overnight.
H. CONTRACT DRIVERS The contract company is responsible for submitting CDBRs to the District daily so that payments can be processed accordingly. If the original CDBR is lost, a copy will be acceptable if accompanied with a completed Daily Bus Report/Tachometer Warrant and Declaration. Each contract driver shall follow his/her company procedure for submitting completed DBRs. Upon returning from an all day or half day absence, the contract driver shall attempt to get the cover driver’s DBR from the company to submit to the Area Bus Supervisor/Assistant Area Bus Supervisor with his/her own DBR (if applicable) for that day.
2. TACHOGRAPH & SPEEDOGRAPH USE The District requires drivers to properly install the appropriate chart in every bus equipped with a mechanical or electrical tachograph or speedograph. The recording on the chart provides an accurate record of the vehicle. The completed tachograph/speedograph chart is to be submitted daily with his/her Daily Bus Report. All contract drivers must also submit these charts or GPS reports with their DBRs. DBRs with no accompanying tachograph, speedograph or GPS report will not be paid. If the original tachograph or speedgraph is lost, a copy will be acceptable if accompanied with a completed Daily Bus Report/Tachometer Warrant Declaration.
A. OPENING THE CLOCK District policy prohibits a driver from opening the clock or removing the chart before the end of the day. No person shall open the clock during a driver’s work period without noting the date, time, reason and his/her signature on the back of the chart.
102 B. BASIC PROCEDURES Drivers must follow basic procedures in using the recording instrument. Information on the chart must be printed legibly.
(I.) CORRECT CHART Marking on the chart must be the same as the marking on the tachograph dial. Drivers must use MPH charts in speedograph clocks and RPM charts in tachograph clocks. (II.) MATCH THE TIME OF DAY Twenty-four hour charts have AM and PM sections. Before inserting the chart, the driver must look for slightly darker preprinted lines indicating night, or N for (noon), M for (midnight) marks, or 24 hour clock times around the outermost ring. With the face of the chart facing the driver, he/she inserts the chart under the holding tab(s) and presses the center firmly into place. When the clock is closed the performing knife will indicate the time the bus is in service. After installing the chart, the driver shall perform the pre-trip inspection of the bus.
C. INACCURATE CLOCKS If a tachograph is not recording properly, a driver shall record the malfunction on the VCR, immediately notify his/her supervisor, and immediately submit the defect to the garage for repair.
D. REQUIRED INFORMATION Before installing the chart, a driver shall fill in Items (1) through (4) on the appropriate lines in the center of the chart. The driver shall install the chart at the very beginning of the pre-trip inspection. Drivers shall add the information in item (5) after completing their post-trip inspections. The following workday, the driver submits the completed chart with the DBR and VCR. (1) Date – month, day and year (2) Driver’s name and route number (3) Vehicle number (4) Mileage, beginning (5) Mileage, ending and total
E. CHART CONDITION Driver shall select a clean, scratch free and unused chart for insertion daily in buses equipped with a tachograph/speedgraph. Drivers must protect the face of the chart from unnecessary writing or scratches. Drivers must place all writing within the center area. No employee shall write across the recording areas at anytime. Drivers and supervisors shall not staple or make any mark within any recorded area of the chart.
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F. SUBMITTING THE CHART For drivers operating buses so equipped, all on-duty, driving, and time worked must be documented on a speedograph, GPS or tachograph recording. Every driver shall submit daily with the DBR either a properly completed tachograph or speedograph, whichever matches the clock. The submitted chart must be in good condition.
3. DRIVER’S LOG REQUIREMENT Whenever a trip destination is 100 air-radius miles or more away from the bus driver’s regular parking location, regardless of where the driver will report for the bus assigned to the trip, then the driver must complete a Driver’s Log [Drivers Record of Duty Status, [13 CCR 1213]. The driver should obtain the necessary blank Log pages from his/her supervisor. Upon completing the trip, the driver shall submit the District’s copy of the completed Log page(s) with the DBR, tachograph chart, and VCR for the day. The supervisor shall file the driver’s completed Log page(s) with the DBR(s).
4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR DBRS This information will prepare drivers to complete District Daily Bus Reports and the Contract Daily Bus Reports (commonly called DBRs). Drivers should use this guide to complete DBRs correctly and completely each day. Most contract companies and the District pay drivers from the information the driver writes on the DBR. Drivers must be accurate. Drivers should consult with their supervisors about how to report any special problems such as breakdowns, accidents, bus changes, and midday trips on DBRs. They must submit DBRs daily to their District supervisors. Supervisors will direct drivers to make corrections on any inaccurate or incomplete DBRs.
Contract drivers must be careful to complete CDBRs accurately to assist their companies in avoiding delay in the processing of payments. The best plan is to fill in the DBR during the course of the day. At the end of each trip, the driver should complete all trip information before starting the next assignment, including the school name, receiver order number, starting and ending times, students, and miles, etc. Using this system, the entries on the DBR will be more accurate than if the driver tries to remember the information in the evening, or even the next morning.
5. RECOGNITION OF FORMS DBRs and Force Account forms are printed on three or four part NCR copies as follows: District DBR Contract DBR Force Account Top copy White–Data Entry Blue-Transportation Accounting Green-Data Entry Unit Second copy Yellow-ABS Yellow-ABS Yellow-Administrator
Third copy N/A see below White-Company N/A see below
Bottom copy Pink-Driver Pink-Driver Pink-Employee
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6. TIME CONVERSION CHARGES District drivers shall use this Decimal Equivalents Table to report minutes in the total time sections on the DBR. Contract drivers shall report time in actual hours and minutes.
DECIMAL EQUIVALENTS TABLE Minutes Decimal Minutes Decimal Minutes Decimal
1 0.02 21 0.35 41 0.68
2 0.03 22 0.37 42 0.70
3 0.05 23 0.38 43 0.72
4 0.07 24 0.40 44 0.73
5 0.08 25 0.42 45 0.75
6 0.10 26 0.43 46 0.77
7 0.12 27 0.45 47 0.78
8 0.13 28 0.47 48 0.80
9 0.15 29 0.48 49 0.82
10 0.17 30 0.50 50 0.83
11 0.18 31 0.52 51 0.85
12 0.20 32 0.53 52 0.87
13 0.22 33 0.55 53 0.88
14 0.23 34 0.57 54 0.90
15 0.25 35 0.58 55 0.92
16 0.27 36 0.60 56 0.93
17 0.28 37 0.62 57 0.95
18 0.30 38 0.63 58 0.97
19 0.32 39 0.65 59 0.98
20 0.33 40 0.67 60 1.00
105 7. QUESTIONS ABOUT DISTRICT DBRS
Q-1 How do you fill out a DBR for Benefit time such as Illness or Vacation? A-1A A DBR is no longer used for Benefit Time. A Bus Driver Benefit Time Report is to be used for Benefit Time now. All types of Benefits are listed on this form with preprinted receiver order numbers.
Certain benefits, such as Illness and Personal Necessity, must be accompanied by a Certification and/or Request of Absence Form (for Illness, Family Illness, New Child or or Non-Illness) for approval by the administrator (RTM). The employee must complete the form and sign it certifying its accuracy. The administrator keeps these forms on file.
Q-2 Can a driver who is absent one half (½) day put Illness, etc., on the same DBR used to report trip coverage for the other half of the day? A-2 No, this information is to be submitted on the BTR, for Benefit Time Reporting.
Q-3 How many DBRs must be used for multiple days of absence? A-3 As long as all the days of absence are in the same week of the same pay period, the employee may submit time for five (5) days absence on one (1) DBR. If the absence continues into another week/pay period, separate DBRs must be used. On the “Date” line, the driver must indicate the start and stop dates of the absence. For example, “Mon, 11/01 thru 11/05/99”. Also, he/she must write an appropriate comment in remarks sections and highlight the remark. For example, “Five days Vacation: 11/01/99, 11/02/99, 11/03/99, 11/04/99, and 11/05/99”.
Q-5 How many DBRs are required if a whole week is benefit time but some days are one benefit and other days another type? A-5 BTRs can be used for different types of Benefits which may occur within the entire week.
Q-6 How must the employee account for arriving late to work? A-6 Two different situations result from drivers arriving late to work; (1.) The driver works eight hours or less, and; (2.) The driver works more than eight hours.
1. Works Eight Hours or Less If the employee arrives at work later than his/her assigned start time and has an assignment of eight hours or less, he/she must account for the un- excused time in the middle section (D) by inserting a line with the school name listed as Unpaid/Un-Excused and the matching receiver order
106 number as well as his/her assigned start time and the time he/she arrived at work on that line. The employee places the assigned start time in the top left section (B). Then the computerized system deducts the lost “tardy” time from the total time for the day.
The Un-Excused/Unpaid time is considered part of the part-time driver’s 139 hours and part of the full time driver’s basic assignment. For example, a part-time driver who has been late to work 30 minutes and in that pay period must limit work hours to 139, can only accrue 138.5 hours paid time.
2. Works More than Eight Hours The driver will enter the actual arrival time at work in the top left section of the DBR and not list the Unpaid/Un-Excused absence receiver order number in the body. He/she shall write a comment about being late in remarks. In this case, the resulting overtime will be reduced by the tardiness, but not the driver’s regular time.
Q-7 What Receiver Order Number does a cover driver write in the middle section (D) when covering a route? A-7 Any driver writes the receiver order number for the portion of the home-to-school route or of the activity trip he/she covers. A regular driver writes the receiver order number for the portion of his/her regular route or the receiver order number for the portion of any route he/she covers when not driving his/her own route. The same is true for cover drivers.
Q-8 What does a NAB cover driver or a driver on Special Assignment write in the Bus Section of the DBR? A-8 All drivers, including NAB cover drivers and drivers on Special Assignment, must write the number of the bus used that day. If the driver inspected a bus but did not drive it, he/she should consider that bus to be the bus used and complete the section using that bus number and VCR information. The driver shall submit the VCR, If the bus was not driven, he/she will indicate “0” miles. If the driver received no bus assignment for that day, the driver should print “NONE” in the Bus Section of the DBR.
Q-9 How do you indicate on the DBR that a route or activity trip served more than one school? A-9 The payroll/time reporting system finds that information from the receiver order number. The driver needs to list only one school name. If a Dispatch Report lists two or more receiver order numbers, then there is more than one trip, the driver must complete the necessary lines for each receiver order number.
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Q-10 How do we account for an absorbed route? A-10 Write the route number in the Absorbed/Cover column on the same line as the assignment that absorbed the route. Then complete the first four columns of the next line using the school name and receiver order number of the absorbed route’s assignment. The absorbed students must be included in the pupil count for the route that did the absorbing. Also, include the extra miles in the miles for the absorbing route.
Q-11 How do we submit a Corrected DBR? A-11 A driver submits a Corrected DBR when the driver or the Area Bus Supervisor discovers the error. The driver must complete a whole new DBR with all the information and the driver must write “Corrected DBR” in the remarks section and highlight that remark. When the Transportation Accounting Unit returns a DBR for correction to the supervisor or driver with a notice attached indicating that there is something wrong, the driver should make the correction needed. The supervisor should make a notation on the notice that the correction was made and return the DBR with the notice still attached to the unit.
Q-12 How can the Area Bus Supervisor use the new DBRs for completing Ridership Surveys? A-12 The Division will provide the method of obtaining this information.
Q-13 How do we assign midday pre-school home-to-school trips? A-13 Where the students attend special education classes or programs, the Area Bus Supervisor can assign these students to trips on any route within his/her area. The information must be entered in the PURL system. The following must be considered when designing home-to school routes:
1. The maximum number of receiver order numbers that an Area Bus Supervisor can create using a home-to-school route number is six (6). 2. The driver who bids a route normally responsible for covering only two jobs created using his/her assigned route on a daily basis those that end with 01 and 04. Although receiver order numbers may have been created using a driver’s assigned route number with the endings 02, 03, 05, or 06, the driver will complete those jobs only on specific dates when assigned by the supervisor. 3. The Area Bus Supervisor is responsible for assigning all work on a daily basis to meet Area and District needs.
108 When designing home-to-school trips for students with different bell schedules, the supervisor must remember to create the receiver order numbers using only live home-to-school route numbers. The Area Bus Supervisor and Assistant Area Bus Supervisor call numbers do not represent live home-to-school routes. So the supervisor cannot create midday routes using these call numbers to create the receiver order numbers. Example: If the supervisor wished to create four (4) midday routes using Route 4165 as the base, the allowable receiver order numbers, for example, would be 101000416502, 101000416503, 101000416505, and 101000416506. When assigned by the supervisor, any driver doing one of these four (4) midday jobs would use the specific receiver order number of the midday on his/her DBR.
Q-14 Can we assign overtime to preschool midday home-to-school trips? A-14 Yes, if these trips are the primary reason the driver accrued overtime, charge overtime to these trips. If other assignments generated overtime, charge those assignments instead.
Q-15 What if the amount of accrued overtime is greater than the actual length of the midday trip? A-15 The “Total Overtime” listed must match the total of overtime distributed among trips detailed in “Section D”. The driver will indicate the total amount of overtime in the top center Section (B). If that amount is greater than the overtime indicated in the middle Section (D), the driver must charge the remainder to any trip or other work that generated the overtime. The driver may need to use a line for “Other Related Duties” (ORD).
Q-16 If the Area Bus Supervisor covers a District route in a bus, does he/she need to complete a DBR? A-16 No, the Area Bus Supervisor will complete the Force Account Time Report for the day by splitting the day between the regular assignment and the time spent driving the route. He/she will use the receiver order number of the portion of the route covered and the start and stop times for the time driving. The Area Bus Supervisor must also submit a copy of the VCR with the Force Account Time Report to the RTM.
Q-17 Can employees fill in regular hours in Section B with Time Started and Time Stopped spanning the entire non-overtime day including the duty free lunch period and then indicate eight (8) hours in the total regular hour’s box? For example; 0530 to 1430 which is 9 hours less the duty free lunch period.
109 A-17 Yes. See the sample DBR for OVERTIME ON HOME-TO-SCHOOL MIDDAYS and the sample Force Account form. CAUTION: In the detail section, there must be one continuous one-hour period reflecting the duty-free lunch period between the stop time for one receiver order number and the start time for the immediately subsequent Receiver Order Number. Remember to break out the duty-free meal period in the trip detail section time worked in this section must leave room for the meal period required.
Q-18 Why must we use a new Decimal Equivalents Table for reporting minutes? A-18 The new BTS Time Reporting System automatically calculates the time allocation for minutes. The calculation may result in a slight difference from the total time (in any category) using the new equivalents to gain an accurate total of reported time.
8. COMPLETING A DISTRICT DBR (Line-by-Line Instructions)
A. SECTION “A” ITEMS 1. Route Number bid by (or assigned to) driver. 2. District Employee Name 3. Person I.D. (previously called Employee Number) 4. Personnel # (a secondary Person I.D. if employee has another assignment. For Example; a Light Bus Driver with a TRA assignment). 5. Cost Center 6. Day & Date 7. Status. Personnel will notify an employee of status changes. a. Employee working a “Regular” assignment during C-Basis (drivers) or A- Basis (Assistant Area Bus Supervisor). b. Employee on “Leave to Higher” position, e.g., as a “Provisional” Area Bus Supervisor or Assistant Area Bus Supervisor. c. Employee working a Z-Basis assignment 8. Job # - eight – digit code (listed below) 22305806 - Assistant Area Bus Supervisor 22305826 – Heavy Bus Driver 22305861 – Light Bus Driver At the start of any Z-Basis assignment, drivers whose classification temporarily changes should check with the personnel office to verify the appropriate codes to use. 9. B-Shift Differential Indicator – check this box to indicate that the majority of the reported hours occurred after 5 P.M.
110 B. SECTION “B” ITEMS 10. Assigned A.M. sign on time for the day. Use military time, e.g., 0530. If work actually began at a time different than the time assigned, the driver must complete a line for Un-Excused time in Section D (for tardiness) and/or supporting remark in Section E, e.g., “Signed on early for Spare Bus, assigned bus “Out of Service”. 11. A.M. sign off time. If this time is different than the assigned sign off time, driver must provide a supporting remark in Section E. 12. Total Regular hours for the A.M. 13. Total Regular minutes (less than an hour) for the A.M. expressed in minutes. 14. Assigned P.M. Sign on time. (See comment for item 10) 15. P.M. sign off time. (See comment for item 11) 16. Total Regular hours for the P.M 17. Total Regular minutes (less that an hour) for the P.M. expressed in minutes. 18. Total Regular hours for the day 19. Total Regular minutes for the day expressed in decimal points.
C. SECTION “C” ITEMS 20. Vehicle Number of the bus assigned/driven that day. 21. Number of the VCR submitted for the bus listed on item 20. 22. No Defects Found. Check this box if this statement is true. 23. Beginning odometer reading for the bus listed in item 20. 24. Ending odometer reading for the bus listed in item 20. 25. Total miles driven. Subtract item 23 from item 24. 26. Service (due) miles from the service sticker in the bus. The ending odometer in item 24 must not exceed this number.
D. SECTION “D” ITEMS 27. Beginning time for Overtime assignment. A.M. or first part. 28. Ending time for Overtime assignment. A.M. or first part. 29. Total hours of Overtime assignment. A.M. or first part. 30. Total minutes (less than an hour) of Overtime assignment expressed in minutes. A.M. or first part. 31. Beginning time for Overtime assignment. P.M. or second part. 32. Ending time for Overtime assignment. P.M. or second part. 33. Total hours of Overtime assignment. P.M. or second part. 34. Total minutes (less that an hour) of Overtime assignment expressed in minutes. P.M. or second part. 35. Total hours of Overtime assignment for the entire day. 36. Total minutes (less than an hour) for the entire day expressed in overtime- decimal form.
111 E. SECTION “E” ITEMS 37. School Name for the school attended by the student’s transported by drivers of combination routes need list only one of the schools assigned on the trip. 38. Receiver order number is a twelve-digit number that incorporates the route number and trip number to determine program changes in the system. Example; For the Regular A.M. trip of route 3245, the receiver order number would be 1010003245 01. The ending 01 indicates the morning (A.M.) trip. For the P.M., the receiver order number would be 1010003245 04. The 04 means the Regular P.M. trip. 39. Total miles driven on this trip. 40. Total number of students riding on this trip. 41. Beginning trip time. 42. Ending trip time. 43. Beginning of any overtime charges assigned to this trip. Overtime must not overlap regular time. 44. Ending time for any overtime charges assigned to this trip. 45. Dispatch Trip number (A-number) from trip sheet/dispatch sheet issued for this trip. 46. Home-to-school route number of the route absorbed (if applicable) on this trip. When a regular driver absorbs a route, he/she also must complete a second line (see below) using the school name and receiver order number of the absorbed route. 47. Name of assigned school of students transported from the absorbed route. 48. Receiver order number of the route and assignment absorbed. 49. Start time-driver should divide the entire time of the trip between the two receiver order numbers. This time should be the same as the ending time in Item E42. 50. Ending time for the assignment when absorbing a route-see Item E49 above. Example; if the entire time was 6:30 to 8:30, then; Item E41 should be 0730, Item E50 should be 0830. The rest of the line is not needed. Exception: If the trip generated overtime, the driver should use Item E43 and E44 instead. 51. Driver’s signature verifying accuracy of this time report. 52. Supervisor’s signature verifying accuracy and authorizing payment. 53. Date this time report (DBR) is being authorized. 54. Remarks and comments to support discrepancies.
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113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 9. COMPLETING CONTRACT DBRS (Line-by-Line Instructions)
A. SECTION “A” ITEMS 1. Route Number - route number assigned to driver. 2. Date- date the service is rendered. 3. Contract Number-number must agree with the route number assigned for the contract. 4. Name-name of the driver. 5. Driver’s License Number 6. Bus Number 7. Bus Capacity-capacity must agree with the contract.
B. SECTION “B” ITEMS 8. Receiver Order Number-correct and valid receiver order number for the trip and school. This is an eight digit number consists of the following: a. Home-to-school trips – 00-route # - trip ID (e.g., 00 1471 01) b. Non-home-to school trips – receiver order number provided by Dispatch unit. c. Others – refer to the current receiver order number listing for Special Education and Integration Programs. 9. School Name – name of the receiving/requesting school (only one school name needed). 10. Start Time – start of route time or spot time of each trip. Note: Any time intervals between one trip to another trip due to in-service training “B”, training information must be written in the CDBR in the same manner as the as the home-to-school or activity trip time reporting. Total hours reported (C-24) must be accounted for in the body of the CDBR (Section B).
It is important that a correct and valid receiver order number be used in all trips and in-service training B type of activities; otherwise the costs will be misallocated. 11. Stop Time – end of route time of each trip. 12. Students – number of students on board for each trip. 13. Miles - number of miles traveled from start time to stop time. 14. Absorb/Cover – route number of route absorbed/covered for each trip. 15. Dispatch Number – number issued by Dispatch Unit for activity trips or non home-to-school trips (A-Number). 16. Corrected (correction) – when submitting a Corrected CDBR, write a check mark to indicate correction. A Corrected CDBR is a correction initiated by the driver or supervisor. Correction requested by the Transportation Accounting
124 Unit should be corrected and returned to the unit with the correction notice attached and initialed by the supervisor. 17. Remarks – remarks relating to the service rendered, if necessary. Note: Driver must account for stand by, correcting route sheets, and required meeting in this section.
C. SECTION “C” ITEMS 18. Time Started – A.M. spot time or route time. 19. Time Stopped – A.M. route time at time stopped. 20. Hours – A.M. time stopped minus A.M. time started. 21. Time Started – P.M. spot time or route time. 22. Time Stopped – P.M. route time at time stopped. 23. Hours – P.M. time stopped minus P.M. time started. 24. Total Hours – calculated A.M. time (#24) plus calculated P.M. time (#23). Note: Total hours calculated (#24) must equal total hours of Section B (from the first start time to the last stop time).
In accounting for the lunch period, refer to the contract polices and procedures.
D. SECTION “D” ITEMS 25. a. A.M. and P.M. sign-off time. b. A.M. and P.M. sign-on time. c. Total of A.M. and P.M. sign-off time minus A.M. and P.M. sign-on time. d. Total hours calculated – calculated A.M. hours plus calculated P.M. hours.
E. SECTION “E” ITEMS 26. End – odometer reading at sign-off for the day. 27. Start – odometer reading at sign-off for the day. 28. Miles – odometer end minus odometer start. 29. Deadhead Miles – calculated miles (#28) minus total calculated trip miles (Section B) miles column (#13).
F. SECTION “F” ITEMS (Area Supervisor Use Only) 30. Part-time or full-time service, Excess, Training A and/or B (refer to the contract policies and procedures – total time must equal total hours reported in C-24. 31. Liquidated Damages from the back of this sheet – indicate by the number from the back of the CDBR the type and applicable liquidated damages. 32. Missed Trips – indicate the number of missed trips. 33. Late Trips – indicate the number of late trips.
125 34. Liquidated Damages (trips) – total number of liquidated damages assessed (total of #31, #32, and #33). 35. Reason – indicate the reason(s) of other liquidated damages.
G. SECTION “G” SIGNATURES 36. Signed – signature of the driver certifying accuracy and completion of CDBR. 37. Approved – signature of the Area Bus Supervisor certifying accuracy, completion, and authorizing payment. 38. Date – date the CDBR is signed and approved by the Area Bus Supervisor.
Contract drivers shall not approve any DBR, force account form, or other payroll document.
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127
128
129 130 131 132 133 134
135 136 10. COMPLETING DISPATCH REPORTS When an assignment bears an “A” with a number following, the driver shall also complete the Dispatch Report and submit it with the DBR. Drivers should follow the line-by-line instructions listed below.
Section A a. TRIP DATE and day of scheduled activity trip. b. DRIVER (Name of driver assigned to trip). c. ROUTE NO. of driver assigned to trip. d. Assigned BUS NO. for driver to use for the trip. On weekdays, the driver uses his/her regular assigned bus or the designated for a Mountain or Out-of-Town trip. For weekend trips the assigned driver will be assigned at specific bus at a specific parking lot. e. TRIP NO. (“A” number) identifies each bus requested. The driver must write this number in the Dispatch # column of the DBR. f. LOCATION CODE is the school location code if the school requesting the trip. g. The RECEIVER ORDER for the trip that the driver will use on the DBR.
Section B h. DEPART FROM - is address/location from which the group will depart. Use the name of the school of the group being transported on the DBR. i. DESTINATION - is the name of the location the group will visit. j. LEAVE SCHOOL - is the expected departure time from the pick-up location B the bus must arrive at the pick-up location before this time so the driver can check in the school office (if the location is a school), load equipment and passengers, and present the pre-trip safety instructions. k. ARRIVE DST .- is the arrival time at the destination requested by the group or the end of estimated travel time to arrive at destination. Some groups have fixed appointment times that they must not miss. l. LEAVE DST - is the time requested for the group to leave the destination or the beginning of estimated travel time to return to the pick- up location. m. RETURN SCHOOL – is the time students should arrive back at the pick- up location.
Section C n. CONTACT – is the name of the person at the group’s school requesting the trip. o. GRADE – is the grade level of the students in the group. p. PHONE – is the telephone number of the person requesting the trip.
137 q. PUPILS and ADULTS – represent the number of students and attending adults included in the trip. Count students and adults at the pick-up location and correct these numbers to reflect actual number who boarded. 18A. COMMENTS – is a blank area for driver’s comments about changes/cancellations received at the pick-up location and the name of the Dispatcher he/she contacted, e.g., “Canceled at school-Dispatcher Doe”. 18B. PERSON CONTRACTED AT SCHOOL OFFICE– provides blank line for driver to print the name of the person with whom he/she verified the trip upon arrival at the pick-up location. 19. TIME provides a blank line to note the time the driver checked in the school office, the trip was canceled etc.
Section D 20A. START (TIME) Enter the starting time to the exact minute. Time starts from the ending time of the previous trip, if any. If this is the first trip of the day or after a midday, spilt, time should start at pick-up location. 20B. START (ODOM) Enter starting mileage which starts at the end of the previous trip, if any. If this is the first trip of the day or is following a midday split, list the odometer reading when you arrive at the pick-up location. 21A. ARRIVE SCH (TIME) Enter the exact arrival time at the pick-up location. 21B. ARRIVE SCH (ODOM) Enter odometer reading on arrival at the pick-up location. 22. LEAVE SCH (TIME) Enter leaving time from the pick-up location. 23A. ARRIVE DST (TIME) Enter exact arrival time at the destination. 23B. ARRIVE DST (ODOM) Enter odometer reading on arrival at destination. 24. LEAVE DST (TIME) Enter exact time leaving destination 25A. RETURN SCH (TIME) Enter exact time you returned to pick-up location. 25B. RETURN SCH (ODOM) Enter exact odometer reading on return to the pick-up location. 26A. END (TIME) Enter exact ending time after deadheading to next trip, if any. If no other trips, show ending odometer reading after unloading at pick-up location. 27A. TOTAL (TIME) Enter total of all time charged to trip, including deadhead time (subtract 20A from 26A). The time from 20A and 26A should be entered on DBR. 27B. TOTAL (MILES) Enter total of all miles charged to trip, including deadhead miles (subtract 20B from 26B). These miles should be entered on DBR.
138 28A. TRIP TIME Enter total time (hours and minutes) from arrival at pick-up location to return to pick-up location (subtract 21A from 25A). 28B. TRIP MILES Enter total mileage from pick-up location to destination and return (subtract 21B from 25B). 29. Circle Yes or No. Note: California Education Code requires drivers to give students safety instruction at the beginning of every activity trip. 30. SIGNATURE OF TEACHER: Required if teacher permits any students to leave the bus during the trip. 31. SIGNATURE OF DRIVER: Indicates the report is accurate and complete.
A sample Dispatch Report is displayed on the next page.
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140 SECTION VI
EFFECTIVE STUDENT MANAGEMENT
The driver’s primary responsibility is to transport students to and from school safely. Student management or discipline on school buses is one of the most difficult problems confronting school bus drivers. The daily ride to school is an important part of a student’s progress toward independence and educational achievement. The driver greatly influences the student behavior on the bus. The bus ride to and from school can be a pleasant experience or negative experience or a negative experience for both driver and student.
On a school bus, all students must behave appropriately. Students who ride school buses can understand clearly stated and well-enforced rules. Most student passengers know the District’s bus rules (SAFETY FIRST sign) for behavior. Older high school students may be licensed drivers and aware of safe driving practices. Students know when the driver breaks the rules. If a driver disobeys rules or uses incorrect procedures, he/she can expect students to disobey the rules also.
Many passengers use their drivers as role models. Students expect their bus drivers to demonstrate leadership and set good examples for them. The example a driver sets influences student behavior and response. Students will scream and shout at drivers who scream and shout at them. Students will throw trash and paper in the bus if the driver does not keep it clean and tidy. Students will repeat and enlarge any gossip they overhear from drivers.
All drivers can successfully learn and use the fundamentals of student management. A driver’s success is not measured by how many “Notices of Unsatisfactory Behavior on School/Bus” he/she writes. Successful drivers maintain order with a minimum number of written notices. Drivers who experience problems applying effective management techniques can talk with experienced drivers, or seek assistance from their immediate District supervisor or a Driver Trainer.
The driver is always responsible for the conduct of his/her student passengers. According to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, “students transported to a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the students while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street or highway”.
Effective student management involves establishing and maintaining good rapport with students, as individuals and in groups. Effective drivers realize children will express their emotional and behavioral needs differently at differently age levels. Students require their drivers to tell them which behaviors are acceptable.
141 1. GENERAL GUILDLINES Children at different age levels do not behave in the same way. The following guidelines will assist the driver with managing student behaviors effectively.
A. All children seek and require recognition and acceptance. Everyone needs a sense of belonging and being liked.
B. Children need firmness, fairness and consistency to behave properly. Professional drivers should add an appropriate level of friendliness to this formula for dealing with children effectively.
C. The impression a driver gives the first day will influence how students will respond to him/her all year long. Drivers usually find it easier to loosen or ease their approach to the rules as the year progresses rather than to tighten up after problems arise.
D. If a driver must correct a student, he/she should do so privately. Drivers shall not berate of belittle any student at any time. The driver shall allow the student to maintain his/her sense of self respect and the respect of his/hers peers. Otherwise, the student will resent this and often react negatively. The driver should discuss misbehavior with the student out of the hearing range of other students.
E. Drivers should never threaten students with actions they cannot enforce or carry out. Students will lose their respect for any driver who makes unenforceable threats, and they will continue their disorderly conduct.
F. Students respond better to positive reinforcement of correct behavior (i.e. using praise and recognition) than they do to negative reinforcement (i.e. threats, citations, yelling at students). Generally, this is true for all persons.
G. Drivers shall develop and maintain open lines of communication with their student’s, supervisors, parents, other bus drivers, and school staff.
2. STUDENT BEHAVIOR CURVE The following illustration, the Student Behavior Curve, visually depicts the dynamics of age-behavior relationships. The numbers on the curve refer to the grade levels in school systems, beginning with preschool and ending with the twelfth grade.
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STUDENT BEHAVIOR CURVE
8 7 9 6 10 4-5 11 1 2 3
PK & KD 12
As previously stated, children at different age levels behave differently according to their needs. At each stage of development, a child experiences different needs, attitudes, and behaviors. Some characteristics of different age levels are listed below. Drivers should remember that these represent general characteristics of each group, not of specific children. An individual child may have matured more or less than his/her age group. In those cases, the student may exhibit different behaviors than expected. Professional drivers must adapt to these needs. See also item 6 of this section.
A. PRIMARY STUDENTS, GRADES PRE-K - 3 Young children expect and need guidance from the bus driver and usually display few serious student management problems.
These young students often exhibit the following characteristics:
1. Enjoy physical activity, running and jumping, and will not sit still very long. 2. Usually want to please adults. 3. Focus attention for only short periods of time. Educators call this behavior a short attention span. 4. May forget the rules frequently. 5. Often contradict themselves in social actions, such as fighting with close friends, then “making up”. 6. Seek recognition and acceptance from peer group. 7. Talk about activities and will make up stories. 8. Are developing concepts of right and wrong. 9. Are developing a need to be treated equally.
143 The bus driver can promote good student behavior in this age group by using the following suggestions: 1. Give specific directions, using a positive approach, “Please sit down”, “Please walk slowly”. 2. Give demonstrations and set good examples. Show what you expect. 3. Use positive approaches and phrases. 4. Praise students when they behave correctly. 5. State the rules often. Young children will forget safe riding practices during the day. 6. Be patient when reminding them of the rules. 7. Encourage the students to think of the bus as “our bus” and “our bus rules”. 8. Assign seats as needed and address each child by his/her name.
Young children frequently fall asleep on the bus. Drivers must check the seats and floors of their buses to make certain each child has gotten off at his/her designated stop.
A. ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, GRADES 4 – 5 Older primary students are beginning to accept responsibility for their actions. They are more independent, and are likely to be influenced by peer pressure. As these students approach the top of the Student Behavior Curve, they frequently exhibit the following characteristics:
1. Imitate others in their peer group in values, speech, dress and manners. 2. Begin learning sex-defined roles. Boys and girls prefer to interact with their own gender. 3. Remember and understand the rules and the bus drivers’ expectations. 4. Boys and girls usually express affection and recognition differently. Girls like to talk, embrace or hold hands, while boys play rough in a good natured manner. 5. Want to be accepted and recognized by adults. 6. Increasingly seek to be independent and accepted by peers. 7. Enjoy some competition.
The bus driver can promote good student behavior in this age group by following these recommendations:
1. Explain the bus rules (SAFETY FIRST rules) in terms of personal safety. 2. Implement the idea of our safe bus. 3. Set up friendly group competition and give recognition to the group that does the best job in following the bus rules. For example, grade six vs. grade five in quietness, or rotational unloading from the bus. Avoid using gender as a basis for comparison.
144 4. Assign separated seating to students who continually fight or tease each other. 5. Assign bus seats as needed. 6. Ignore behavior that is not immediately dangerous. 7. Praise good behaviors. Children respond to positive, personal attention and praise. 8. Communicate clearly that persistent unsafe behavior will result in parent/principal conferences. 9. Apply all rules and procedures consistently with all the students.
B. MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, GRADES 6 – 8 Many drivers experience the most difficulty transporting middle school students. These students appear at the top of the Student Behavior Curve. The top of the curve represents the students most likely to experience physical, social, and emotional turmoil. Middle school students are physically maturing daily. As these children try to identify their individual personalities, they frequently change social groups. Each is learning who he/she is in a complex society of parents, families, friends, and peers.
These students are in transition between childhood and adulthood. As a result of all the social pressures, a middle school student may appear to bounce back and forth between calm and reasonable and moody or uncontrollable. However, these physical and emotional changes are normal. Drivers should remember that all of us went through this very difficult time and survived. Giving a little understanding and compassion to middle school students can help make the job easier.
Groups of middle school students tend to show the following characteristics:
1. Be very conscious of peer group expectations and behaviors. 2. Express strong, unpredictable, emotions, appear moody. 3. Show a wide range of physical development. Girls usually mature physically before boys of the same age. 4. Less interested in adult approval. Place less importance on adult approval. 5. Actively seek approval of friends and peers. 6. May attempt to express individuality by destructive or antisocial behavior, speech or dress. 7. Enjoy physical activities; may participate in sports, clubs, other activities.
Drivers may experience difficulty in controlling this age level. Remember, students want to be dealt with on a one-to-one basis. They will rebel against group punishment and against receiving correction in front of peers. Drivers who encourage mutual respect are best able to deal with this age level. Try the following techniques with middle school students:
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1. Talk with students as though they were adults. 2. Do not express in any way that a student’s concerns, experiences, ideas or situations are not important. 3. Assign separated seating for students or groups who continually behave unsafely. 4. Report serious safety violations to the parents, the principal, and the Area Bus Supervisor. 5. Do not make negative comments or jokes to students about their appearance, friends, ideas, beliefs or any other characteristic. 6. Actively involve the students in bus evacuation drills and safety procedures. 7. Explain why they need to obey the Safety First rules. 8. Expect students to test a driver’s sense of fairness. Treat all students fairly and apply rules consistently.
C. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, GRADES 9 - 12 High school students are represented at the lower-right end of the Student Behavior Curve. Many high school students have jobs and cars. They expect to be treated as adults. High school students usually show these characteristics: 1. Although physically mature, high school students lack emotional maturity. 2. Desire adult independence, but may not be ready for all adult responsibilities. 3. Often respond to the influences of friends. 4. Place importance on conforming to the values of their peer group. 5. Need the acceptance of friends for social development. 6. Experience strong emotional ties with friends and with individuals of the opposite sex. 7. Are highly concerned with their physical appearance and attraction to the opposite sex.
The bus driver can promote good student behavior within this group by following these recommendations: 1. Communicate with them as though they are adults. Do not talk down. 2. Do not discuss their personal lives or beliefs with students. 3. Do not enter into students’ private conversations. 4. Respect an individual’s sense of privacy. 5. Deal with serious problems. Serious problems can arise (e.g., fights, drugs, alcohol, and vandalism). Immediately report such problems to parents, principals, and the Area Bus Supervisor. 6. Explain the importance of safety rules. 7. Do not reprimand any student in front of a group. Talk with him/her privately about behavior problems.
146 Drivers who understand the needs of their passengers and communicate effectively promote safe riding behaviors and demonstrate effective student management. These drivers earn respect. No student gives respect unless he/she feels respected. Every driver would do well to remember this when working with any age group.
3. EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION The following guidelines will effectively assist drivers with positive behavior modification:
A. STOP THE BUS When the driver must take corrective action, he/she must stop the bus. The driver should have a plan in mind before stopping the bus. Stopping the bus in reaction to sudden anger can be dangerous. No driver should attempt to correct students while the bus is moving. Drivers may make polite requests or give reminders using a microphone if the bus has a public address system. That action may help stop a minor problem from growing into a severe disruption. A driver’s word of warning over the speaker system may quell student misbehavior. However, simply stopping the bus to reprimand a student emphasizes the driver’s concern for safety.
B. ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION A driver who stands in front of the student and speaks firmly, courteously, and directly to an offender has the strongest chance of correcting behavior. Drivers should never express anger toward students. When appropriate, the driver should direct the student to move to a specific seat. Drivers must always use words and phrases appropriate to the age level of the child or group.
C. EJECTION OF STUDENTS While en route, a student cannot be legally discharged from the bus to walk home. In every situation, the driver shall use the proper procedures.
D. CONCERN FOR STUDENTS Drivers should learn the names of all their passengers whenever possible. Most children like being recognized by name. A friendly greeting of “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” coupled with a student’s name shows great personal warmth. Children also enjoy friendly comments about class projects, sports, or other activities. When drivers show their interest in the students’ activities and well-being, students often learn to accept correction without resentment.
147 E. STUDENTS ARE CHILDREN Bus drivers must realize that the students are not adults, so a driver can neither demand nor expect them to act like adults. Since the behaviors of different age levels vary, so must the approaches to problems. For example, high school age students will not respond favorably to an elementary level approach.
F. APPROPRIATE CONTROL Parents recognize and appreciate an orderly and well-managed bus. They will immediately comment on a driver who is too lenient and does not have control of his/her students. Drivers who are fair, firm, and friendly are most likely to win the approval of parents and have good behavior on the bus.
G. NOISE ON THE BUS Drivers need to exercise patience when dealing with excess noise and loud taking on the bus. However, demanding absolute silence among students creates an unhealthy atmosphere. A driver should instruct students to talk quietly with their seat mates. Very young students will need frequent reminders to keep their noise level down. When young students cannot express themselves physically, they convert their energy into loud talking, shouting, or laughing on the bus. Drivers must often repeat the rules patiently to some students. If one student always seems to cause a problem, the driver should talk about it with the student privately.
H. HANDLING CRISIS SITUATIONS In an emergency or crisis situation, drivers must act promptly and decisively. They must remain calm and handle matters without anger or emotion, giving clear directions in the interest of safety for everyone.
I. GROUP REPRIMANDS Reprimanding a whole group for the misbehavior of a few is neither wise nor effective. Drivers must offer appropriate counsel for direction to only those students who misbehave. Every effort should be taken to do this privately. Drivers shall not create a rule to fit a particular situation. Even driver must follow the established rules and regulations if they want students to behave well.
J. PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE A driver demonstrates professionalism by his/her personal appearance and the appearance of his/her vehicle. Drivers who maintain a positive and professional attitude and appearance effect good behavior among their students. Maintaining a positive personal appearance and a clean bus in good operating condition helps to create a friendly environment.
148 4. THE THREE “F’s” OF STUDENT MANAGEMENT
A. FAIRNESS Fairness does not mean equal. Every group is composed of individuals, each with his/her own personality and needs. Although each member may belong to the same age group, drivers must be able to cope with individual differences to manage effectively.
The driver must apply the rules equitably. For example, in a group of elementary students, one or more may have special needs. The driver must effectively communicate with each individual in the group so everyone understands what is expected and how to follow the rules.
Drivers should use similar corrective measures for similar violations. The school bus driver has the authority and responsibility to implement established rules and regulations. The District holds bus drivers accountable for the behavior of students on their buses. Supervisors and school administrators have the authority to review a bus driver’s decisions and actions in student disciplinary cases. They may either approve or disapprove a driver’s decision or recommendation.
B. FRIENDLINESS Drivers must show friendly attitudes to students, but not develop overly familiar relationships. They should also discourage overly familiar behaviors by the students. Drivers should not seek popularity with their students. They should seek respectful and appropriately friendly, professional relationships.
C. FIRMNESS Firmness implies decision making. Decision making must not be based upon anger. Drivers must be certain that students understand the rules. Drivers should explain the rules in a friendly and firm manner. For example, it is more effective to indicate that students are to remain in their seats rather than to state that they are not to move from their seats. Once the students understand the rules, the driver must enforce the rules. If the driver overlooks the rules on the first serious offense, it will be easy to ignore them on the second, offense, and virtually impossible to reinstate them on the third offense. The result could be chaos and an open invitation for students to challenge the authority of the driver.
Firmness does not mean inflexible rigidity. There is nothing wrong with one more chance. But allowing one more chance should not mean two more chances, etc. Firmness does not mean a loss of friendliness. Drivers must be consistent in recommending similar corrective measures for similar bad behaviors. The driver of a school bus has the authority and responsibility to implement established rules and
149 regulations. Drivers are held responsible for the acceptable behavior of the students on their buses. A driver’s decisions and actions are always subject to review by supervisors and administrators.
5. MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY Drivers meet hundreds of students, parents, and teachers who do not come from the same ethnic background or economic standards, or share the same language or religious beliefs.
The school district is culturally diverse. Americans take pride in being Americans, but they are also proud of their ethnic heritages. Students on a bus speak more than one language, dress differently, and make judgments based on their cultural backgrounds. Drivers must be sensitive to language barriers that may exist when a student’s primary language is not English (or the driver’s primary language). The driver must not allow him/herself to become frustrated or assume that a student’s inability to understand an instruction is willful defiance.
While no person can accept responsibility for the attitudes of others, drivers must not permit their own personal beliefs to interfere with their treatment of passengers, co- workers, or the public. Bus drivers shall not make remarks about any student’s background. Such comments would inhibit a driver’s effectiveness in dealing with students. Showing respect for the beliefs of others and their cultures creates a climate of respect that allows fairness and tolerance to grow.
6. SAFE & COURTEOUS CONDUCT The bus rules are intended to assure a safe and pleasant trip for every student on a school bus in District service. Accidents and injuries can result when students fail to follow these rules for passenger conduct. The following bus rules are displayed on the Bus Rules (SAFETY FIRST) sign (Form 78.22) which shall be displayed in every school bus in District service.
ALL PASSENGERS MUST PASSENGERS MAY NOT A. Show Bus Passes when required. A. Eat on the Bus. B. Remain Seated. B. Smoke or Use Profanity. C. Refrain from Unnecessary Noise, C. Wear Shoes with Cleats or Spikes. Singing, Whistling, Loud Conversation, D. Carry Hazardous Articles or Weapons. or Boisterous Conduct. E. Bring Animals or Pets on the Bus. D. Keep all parts of the body inside the bus. E. Be Courteous to other Passengers.
150 7. STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT The District’s goal is to provide safe student transportation. Drivers must explain specific standards of conduct to their students. When students repeatedly fail to meet these standards, they will face suspension or loss of school bus privileges. Item 8 lists specific standards for student safety.
8. SPECIFIC SAFETY STANDARDS These safety standards have been condensed into the bus rules.
A. Students shall obey the instructions of the driver at all times. B. No person except an authorized passenger may ride any school bus in District service. C. No person shall bring pets, animals (except signal, service, or guide animals for disabled students), intoxicating liquors, drugs, loaded weapons, knives, glass containers, large parcels, bulky or unwieldy objects on any school bus in District service. D. Students shall report promptly to the bus driver any damage to the seats or any other part of the bus near where they are sitting so that they may not be charged with the responsibility for such damage. E. When students cause malicious mischief or damage, the District shall investigate promptly any damage to seats and any other parts of the school bus to determine responsibility. The parent or guardian of the wrongdoer shall be liable for all damages so caused. The District may deny transportation to the student or students found responsible for the damage. F. Students may ride only the bus to which they are assigned. G. Students must be seated during the entire period the bus is in motion. H. Each student shall meet and board the bus at his/her designated bus stop each day, and each student shall alight at that same stop upon return home. Any exception to the above rule must be approved in advance by the Administrator and Area Bus Supervisor. I. Permission for a student to leave or board the bus at other than his/her designated bus stop must be approved by the principal or his designated representative in writing starting the day(s) approved. J. STUDENTS SHALL NOT SMOKE on the bus at any time. The District may deny transportation to students who smoke on the bus. K. The bus driver may assign seats to the students. Students may not exchange assigned seats without permission of the driver. L. Unruly conduct on the bus will not be permitted. Students shall be courteous to the bus driver and to other students. M. LOUD talking, shouting, or singing is prohibited. Students shall avoid actions that may create unnecessary confusion, or which may divert the bus driver/s attention and thereby contribute to an accident.
151 N. While on the bus, all students shall keep all portions of their bodies inside of the bus at all times. O. Students must sit in the bus seats, facing forward with their feet on the floor. P. Students shall keep the bus clean and free from litter. Q. Except when approved by the driver, Bus Operations Dispatch, or the Area Bus Supervisor, students shall not consume any food or beverages of any kind on the bus. R. Students shall not throw or drop trash or other articles out of the bus at any time. S. The aisle of the bus must be kept clear of books, feet, lunches, special education equipment, athletic equipment, or other obstructions. T. Students shall not be permitted on buses while wearing any athletic footwear equipped with sharp plastic or metal spikes or cleats. U. The use of profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity by any school bus passenger is prohibited while on the bus or under the supervision of the bus driver. Profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity includes any language, conduct, or form of communication that:
1. Is commonly understood as being profane, vulgar, or obscene. 2. Is disrespectful or offensive to others.
9. STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES California law requires students transported in a school bus to submit to the authority of, and be responsible directly to, the driver of the bus. The law holds that driver responsible for the orderly conduct of the students while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street or highway. In addition, continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation. The school district governing board of trustees shall adopt rules and regulations to enforce this provision. California law also states that the driver of a school bus shall not eject any school student unless the student is given into the custody of a parent of any person designated by the parent or school. The Area Bus Supervisor and school administrator will review each driver’s request or decision to suspend a student.
The governing board of any school district, County Superintendent of Schools, or equivalent private school entity or official, may adopt and enforce additional requirements governing the transportation of students. Such requirements shall not conflict with any law or state regulation.
To comply with the regulations, the District has established specific guidelines for student conduct on a school bus and specific procedures to enforce those guidelines. These guidelines are posted on the Safety First sign (Bus Rules) which must appear in a conspicuous place in every bus before the bus transports students.
152 The Board of Education Administrative Codes [rules 2255, 2256, 2257, 2258, & 2259] provide the basis for these rules. The District has adopted a policy based on these Board Rules and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 14103 and Title 13, Section 1202 and 1217. Bulletin No. 2, (revised) February 18, 1997, explains the specific disciplinary procedures to follow. The following sub-items cite the concerns of Bulletin No. 2.
A. BACKGROUND The safe and orderly transportation of students necessitates responsible behavior by students while boarding, riding or alighting from school buses. Guidelines and procedures have been adopted to encourage and promote safe and orderly transportation. All transported students and their parents, upon commencing a District transportation program, receive a Transportation Notification Mailer which includes a list of standards of behavior related to riding a school bus.
B. GUIDELINES FOR SUSPENSION 1. When a student’s misconduct is extreme and may endanger other passengers on the bus or cause damage to the school bus, the bus driver should immediately notify the school administrator and the Area Bus Supervisor to get approval for an immediate suspension. 2. The school administrator, Area Bus Supervisor, and the bus driver should use every effort possible to help students improve their conduct on the bus prior to suspension. Denying transportation to a student is a last resort. 3. It is not compulsory that a suspension notice be issued after the first or second oral warning has been given. Only after a warning for that incident has been given and when other avenues of correction have failed, should a suspension be issued. 4. In most cases, except for extreme safety violations, a suspension from transportation shall be for no more than one day. A student shall not be denied transportation for more than three (3) consecutive days. However, if the school administrator, Area Bus Supervisor, and driver recommend more than three days, the suspension notice should indicate “Suspended Pending Conference”. The school administrator shall ensure that a Pupil Accounting Report (PAR) form 34-EH-64 is completed and the appropriate copy of the form(s) sent to the parent/guardian for signature. In cases of property damage, the student should be denied transportation pending a conference. 5. The suspension “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on School Bus”, form 78.50, should be issued as the student leaves the bus at the assigned (P.M.) drop off point. 6. When the suspension “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on School Bus” is issued in the morning on arrival at school, the student shall be provided transportation home in the afternoon.
153 7. If the incident occurs after normal school hours, the driver shall notify LAUSD Bus Operations Dispatch at (323) 342-1460. Bus Operations Dispatch shall notify the Area Bus Supervisor who shall notify the school administrator at the earliest possible time, but not later than 9:00 am the next morning.
C. SUSPENSION OF TRANSPORTATION After the bus driver has established that students know what behavior is acceptable, the following procedures should be followed in the event corrective or disciplinary action is necessary:
1. Step One On the first incident, the driver shall discuss the act of misconduct with the student. The driver shall also share the circumstances of the incident with the school administrator and the Area Bus Supervisor.
Immediate suspension of riding privileges may result when a student’s action endangers the safety of other passengers, including the driver, or causes damage to the bus. In such instances, the student shall be provided transportation to the return drop-off point at the close of the school day, see Guidelines for Suspension (B).
2. Step Two On the second incident, the driver will again discuss the problem with the student and promptly notify the school administrator and the Area Bus Supervisor of the incident. The Area Bus Supervisor shall immediately call the school administrator to discuss the situation, and the school administrator shall notify the parent or guardian within 24 hours of the incident.
3. Step Three On the third incident, the student will be issued a warning “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on School Bus” which shall describe in specific terms the exact nature of the misconduct. Driver should list the student’s specific actions (e.g., “did not stay in seat”, “yelled”, or “threw book”).
a. The driver shall explain to the student that the warning “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on a School Bus” must be taken home and returned on the following school morning with the signature of the parent/guardian before the student may resume riding the bus. b. If the student returns the following school day without the signed copy of the warning “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on a School Bus”, the driver shall permit the student to ride the bus. The driver shall issue the student a duplicate warning notice at the drop-off location at the close of the day.
154 The driver will again explain to the student that the notice must be returned the next day signed by the parent/guardian in order to receive transportation. The school administrator shall also call the parent/guardian advising the parent of the issuance of the duplicate notice. The school administrator will also advise the parent/guardian that the student will not be provided transportation until the notice is signed and returned. c. A copy of the warning notice is to be immediately forwarded to the school administrator and the Area Bus Supervisor. d. Sample Notice of Safety Concern on School Bus (see page 157).
4. Step Four If the disorderly conduct continues after the issuance of a warning notice, the student shall be issued a “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on School Bus” recommending a suspension. The number of days the student is suspended from transportation shall be determined by the school administrator, the Area Bus Supervisor, and the driver. The seriousness of the offense and past history are determining factors for the number of days the student is to be suspended. (California Code of Regulations, Title V, Section 14103: Board Rules 2255, 2256, and 2257).
a. In each case, specific acts of misconduct must be described on the “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on School Bus” form. b. The school administrator shall ensure that a Pupil Accounting Report (PAR) is completed and the appropriate copy of the form(s) sent to the parent/guardian. c. A copy of the suspension notice is to be immediately forwarded to the school administrator and to the Area Bus Supervisor. d. The student will be provided transportation one day before the suspension takes effect so that the parent can arrange alternative transportation and the student can return the signed copy of the suspension form. e. If the student returns the following day without the signed copy of the suspension “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct On School Bus”, the driver shall permit the student to ride the bus. The bus driver shall issue a duplicate suspension notice and explain that the student may not ride the bus until after the duration of the suspension and the suspension notice form is signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the driver.
Upon arrival at the school, the bus driver shall give a copy of the suspension notice to the school representative and notify the Area Bus
155 Supervisor. The school representative shall notify the parent that the student has been suspended from riding the school bus
The driver shall not pick up the student the following school day unless instructed to do so by the Area Bus Supervisor or by Bus Operations Dispatch. The student shall not be allowed to ride the bus again until the transportation suspension period is over and the suspension notice is returned with the signature of the parent/guardian.
10. EFFECTIVE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TRAINING Every new District and Contract bus driver shall complete the 30-hour “Effective School Bus Driver Training” course provided by the District. Each driver shall complete the class within his/her first six months of District service. New drivers should monitor the bulletin board in each area for announcements of when and where the classes will start. The District usually offers the classes at least two times each school year. Except as mandated by District manager a driver needs to complete the course only once.
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157 SECTION VII
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Foreword The Los Angeles Unified School District transports approximately 74,000 students daily by school bus to and from school. Approximately 19,000 are students with disabilities. The school bus provides access and mobility for students with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education. Because the school bus is an extension of the classroom, what happens on the bus can have a significant impact on the student’s school day. It is the bus driver’s job to provide students with disabilities a ride in a supportive environment between home and school so they arrive ready to learn.
The task of transporting students with disabilities is complex with no specific formula for success. Since each student may require a unique service to meet his/her needs, constant communication and collaboration are essential. Service must be provided with appropriate care and in compliance with the requirements of the Individualized Education Program. To this end, the Transportation Services Division has developed this handbook to assist all bus drivers in meeting the needs of students with disabilities while on the school bus.
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW A major goal of the District is to provide safe transportation services for students with disabilities. Transportation services for students with disabilities are based on eligibility determined under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997, also known as IDEA. Under IDEA, students with disabilities shall be provided a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE). The site and conditions including related services of the FAPE are determined by team members who agree on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). When transportation is required by the IEP, it is known as a related service. The bus driver is the most important person for achieving the goal of safe transportation services for students with disabilities.
Transportation services may be provided either as home-to-school or school-to-school as determined at the IEP meeting. The IEP also determines the need for additional services such as Bus Assistants, therapy at other sites, the use of assistive mobility devices such as wheelchairs, and assistive learning devices such as safety vests.
Students who receive home-to school transportation services must be received at the delivery address by an adult authorized by the parent or school.
158 Section VII
Part 1 STUDENT INFORMATION
1. CONFIDENTIALITY All information concerning students with disabilities is confidential under federal and state laws. IDEA recognizes that bus drivers need to know what is necessary to provide effective and safe transportation for each student. When confidential information is released to bus drivers, they have a responsibility to ensure the information remains confidential. Drivers, therefore, shall exercise reasonable and prudent means to protect the confidentiality of all personal, medical or other student information to which they can access as a result of their employment as bus drivers.
2. INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM Each student with disabilities must have a written Individualized Education Program known as the IEP. The IEP is developed jointly by school personnel and parents before providing special education services. They use a multi disciplinary evaluation by qualified personnel to develop the plan. The IEP describes the education program and all the related services needed such as transportation. If the IEP requires transportation by school bus, the District prepares a special document called the PURL to notify Division staff of the need to provide transportation.
3. TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS When assigning children to a Special Education Transportation program, the District issues a transportation request called a PURL. The acronym, PURL, means “Pupil Route Location”. A PURL is a printed document that specifies the requirements for transportation on a school bus and all related aspects of transportation. Information on the PURL indicate the student’s name, age, address, parent name, telephone number. It indicates whether transportation is to be home-to-school or school-to-school, whether therapy trips must be provided, and the school and schedule the student will attend. Medical and emergency information and equipment requirements are included. Usually the PURL is computer generated. A sample PURL is included in the “Forms, Charts & Tables” section.
PURLs are issued to add or change the student’s information and are issued for each new school year or special session. The Area Bus Supervisor’s staff uses the PURL to create the routes and trips that will provide transportation service for the student.
In the IEP, transportation has been identified as a related service to the education program. Many elements of the related service may be indicated. The transportation provided must meet the requirements stated on the PURL (see sample on page 193).
159 Section VII
Part 2 UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
1. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Transportation of disabled students may require special insight, knowledge, procedures and understanding by the driver. Usually, the standard operating procedures for regular transportation do not meet the needs of students with disabilities. Our purpose is to supply drivers with additional information that is essential for the safety and well-being of students with disabilities. The school bus driver bears the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of all his/her passengers. The major responsibility is driving students to and from school safely. Therefore, drivers should:
A. Not allow weather, traffic problems, or personal concerns to interfere with safety of students. B. Must get to know each student and his/her needs. C. Use his/her observations to plan for the safety of each student in the program. D. Meet the needs of students with disabilities whose day begins and ends with the bus ride. E. Discuss problems with parents, teachers, classroom or bus assistants, or the school nurse. F. Ask for help from school staff, Area Bus Supervisor or Driver Trainer when necessary.
Drivers shall immediately bring to the attention of their immediate supervisors all pertinent facts related to the safety of students with disabilities, e.g., wheelchairs that have not been inspected, designated stops that are dangerous, or students who may need additional special equipment for safe transportation.
2. COMMON BEHAVIORS ASSICIATED WITH DISABILITIES Appropriate student behavior is necessary so the driver can concentrate on driving. As drivers get to know their students, they will encounter some behavior problems. Students with disabilities, like other students, may sometimes forget the rules, tease, and misbehave. Students with disabilities may become disruptive. Some students with disabilities may behave in a way that is beyond their control. Their behavior can pose a serious safety hazard during a bus trip. Here is a list of some common problem behaviors:
A. Emotional outburst with no apparent cause. B. Resistance to change. C. Avoidance of other persons.
160 D. Abnormal reactions to sound. E. May appear deaf or show extreme over-sensitivity to sound. F. Unrealistic responses to danger. G. Hyperactivity. H. Lethargy. I. Abnormal eye contact. J. Obsessive attachment to objects. K. Inappropriate laughing or crying/tears. L. Lack of response to affection. M. Self-simulative behaviors. N. Self-injurious behaviors. O. In rare cases, may demonstrate hostility to other student(s).
3. BEHAVIOR CONTROL Drivers can adapt techniques used by school staff members to control behavior in positive ways. School personnel can help driver develop plans to use with individual students. District staff members have provided these suggestions for drivers:
A. Be sure that the student knows exactly what he/she should do and how to do it. B. Give the student a chance to learn by doing. C. Keep instructions simple. D. Repeat instructions often, using the same words. E. Keep a steady routine. Example; have the student sit in the same seat each day. F. When possible, tell student ahead of time when a change is expected. Examples; the driver is doing on vacation or is adding a new student to the route. G. If a student makes a mistake, remind him/her what he/she should do and offer to help. H. Use positive statements such as those that begin with “Do…” rather than “Do not…”. I. Tell students when they do well.
4. PROHIBITED INTERVENTIONS Drivers are prohibited from implementing behavior modification plans that are not approved by the Area Bus Supervisor and the school administrator or is not consistent with District Policies. Behavior modification plans should be discussed with parents and teachers and be consistent with the student’s IEP. Unless approved and specified in the IEP, the driver should never use food or candy as a behavior modification stimulus. Corporal punishment is a prohibited intervention in all cases.
5. RESPONDING TO SEVERE DISRUPTIONS Drivers must remember to stop the bus as soon as possible when a student’s behavior is unsafe or potentially injurious. To stop self-injury or injury to others, the driver may have to hold the student with as much control as required to restrain the student until he/she
161 calms down. As soon as possible, the driver must notify the Area Bus Supervisor, teacher and/or parent about the student’s inappropriate behavior.
For ongoing problems, the driver, Area Bus Supervisor, parents, and teacher should discuss and make plans for correcting the behavior. The school administrator shall be included in any plan to suspend a student with disabilities. Drivers should remember the following:
A. Logical consequences produce a more lasting effect than punishments. B. Do not interpret resistance as stubbornness or naughtiness. C. A tantrum is more like an emotional storm than willful misbehavior. The student may not have the emotional resources to communicate in any other way.
162 The following two tables describe techniques for working with students with severe and non-severe disabilities. Along with these suggestions, drivers must be patient.
6. SEVERE DISABILITIES
DISABILITY DESCRIPTION SUGGESTIONS
Use simple language; Repeat things often. Autistic Has severe behavior and /or Have a simple and consistent routine. Seat (AUT) communication problems. student closest to the front on the right. May not hear what you say. May Get all available help to communicate. Use Hearing Impaired be unable to talk or may have pictures or written notes. Demonstrate and (HI, HOH) limited speech. Gets your use big gestures. Be sure student looks at attention by touching or tapping. you when you are talking. Has severe delay in physical or Developmentally Assist, guide student to make bus ride as mental development. Has Impaired comfortable as possible. These students do difficulty understanding (DI) communicate with eye contact. surroundings. Has two or more disabilities and Multiple Disability Consult with teacher or parent for best course behavior depends on which (MD) of action. disabling conditions exist. Orthopedically Has physical disability but can Allow extra time for student to get settled for Impaired usually make needs understood. the bus trip. Give physical assistance as (OI) needed. May be very hostile, unfriendly, Emotionally and unable to control behavior. Show patience for erratic behavior. Try to Disturbed May be withdrawn, not aware of establish communication with the student. (ED) surroundings. Mentally Retarded – Usually has limited speech, Use very simple language; repeat directions Severe language, and social skills; has and rules often. (MRS) short attention span. Usually learns only what is Always begin what you say to the student with heard/touched because of limited his/her name. Explain situations; describe Visually Impaired or no vision. May not know what happens. Help student learn by (VI) when being observed. Usually physically guiding him/her; keep a regular talks a lot;; cannot amuse self by routine. looking out window.
Although it is often difficult to communicate with students with disabilities, many students with severe disabilities, including those with hearing impairments, use and respond to hand motions. Also, many students with mental impairments learn some sign language used by those with hearing impairments.
163 7. NON-SEVERE DISABILITIES
DISABILITY DESCRIPTION SUGGESTIONS Aphasia Has difficulty understanding and/or Use simple language; repeat things (APH) expressing language. often. Learns more slowly than other Mentally Retarded – children. Forgets quickly. Has Repeat instructions. Use simple Moderate difficulty with many words; words. Avoid changes, such as seat (MRM) misunderstands even some simple location. words. Prefers routine; gets upset by Be sure to have student’s attention changes. Has specific learning Specific Learning when talking with him/her. Have difficulties. May misbehave to get Disability students repeat your instructions. attention. Has short attention span. (SLD) Give many frequent reminders and May be very restless and/or moody or positive reinforcements. may be withdrawn.
8. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Effective communication is a requirement of the bus driver’s job.
Remember to put people first, not the disability. When it is necessary to speak of a person with a disability, use an unobjectionable form.
Examples: PROPER PHRASE IMPROPER PHRASE “A student with hearing impairment” “A deaf or hard of hearing student” “A student with learning disabilities” “A learning disabled student” “A student with a wheelchair” “A wheelchair student”
D. COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS Every aspect of good communication skills is important with students with disabilities. The driver should remember to follow these guidelines:
1. Make sure only one person gives instructions. 2. Use simple words and sentences to give directions. Good Example: “Sit down”. Poor Example: “Settle down, right now”! 3. Tell the student what you want him/her to do, not what you do not want him/her to do. Good Example: “Come here” or “Buckle your seat belt”. Bad Example: “Don’t go there” or “Don’t unbuckle your seat belt”. 4. Do not give choices, unless you are willing to accept the student’s choice. Good Example: “Get on the bus”. 164 Bad Example: “Are you ready to get on the bus”? 5. Try to assess whether the student is paying attention. 6. Allow time for the student to respond to the directions. 7. If necessary, repeat the directions calmly. 8. Avoid hurting feelings. 9. Use good judgment in what you say around or about students. 10. Be patient and supportive. 11. Assist students only as required. 12. Develop a strategy to communicate with students who do not speak or do not speak your own language. Use this strategy in emergencies. For example: communicate with the student through another student or adult on the bus.
B. COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS AND STAFF Parents and school staff expect a professional approach to all communications concerning the needs of children. Communications should be expressed as caring concerns aimed at problem solving. Factual statements free of put downs, accusations, and anger will assist in achieving positive communication. Positive communication with parents and teachers will aid the development of plans for handling difficult situations. Good communications with parents and teachers supports a safe and pleasant bus ride.
9. SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT A driver should provide a consistent environment on the bus. Simple things like assigning seats and using a few simple rules appropriate to the mental ages of the students help create such a climate. Drivers should expect students to behave properly and offer genuine praise when students exhibit good behavior.
10. STUDENTS WHO ARE MEDICALLY FRAGILE Many students with disabilities are medically fragile in different ways. Mishandling, placement on the bus and the roughness of the bus ride may have significant impacts on their well-being. Drivers should physically assist only those students who require such assistance and do so by means approved by the school nurse, parent and supervisor. When assisting a child or moving a child using a mobility device of any kind, the driver should use gently, easy movements to avoid injury.
Students who are medically fragile should be placed on the bus where it best meets their needs. For example; students with brittle bones disease should not ride in the back of the bus; they should be placed near the front to avoid unnecessary bouncing. Students with frequent severe seizures should be seated where the bus driver or bus assistant can observe them. Students with respiratory equipment or tracheotomies should be seated near the bus assistant or health care assistant assigned to them. Some students may need to have their wheelchair tilted in a reclining position during loading and
165 transportation. The IEP must specify the requirement for transportation with the wheelchair in the tilted position and a forward facing bus must be used.
11. COMMON EMERGENCIES Drivers transporting students with disabilities often must assist or care for students because of common emergencies such as seizures, human bites, sudden illnesses, nose bleeds, emotional outbursts or hair-pulling incidents. The driver should care for any injuries using the methods learned in the first aid training required for school bus drivers. Drivers should remember the following guidelines:
A. If a student is having a seizure, the driver should stop the bus and assist the student to prevent injury. Do not put anything in the student’s mouth. Remove harmful objects from around the student. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. Note the length of the seizure. Monitor breathing. For severe (lasting 5 minutes or more) or repetitive seizures, call for paramedics. Seizures over 1½ minutes may be abnormal for students. Immediately report seizures if the student has no known history of seizures. B. Seat students subject to seizures where the driver can monitor them. C. Seat students who have a history of biting or pulling hair where they cannot injure others. D. Minor human bites should be washed with mild soap and water and covered with dressings. The injured student should be seen by a doctor for evaluation. E. Sudden illness may require medical attention. F. Assist students with nosebleeds to pinch their nostrils together with a tissue or cloth until bleeding stops. The student should lean forward and breath through his/her mouth. G. Seat a student who is experiencing an emotional outburst appropriately. In most cases, seat with a friend for support (someone by whom he/she does not feel threatened). In extreme cases, seat the student alone and away from the person involved in the outburst.
12. DO NOT RESUSCITATE ORDERS At this time, Do Not Resuscitate Orders are not accepted by the District. If a Do Not Resuscitate Order is requested and accepted, Transportation Services Division will work with District Nursing Services to develop an appropriate plan.
The bus driver is responsible for safety of all students on the bus and must keep his/her aid skills current.
166 Section VII
Part 3 TRANSPORTAION SERVICES DIVISION GUIDELINES
1. STOP TIMES Parents should have the student ready at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled stop time. They have been notified to bring the student to the bus promptly because the driver cannot wait. Bus drivers follow established routes that are closely timed for the safety of all the children on the bus. Every one depends on the bus staying on schedule. The bus will leave no earlier than the scheduled departure time. When on time, drivers should not wait more than one (1) minute past the scheduled pickup time.
Parents shall be notified of permanent changes of pick-up or delivery times. Buses may be late for several reasons, including bus breakdowns, rain, or heavy traffic. The delivery route may arrive early when other students are absent. Therefore, parents/guardians have been told to be ready to receive their child at the bus stop at least fifteen minutes before the established delivery time.
Drivers shall go to each morning to a special education bus stop even if they believe a particular student may be absent. The exception would be if the student has moved and the stop is no longer on the route. If the student is absent on the delivery trip, the driver should not go by the stop.
2. USE OF HORNS The driver shall NOT sound the horn at a student’s stop to alert the student or parent that the bus has arrived. This is prohibited by the California [VC 27001].
3. ADDRESS CHANGES To avoid interruption of transportation service, parents must immediately report changes of address and telephone numbers or other pertinent information to the Special Education Office of the local District office within which the school is located. Drivers should refer parents to the appropriate Local District or Special School Office. See the “Telephone Reference Guide” in the back of this section. Drivers should not offer information as to whether the new address would fit on their route or offer to transport from the old address after the student has moved.
4. ABSENT STUDENTS Parents have been advised to help safeguard the health of all the children on the bus by not sending him/her to school with symptoms of a cold or other communicable disease. The parent is to notify the school if the student will not be attending. Drivers do not have
167 the authority to refuse to transport a student they feel is ill. The Health Care or Bus Assistant would have that authority. When the school requires this information, drivers shall complete and submit a list of absent students to the school office.
5. PLANNED PM ABSENCES If the student will not ride home on the school bus for any reason, parents are to use the school check out procedure to ensure. Transportation personnel are to be notified. At dismissal time, drivers shall account for all students assigned to the delivery route before leaving the school.
6. STUDENTS ILL AT SCHOOL School personnel may telephone the parent and arrange for the student to be picked up at school by the parent or to be delivered home by a midday bus. In the latter case, an adult must receive the student at the home. When a driver is sent to deliver a sick child to his/her home address, the driver must notify Bus Operations Dispatch the time of starting the trip and the odometer reading, and must also notify Bus Operations Dispatch the time of ending the trip and the odometer reading.
7. INFANTS, TODDLERS & PRE-SCHOOL The District will provide all appropriate child safety restraint systems as required by the IEP. Contract bus companies will obtain the child safety restraint systems to equip their buses as required when transporting students with disabilities. All buses transporting students in infant, head-start, and preschool programs shall be equipped with a seat belt cutter for emergency evacuation.
8. ADULT TO RECEIVE For students determined eligible for home-to-school transportation service, a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult designated by the parent or guardian must be at home to receive the student when the bus arrives. An adult is a person at least 18 years of age. The parent or guardian designates the adult in writing on official forms supplied by the District Special Education office or the school. The driver is responsible to ensure that each student is received by the designated adult.
All persons authorized to receive a student from the bus must be listed on an appropriate from provided and completed at the IEP or upon enrollment at the school. Changes to the list of authorized persons must be submitted to the school office and Special Education Unit.
9. REQUESTING RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY If a parent believes that it is appropriate for his/her child to proceed unattended and unassisted from the bus at the home delivery point into the residence, he/she may request to sign a release of Release of Responsibility form. Contract the administrator at
168 the student’s school of attendance. The administrator will determine whether the request is appropriate for the student before authorizing the request. Transportation cannot act on this information until after having received a PURL for the student with words “Release of Responsibility on File” clearly indicated.
10. STUDENT HYGIENE For those children who are still toilet training, parents have been instructed to toilet the student before boarding the bus. Soiled children will not be transported.
11. TRANSPORTATING MEDICATIONS Medications can only be transported inside sealed, clearly labeled envelopes bearing the name of the student, school, and teacher. The envelope must be handed directly to the driver. Medications cannot be dispensed on the bus. The driver does not administer medications.
12. BUS ASSISTANTS If the student requires an adult assistant on the bus (as identified on the IEP), he or she cannot ride the bus unless the assistant is present. When the assistant is absent at the morning bus stop, parents shall contact the school to arrange transportation. After the driver arrives at school, the supervisor may direct the driver to pick up an Adult Assistant at school and return to the home for the student.
The Adult Assistant, Health Care Assistant, or Private Duty Nurse will provide the assistance, care or supervision required by the student’s IEP and assists the driver with the following typical duties; lifting students on/off the bus, maintaining discipline, responding to physical needs of students, making minor adjustments of special equipment, supervising students, administering first aid, and assisting students to use mobility equipment, assisting students with toilet use.
In the absence of an adult assistant who is assigned to assist the driver with a group of students on the bus, the driver must be guided by instructions from the Area Bus Supervisor as to which students cannot be transported.
Adult assistants may assist with the loading or unloading of the students or securement of wheelchairs or other equipment. However, the driver’s responsibility for student loading and unloading and the securement of equipment cannot be transferred to any person.
During a trip, a adult assistant or other assigned adult may need to stand in order to give care, assist, or supervise his/her assigned student. This part of the assistant’s job duties. The assistant or nurse should tell the driver he/she will be standing up to care for the child. Some medical procedures may be dangerous for the child while the bus is moving
169 (e.g.; suctioning a tracheal insert). The bus driver should stop the bus with care at a safe location until the assistant or nurse resolves the situation. The driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch of any extended delays.
170 Section VII
Part 4 NO ONE HOME TO RECEIVE
This section covers the issues related to the absence of the adult at the home-to-school delivery point. It explains the procedures the driver must follow to resolve the situation. The student with disabilities cannot be permitted to leave the bus unless a designated adult receives him/her.
1. ABSENCE OF DESIGNATED ADULT If the adult fails to receive the student, a “Notice of Safety Concern on School Bus” Form 78.50 (see sample form on page 157), will be issued. Failure to receive the student from the bus may be considered child abandonment, neglect or endangerment and will be reported as required by law. District personnel are required to report suspected cases of child abandonment, neglect and endangerment. Transportation by school bus may be suspended.
This subsection applies only to students with disabilities who receive curb-to-curb (home- to-school) service between home (includes foster care, child care or residential care facility) and the receiving school. The District does not require adults to receive students with non-severe disabilities at any delivery ) (return drop-off) designated at a school site. The material in this subsection covers the issues addressed in Bulletin No. 47, revised September 20, 1993, “Return of Special Education Students to School”.
A. AN ADULT TO RECEIVE A designated adult person must receive any students with severe or non-severe disabilities at the delivery location when the stop is at a home or child care location. This does not apply when the students pickup or drop off site is designated at a school site or a “Release of Responsibility” is on file. An adult person is 18 years of age or older.
A designated adult is the parent or guardian or any adult person designated by the parent/guardian or the school administrator. A parent or guardian designates other adults by listing their names, addresses and telephone numbers on the appropriate form kept on file in the school office.
A home delivery (drop-off or bus stop) is any delivery location at a specified address where a bus driver would expect a care-giving adult to be waiting for the student. Examples include the student’s home, a baby-sitter’s home, a residential care facility or group home, a day care facility, or a therapist’s office. Stops at school sites and intersections are not home delivery locations. Generally, students with
171 severe disabilities receive home-to-school transportation. And generally, they must be met by care-giving adults. However, some students with severe disabilities may be receiving training and education intended to prepare them for a student with severe disabilities at the delivery location, provides an exception known as a “Release of Responsibility”.
B. RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY A “Release of Responsibility form may be authorized. If the school administrator and the parent/guardian agree that the student is capable of walking from the school bus at the curb to the front door and enter the home without adult assistance, they may file a “Release of Responsibility” Form No. SE-61. Even when a “Release of Responsibility” has been authorized for a student with disabilities, it is understood that an adult must always be present in the residence when the bus arrives. The correctly executed SE-61 only relieves the adult from the requirement of showing his/herself to the driver and it relieves the driver from the responsibility for seeing and identifying the receiving adult.
Only the school administrator can legally provide these forms. Drivers shall not obtain copies of these forms or offer them to parents. Drivers shall refer the parent/guardian to the school administrator when questions arise about whether the student could be considered for a “Release of Responsibility”. Schools receive copies of the form for use from the District’s Special Education Division.
A statement about the “Release of Responsibility” must be on the PURL. After the District enters this information into the computer system, the driver should receive a changed PURL containing the statement(s), “RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON FILE” and/or “SE-61 ON FILE”. The “Release of Responsibility” is valid only until the end of the school year in which it is issued and must be re-authorized for any subsequent school year.
A statement must be marked on Route Sheet concerning the “Release of Responsibility”. After receiving a PURL bearing the statement “RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON FILE”; (CRC will plainly mark special education route sheets) for the student.
At the delivery location, when the route sheet bears the, “RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON FILE”, the driver need not wait to see an adult person before permitting the student to exit. The driver shall permit the student to exit the bus and proceed home unassisted. The driver shall ensure the student has entered the delivery location. After following all other safety procedures and regulations, the
172 driver will proceed on the route. A sample “Release of Responsibility” form (SE- 61 Form) is on the next page.
173 174 C. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY Some students require an adult to receive them at the stop. When the District determines that a student is incapable of caring for him/herself, either a parent or guardian or an authorized adult must be at the delivery stop to receive the student. The driver must see the adult receiver before releasing the student. The driver shall exercise all due diligence and care regarding the release of students with disabilities.
The driver and supervisor must make sure the names of the adults approved to receive the student are listed on the student’s route sheet. The driver should release the child only to those persons. The person receiving the student shall make his/her presence promptly visible to the driver when the bus arrives.
The driver shall not discharge the student from the bus (even to knock on the door) when the receiving person does not make his/her presence visible. In many cases, the driver must assist the student directly into the hands of the adult receiver. At no time may the driver sound the horn as a method of gaining the attention of the receiving adult. This would be in violation of California [VC 27001].
2. NO ONE HOME TO RECEIVE This is the actual procedure to follow.
A. FIRST ATTEMPT TO DELIVER On the first attempt to deliver the student, if no adult is home (at the delivery stop) to receive the student, the driver shall initiate the following procedure:
1. Step One – Notify Bus Operations Dispatch If no one is visible at home to receive the student, the driver shall contact Bus Operations Dispatch over the radio. Contract drivers call their company’s dispatch over the radio. Their dispatcher follows all required District procedures. If the radio does not work, the driver shall find a telephone and call (323) 342-1460 or 1 (800) 522-8737 (LA BUSES). The driver shall use a telephone that permits him/her to keep the bus and student in sight.
(a.) Driver’s Responsibility The driver shall tell the person receiving the call that he/she has a “No one home to receive” situation. Whether by telephone or by radio, the driver must provide the following information:
a. Route number b. Receiving school
175 c. Student’s name, address, telephone number d. The time they arrived at the stop e. How many students are aboard f. Estimated time to arrive back at student’s home after dropping all other students.
The dispatcher will instruct the driver either to return to the student’s home after delivering all the other students or to deliver the student back to his/her school. In most cases, the driver will deliver all the other students and then return to the student’s home.
(b.) Dispatcher’s Responsibility After receiving the driver’s report of a “No One Home to Receive”, the dispatcher immediately notifies the school administrator and the Area Bus Supervisor. The dispatcher forwards a copy of the report to the school and to the Area Bus Supervisor. (c.) School Administrator’s Responsibility After receiving the call from Bus Operations Dispatch, the school administrator or designee verifies the student’s information on the student’s Emergency Card and attempts to locate the parent/guardian. The administrator must remain on duty until the situation involving the student has been completely resolved. The school administrator monitors the history of the students within his/her charge and makes decisions concerning the well-being of the students. (d.) Area Bus Supervisor’s Responsibility The Area Bus Supervisor monitors the records of students transported on routes in his/her area and consults with the school administrator.
2. Step Two – Follow Directions from Dispatch Driver shall follow directions given by a District supervisor. The Dispatcher instructs the driver either to take the student back to school or to deliver the other students and return to the student’s home. Drivers shall notify the dispatcher of critical time factors (e.g., Late-Bus assignments, other trips, etc.) to permit trip reassignment if necessary.
B. SECOND ATTEMPT TO DELIVER On the second attempt to deliver, if no adult is visible on the second attempt, the driver shall follow this procedure:
176 1. Knock on the Door The driver should try to determine if the adult is present. If safe and while keeping the bus and student(s) aboard in his or her sight, the driver shall properly secure the bus, and try to knock on the door.
2. Review the Route Sheet The driver should review the route sheet for the name and address of another person authorized to receive the student in the parent’s absence. The driver shall not leave the student in the care of a neighbor unless the neighbor’s name appears on the route sheet or Bus Operations Dispatch or the Area Bus Supervisor directs the driver to do so.
3. Written Notice to the Parent The driver may leave a written message to notify the parent of the attempts to deliver the student. The driver may complete the “Notice of Safety Concern On School Bus” (form 78.50), however, the driver shall not suspend the student’s transportation because of the parent’s failure to follow procedures. The driver shall also distribute the Copies of the form to the school administrator and the Area Bus Supervisor.
4. Notify Bus Operations Dispatch The driver shall notify Dispatch over the radio of the failed second attempt to deliver the student. The driver shall follow instructions from Dispatch.
(a.) Dispatcher’s Responsibility The District Dispatcher shall immediately notify the school administrator that the driver is returning the student to the school. Contract dispatchers shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch at each step of this procedure.
(b.) School Administrator’s Responsibility The administrator or designee shall receive the student at the school and remain with the student until the situations is resolved. The administrator may release the driver if he/she had located the responsible adult and no longer needs the driver to transport the student.
C. RETURN THE STUDENT TO SCHOOL The Driver may be instructed to return the student to school. When directed, the driver shall return the student to the school of attendance. The driver shall remain there until the problem is solved or the school administrator has released the driver.
177 If the administrator releases the driver, the driver shall immediately notify the dispatcher and make a note of the school administrator’s name and the time.
D. DELIVERING AFTER DARK A third attempt may be made to deliver the student as follows:
1. When the administrator has located the responsible adult, he/she may direct the bus driver to deliver the student for the third time. If it is now after dark, or it will be dark by the time the bus reaches the student’s home, the school administrator shall ride on the bus with the driver and student. The driver shall not be required to deliver the student unaccompanied after dark.
E. SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY Upon successful delivery following either on the second or third attempt, as soon as the driver has successfully delivered the student to the responsible adult, the driver shall immediately notify Dispatch that he/she has done so. The Dispatcher shall then notify the school administrator, if applicable. A contract dispatcher shall immediately notify Bus Operations Dispatch.
F. MIDDAY ROUTES On a midday run if no adult is home on the first attempt, the driver shall return the student to school before the time for the next trip. The driver shall remain in contact with Dispatch for instructions.
G. STUDENT REVEALS ABSENCE OF PARENT The driver must be prepared to handle situations where the student with an authorized “Release of Responsibility” reveals that he/she will be at home alone or cannot enter the home. At the delivery point the student may state he/she cannot find his key or may tell the driver her/his parent does not get home until a later time. The driver now suspects that there may not be an adult in the residence. In other causes, the adult’s motor vehicle may not be present at the site. He/she should confirm the absence of the adult with the disabled student and then notify Bus Operations Dispatch. The situation would be handled as a “No One Home to Receive”. It is understood that there will always be an adult at the residence when the student with a “Release of Responsibility on File” arrives.
178 Section VII
Part 5 DISTRICT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. DISTRICT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT A student’s “Individualized Educational Program” (IEP) specifies which steps the District must take to fulfill the student’s educational needs. Specialized equipment may be required. When the IEP requires the use of special equipment, the student may need the equipment during transportation. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) identifies transportation as a related service for education. Providers of related services must honor the requirements of the IEP. As a result, transportation must accommodate the need to transport or use any required special equipment. [13 CCR 1293] places responsibility for the condition and repairs of the wheelchair, its wheel locks, and seat belt upon the owner (parent) of the wheelchair. The IEP may require an ambulatory student to be restrained by a lap belt of safety vest.
Contract companies shall provide all equipment (except a wheelchair) required for the transportation of students with disabilities on their buses.
Any change in special or medical equipment, or change in transportation as a related service, must be changed on the IEP and PURL. Sufficient notice must be given to Transportation to avoid disruption of service. Changes include new, modified, and replacement equipment.
District regulations are designed to further enhance student safety. Prior to the start of any transportation program for a student confined in a wheelchair and prior to the use of a newly acquired wheelchair of any type, the owner shall permit the Area Bus Supervisor and/or other Transportation Services Division personnel to inspect the wheelchair. Any wheelchair transported on a bus in District service shall meet the following requirements:
A. RESTRAINING BELTS Restraining belts of webbing material with buckles that will not release unless done so manually.
B. DISCONNECTING THE POWER For electric wheelchairs, the driver must be able to disconnect the power to the chair and roll the wheelchair freely to load and unload. The power shall remain disconnected during loading, unloading, and transportation.
179 C. SECUREMENT All equipment, motors, and other devices must be secured to the wheelchair or bus by approved means to prevent accidental separation during loading, unloading, and transportation.
D. EQUIPMENT SECURED ON THE WHEELCHAIR Oxygen tanks, respirators or other special equipment for use by the students must be attached securely to the chair by means approved by the Safety Section of the Transportation Services Division.
E. RESPIRATORS AND SUCTION MACHINES If attached to the wheelchair, they must operate independent of the source that powers the wheelchair.
F. LAP TRAYS If detachable, the lap tray shall be removed from the wheelchair and secured appropriately. If not detachable, the parent shall provide a pillow or padding to place between the student and the edge of the tray.
2. INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT Before initiating a student’s transportation program, the Area Bus Supervisor or another designated member of the Division Staff must inspect each wheelchair or other equipment required by the IEP for use or availability during transportation. Other designated staff may include a District Driver Trainer, the Assistant Area Bus Supervisor, or the Transportation Services Manager. These supervisors will determine what modifications or accommodations must be made in order to transport the wheelchair or other special equipment. After the inspection, the Area Bus Supervisor or other designated staff will complete the “Special Education Student Equipment Accommodation Request” form, number 78.299.
On the form, the Area Bus Supervisor will indicate any accommodation or modification that must be completed before transportation will begin. After the owner has completed the modifications, the supervisor will re-inspect the equipment. When the wheelchair and modifications meet the District’s safety requirements, the Area Bus Supervisor will complete and affix an inspection sticker to a visible area on the wheelchair or equipment. This should be located out of the student’s reach.
180 Sample Inspection Sticker
LAUSD W/C INSPECTION 123456
3. NON-CONFORMING WHEELCHAIRS If the wheelchair (or equipment) does not conform to the safety requirements, the student cannot be transported on the bus in the wheelchair. If an empty chair poses no safety problems for the other students and the student can board the bus without the chair and ride safely on a bus seat, the chair may be transported empty with the student on a bus seat. If authorized by school personnel and the ABS, an empty wheelchair may be transported empty with the student on a bus seat. If authorized by school personnel and the ABS, an empty wheelchair may be transported by itself to school for repair. It is the responsibility of the owner of the chair to correct any defects.
If Transportation personnel discover a defect in the wheelchair or other special equipment prior to the start of a Transportation program, the District will provide the parent with a copy in writing of the defect and the correction to be made.
4. STATE & FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS Certain federal, state and District regulations for students who are transported in wheelchairs on the bus are designed to enhance student safety [13 CCR 12393] requires that:
A. SECUREMENT OF PUPILS Passengers shall be secured to wheelchairs by a restraining belt (lap belt) while being loaded, unloaded and transported.
B. SECUREMENT OF WHEELCHAIRS Wheelchairs shall be secured with fasteners of sufficient strength to prevent the chairs from rotating, prevent the chair from leaving the floor in case of sudden movement or to support the chairs in the event the vehicle is overturned.
C. EQUIPMENT OF WHEELCHAIRS Wheelchairs shall be equipped as follows:
1. Wheel Locks and Restraining Belt Wheelchairs shall be equipped with wheel locks and a restraining belt properly maintained by the owner of the chair. Electric wheelchairs transported on school buses shall be capable of being locked in gear when placed in a school bus or 181 shall have an independent locking system capable of holding the wheelchair in place.
2. Batteries Batteries used to propel electric wheelchairs transported on school buses shall be both leak resistant and spill resistant or shall be placed in a leak resistant container. Batteries shall be secured to the wheelchair frame in such a manner as to prevent separation in the event of an accident.
5. DRIVER’S RESPONSIBILITY Bus drivers are responsible for all of the following:
A. WHEELCHAIR/EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS Drivers shall verify that all special equipment and wheelchairs have been inspected as required. A driver shall not accept any wheelchair or equipment that does not bear a properly completed Division Equipment Inspection sticker. When parents or students tell the driver they are getting a new chair or equipment, the driver shall immediately notify the Area Bus Supervisor. The supervisor will talk with the programming specialist, school staff, and parent/guardian concerning the change, and arrange to inspect the new equipment. The driver shall not transport the new wheelchair or equipment until it bears the properly completed sticker. The driver shall check all special equipment for compliance with all requirements before loading for each trip.
B. WHEELCHAIR TO FIT ON THE LIFT & THROUGH THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR When transporting a wheelchair for the first time, the driver shall verify that he/she can load and secure the wheelchair properly according to District procedures and requirements and evacuate the chair through the emergency exit door. For buses with internal lifts, the wheelchair must fit on the lift and allow enough room for the driver to ride on the lift with the student. For some external lifts, the Safety Section may provide an exception for requiring the driver to ride on the lift. The driver is responsible for knowing whether the lift has been exempted.
C. LAP RESTRAINT During the loading or unloading process and at all times during transportation, a student confined to a wheelchair shall be properly restrained by the seat belt, which must be securely attached to the chair. On buses equipped with forward-facing wheelchair positions, the driver shall provide each student confined to a wheelchair with the additional protection of the removable lap/shoulder restraint system. However, if either the seat belt attached to the chair or the wheel lock(s) (brakes) are not working properly, the driver shall not load the student confined in the chair. The
182 driver shall neither load nor transport the student in that wheelchair until the parent/owner has repaired the non-functional equipment. If the student’s condition does not permit him/her to load without the wheelchair, the student shall not be transported.
D. USE OF LOCKING DEVICES ON THE ELEVATOR LIFT During loading and unloading, the driver shall secure the wheelchair by effectively setting both wheel locks (brakes) and elevating the ramp (positive locking device) required by [13CCR 1293] to an appropriate angle. The driver shall position one foot in front of the rear wheel of any wheelchair carrying a student on the lift while raising or lowering the lift. The ramp must be capable of supporting the driver’s weight.
E. TIE DOWNS For transportation, the driver shall secure each wheelchair with no less than four securement straps (ties downs) and shall use as many additional straps as necessary to secure the wheelchair. When the wheelchair is equipped with transit options (fixed securement points), the driver is required to use the transit options to secure the wheelchair. On buses equipped with forward-facing wheelchair positions, the driver shall apply the additional straps provided for passenger restraints. The driver shall not use these additional straps to replace any missing or non-functional seat belt nor as a replacement for any missing strap required for the securement of the wheelchair. All wheelchairs shall be placed in the orientation intended by the original school bus manufacturer. Drivers shall not use defective straps.
F. OXYGEN TANKS Drivers shall not transport oxygen tanks or cylinders unless the student’s PURL specifies the requirement for oxygen. The Area Bus Supervisor and Driver Trainer shall inspect the tank or cylinder before the supervisor assigns the student to a route. These District supervisors must designate the means by which the driver will secure the oxygen tank or cylinder during transportation. The Area Bus Supervisor will arrange for the inspection with the Driver Trainer.
1. Number of Oxygen Tanks A driver shall not transport more than one tank or cylinder of oxygen for the student on the school bus, unless required by students IEP (PURL). The driver shall only transport the tank or cylinder which the child will use or need available for use during transportation. For this application, the tank or cylinder is in use even if the tank or cylinder is being transported for emergency use only. The driver shall not transport any spare tanks. The parent/guardian is responsible for the transportation of any additional supply of oxygen for use at school.
183
2. Oxygen Securement The driver shall ensure the securement of the tank or cylinder either directly on the wheelchair of the student or to the bus seat occupied by the student. When the student occupies a bus seat, the student shall sit in the rearmost bus seat. Oxygen must be placed away from heating devices.
3. Storage By regulation, oxygen tanks and cylinders shall not be stored or transported in any enclosed compartment or area such as the trunk or luggage compartment. School buses transporting students with medically required oxygen are not required to display placards.
4. Oxygen Administration The District assigns Health Care Assistants to ride with students who require oxygen during transportation. The Assistant should either sit with or near the student. The Health Care Assistant gives the student all care involving the use of oxygen. The driver is responsible for securing the tank or cylinder. The driver does not administer oxygen or other medications. The driver does not suction tracheotomies.
G. SECURING EQUIPMENT The bus driver shall secure all such equipment before transporting it in the bus. Before assigning the student on a route, the Area Bus Supervisor will arrange an inspection of the equipment. The supervisor will determine and approve the means by which the driver shall secure this equipment. The student’s PURL must specify the requirement for transporting such equipment.
H. RESTRAINING DEVICES Drivers shall use only those restraining devices required by a student’s IEP. Before seeking permission to use a restraining device (e.g.; safety vest) to solve a behavior related problem, drivers shall use the appropriate behavior modification techniques discussed in Section VI of the Bus Drivers Manual and Part 2 of this publication and also consult with the student’s teacher, the parent, and the Area Bus Supervisor for direction. A driver shall not arbitrarily apply a restraint to any student or require the use of one. Restraints shall be used only with the parent’s (guardian) written approval.
6. LOADING REQUIREMENTS Drivers are responsible for all of the following:
184 A. INSPECTION OF BUS EQUIPMENT As a part of daily pre-trip inspection, each driver shall inspect the securement, condition, and/or operation of all special equipment on the school bus including lifts, ramps, number and condition of securement straps, elevator guards, warning buzzers and lights, belts, and child safety seat, etc. Drivers shall inspect emergency exit ramps (newer buses) weekly.
B. FAULTY EQUIPMENT Drivers shall not transport any wheelchair with a student seated therein which does not meet the requirements of [13 CCR 1293] for wheel locks (brakes), seat belt, securement of batteries, condition or securement of battery or does not meet District inspection requirements. This includes the presence of the inspection sticker.
C. LAP RESTRAINTS The driver shall not load any wheelchair unless the student is secured to chair with a proper seat belt.
D. ELEVATOR DOORS Before beginning the loading process, the driver shall have secured the elevator doors in the open position. The elevator doors must be properly closed and secured moving the bus.
E. ATTENDED ON THE ELEVATOR Drivers shall not leave any student confined to a wheelchair unattended on the lift (elevator) outside the school bus [13 CCR 1293]. District policy requires the driver to ride up and down with all students on all internal lifts (elevators) and all external lifts not immediately adjacent to the front door of the bus. District buses with external lifts have the lift placed immediately adjacent to the front entrance door. As soon as the elevator has reached floor level, the driver can enter the bus and be with the student within a very few seconds. This procedure meets the requirements of [13 CCR 1293]. However, for all internal elevator lifts, drivers shall ride on the elevator with the student.
F. MANUAL OPERATION OF POWERED WHEELCHAIRS Drivers shall not operate the power unit of any powered wheelchair. The driver shall turn off the power source of any power-operated wheelchair before placing the wheelchair on the lift. The student shall not operate the powered chair during loading or unloading.
G. ELEVATOR GUARDS At all times during loading and unloading, the driver shall properly use an elevator guard (chain) to warn ambulatory persons that the lift in operation or the doors are
185 open. Each school bus in District service and equipped to transport wheelchairs, if equipped with an internal lift, shall be equipped with an elevator guard (chain) that stretches easily across the aisle access to the elevator and is equipped with an easily released attachment or hasp. The elevator guard (chain) simply warns all persons to stay away.
H. USE OF WHEEL LOCKS Drivers shall secure both wheels locks (brakes) of any wheelchair before operating the lift. If an electric wheelchair does not have wheel locks, the driver shall make sure the electrical motor is off and the drive wheels are locked in gear so the chair can not roll.
I. ELEVATE THE RAMP Immediately after removing a wheelchair from the elevator, the driver shall full elevate the elevator ramp to minimize injuries to any passing pedestrian who might fall against the side of the bus.
J. RE-CHECK TIE DOWNS Before leaving the bus stop of the school loading zone, the bus driver shall recheck the securement of all wheelchairs and special equipment to verify each is properly secured. If the driver notices or is notified of any unusual movement of any special equipment or wheelchair, the driver shall immediately stop and recheck the securement of the equipment or wheelchair.
K. TIP OVER If a wheelchair or any other special equipment in which a student is confined, tips over during transportation, the driver shall stop at the scene and notify Dispatch immediately. The driver should upright the wheelchair if it can be done without causing or increasing injury to the student. Contract dispatchers shall immediately notify “Bus Operations Dispatch”.
L. CONDITION OF EQUIPMENT If a driver observes any unusual condition of any special education equipment or wheelchair that might result in student injury, the driver should immediately notify the Area Bus Supervisor or Assistant.
M. REMOVAL OF STRAPS The driver shall remove all securement straps from the floor and all three-point passenger restraints from the wall when these items are not in use. The driver shall not attach these to the floor before loading any when these items are not in use. The driver shall not attach these to the floor before loading any wheelchair. The driver shall secure unused straps in a proper container or compartment.
186
N. MASTER ELEVATOR CONTROL DANGER Before proceeding on the route after operating the lift, drivers shall deactivate the lift operation master switch on the driver’s console. Failure to do this could result in a sudden emergency brake application if a passenger were to lift the handle of any lift bus emergency door. This danger applies on those lift buses designed to prevent vehicle movement when the lift doors are open (all District lift buses).
O. TILTED WHEELCHAIRS When the student’s condition requires the wheelchair to remain tilted during transportation, the Transportation Services Manager and District Driver Trainer shall inspect the wheelchair to identify means of securement, means to mark the chair for the degree of tilt, or other transportation issues. This may require the reconvening of the IEP committee. Students with Muscular Dystrophy may require transportation with the wheelchair tilted. Transportation must meet all IEP requirements stated on the PURL.
P. SCHOOL LOADING ZONES FOR WHEELCHAIRS Students waiting in wheelchairs to load at school should be positioned sideways, facing parallel to bus and each must be attended by school staff until the driver is ready to load the individual student. While waiting, the wheel locks must be locked. Drivers should not accept responsibility for a student left alone outside the bus. When unloading at school, each student should be handed directly into the care of school staff.
7. LAP RESTRAINTS The driver shall ensure that each student, who requires a lap restraint, has properly buckled his/her lap restraint (seat belt) before putting the bus in motion. If necessary, the driver shall get out of the driver’s seat and assist the student. Drivers are responsible for instructing students in the proper use and securement of seat belts/lap restraints.
8. CHILD SAFETY SEATS Pre-school age children and infants are transported in child safety seats. The District provides child safety seats meeting the requirements of FMVSS. Drivers are responsible for properly securing child safety seats and infant safety seats to the bus seat and properly securing pre-school and infants before transporting. Infant safety seats are designed specifically for the needs of infants.
Certain child safety seats have the effect of reducing the passenger capacity of the bus because the child safety seat requires a width greater than 13 inches provided on the seat for each elementary student. Therefore, the 39 inch bus seat designed for 3
187 students can only accommodate 2 child safety seats. A bus seat rated for 2 students can hold only one child safety seat and no other passenger.
9. INSPECTION OF CHILD SAFETY SEATS Wheelchair and Child Safety Seats that have been involved in a vehicular accident should be re-evaluated for safety of continued usage by a Division supervisor before re-use. Child Safety Seats should also be checked annually by supervision for expiration dates and general overall condition.
188 Section VII
Part 6 ASSISTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
1. ASSISTING STUDENT The driver shall assist all students whose conditions warrant assistance to load, walk inside the bus, find or get into their seats, stand, unload or with any other activity that is a necessary part of the loading or unloading process. If necessary, the driver shall buckle and tighten the lap restraint or straps of a child safety seat, or apply restraints such as the clips of a safety vest.
The driver shall not permit a parent of guardian to walk onto the bus to assist the student. Only parents who have authorization to be transported on the bus should be allowed to enter the bus. If a Bus Assistant buckles the belt or other restraint, the driver still is responsible for the child’s safety.
2. METHODS OF ASSISTING Drivers shall avoid unnecessary touching of students. Drivers shall never touch students in ways that a reasonable person might misinterpret. In situation where drivers must touch students, drivers must use acceptable practices and procedures. Examples of appropriate methods involving necessary touching include:
A. BLOCKING STUDENT MOVEMENT Using an arm to block a student’s exit if necessary for safety.
B. CARRYING A STUDENT Carrying a disabled student during boarding or unloading of the bus, assisting a physically disabled student while boarding, unloading, getting seated or unseated, or in securing a student with a lap restraint or other restraint or other restraining device.
C. DEAF OR BLIND COMMUNICATIONS Communicating appropriately with a student who is both blind and deaf.
D. RESTRAINING Restraining students who are engaged in harming themselves or others.
E. FIRST AID Rendering appropriate first aid to any injured or ill student. Drivers must remember to handle all lift cases in a manner entirely unobjectionable to the student, the parent, and the public. This includes avoiding placing either hand upon any part of the student’s body that is inappropriate and/or may lead to
189 misinterpretation. When lifting, drivers shall not cuddle or hold a student in his/her arms any longer than necessary. When drivers are not sure of the acceptable procedure the drivers shall discuss the matter with the Area Bus Supervisor, school administrator or school nurse, and/or the Driver Trainer.
Drivers shall not touch students in a manner which conveys an emotional or sexual message or punishes a student. Prohibited touching includes hugging, caressing, patting, kissing, sexually suggestive touching, and any touching that may involve emotional content or might be misinterpreted. Drivers shall not touch students or permit students to touch them in prohibited or unacceptable ways. Unacceptable touching also includes any behavior that may be considered punishment. Drivers shall not touch students or permit students to touch them in prohibited or unacceptable ways. Unacceptable touching also includes any behavior that may be considered punishment. Drivers shall not inflict corporal punishment on any school students. Drivers must avoid any behavior, including touching, that constitutes corporal punishment.
If any student makes any suggestive remark or tries to become too familiar with a driver, the driver shall immediately report it to the student’s school principal and to the Area Bus Supervisor. The driver should also make a note on the DBR and in a private diary or journal of the date, time location, student’s name, and to whom he/she reported the situation initial the DBR and/or journal entry. The journal could be the supervisor’s desk calendar kept for reference.
3. CHECKING FOR STUDENTS Drivers shall check their buses for students and lost property at the last unloading stop on every trip. Leaving a student unattended on a bus will result in a recommendation for dismissal.
4. SAFE DELIVERY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS Transportation Services Division policy requires all Special Education Students who are picked up at home; are delivered:
A. To school and received by school personnel in the bus loading zone. If school personnel are not present at the appropriate time, the driver is to call their dispatcher (via two-way radio), who in turn shall call the school and inform school personnel that the bus is in the loading zone awaiting assistance to unload.
B. To there return address and shall be received by authorized adults only. If no authorized adult is present, the driver shall call their dispatcher (via two-way radio), and report “No One Home to Receive”. The dispatcher will follow procedures and advise the driver accordingly.
190 Section VII
Part 7 INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
1. GOING TO THE BUS STOP When going to the bus stop, students must:
A. SAFE ROUTE Find and follow the safest route to/from the bus stop, using crosswalks and traffic signals. B. STRANGERS Not talk to strangers and not accept rides from strangers. C. WAITING TIME Be prepared to board the bus at the assigned pickup location 5 minutes before the scheduled bus departure time so that you will not miss the bus. Follow the instructions of the bus driver regarding crossing the street. D. VISIBILITY Be ready, outside, and visible five minutes before the bus arrives for pick up. E. DESIGNATED STOP For safety reasons, board the bus at the designated stop on the assigned route. F. LATE BUS SCHOOL-TO-SCHOOL If receiving school-to-school transportation and the us does not arrive within 20 minutes of the scheduled time, return home or go to the nearest District school and call LAUSD Bus Dispatch Unit at 1 (800) 522-8737 (LA-BUSES). G. LATE BUS HOME-TO-SCHOOL If receiving home-to-school transportation, telephone LAUSD Bus Dispatch Unit at 1 (800) 522-8737 (LA-BUSES), if the bus has left the stop or does not arrive within 20 minutes of the scheduled time.
2. PARENTS AT THE BUS STOP Parents or other adults who deliver or pick up students at the bus stop should park on the same side of the street as where the bus stops. When this is not possible or when the parent or adult walks to the bus stop, the parent or other adult should cooperate with the bus driver who will provide a protected escort service to all students who must cross the street. This escort will be conducted under the protection of red flashing lights to enhance student safety. California law and District policy require the driver to escort all students who cross the street where the bus is stopped, except at an official traffic control signal. At a traffic signal, the driver will activate the red lights while students load and unload per law.
191 3. STUDENTS AT THE BUS STOP While waiting at the bus stop, students must:
A. Remain at least 10 feet from the edge of the curb. Do not run toward the bus. B. Wait in line until the bus has stopped completely and the door has been opened. C. Board the bus in single file, without pushing. Keep one hand free and use the handrail. D. Do not litter or walk on planted areas.
192 193 ROUTING SYMBOLS
Directional Symbols Meaning R Right turn L Left turn Q Quick (e.g., Quick R-means quick right turn C Continue (when streets change names, end and curve into another street, or veer off to one side as at a “Y” intersection) X Last major cross street before the next right or left turn ENTER Freeway entrance on-ramp EXIT/OFF Freeway exit-off-ramp RXR or RRX Railroad crossing stop
Stop Placement Symbols Meaning E East F Flag pole at a school site bus stop (front of the school) N North N/E Northeast corner N/W Northwest corner S South S/E Southeast corner S/W Southwest corner W West
Street Name Symbols Meaning Av Avenue Bl Boulevard Cir Circle Ct Court Cyn Canyon Dr Drive Fwy Freeway Hwy Highway Ln Lane Pl Place Rd Road St Street Ter Terrace
194 LOADING ZONES
Adams MS ...... 30th St Alexandria ES (ES pickups only) ...... Rosewood Av (only) Oakwood Av (space posted for 2 buses; Alexandria’s Sp Ed only) Burbank ES ...... Vantage Av or Albers St Cahuenga ES (ES pickups only) ...... Harvard Bl at 2nd or 3td St Carpenter SH...... Laurel Cyn Bl Crenshaw SH ...... 11th Av 54th Street ES (ES pickups only...... 57th St or Alviso St (Intergration) Ellen Av (SPED only) Grant ES...... Harold Way and Carlton Way Haddon ES ...... Haddon Av Hooper ES ...... 51st St near Hooper Av Hoover ES (Es pickups only) ...... Hoover St Hyde Park ES ...... Secondary on 8th or 11th Ave only Langdon ES (ES only) ...... Orion Av (Langdon Av, Sp Ed buses only) LACES...... Sp Ed buses only Logan ES (ES pickups only) ...... Lemoyne Av Meyler Es...... 223rd St 107th St ES ...... Wall St 122nd ES ...... 121st St. Oxnard ES ...... Craner St Plummer ES ...... Tupper St Pio Pico ES...... Sp Ed buses only Purche ES ...... Purche Av/132nd St Ramona ES (ES pickups only) ...... Normandie Av Selma ES...... Principal request all students be picked up at school site South Gate SH ...... Firestone Bl Trinity ES (ES pickups only) ...... Adair St or King Bl Topanga ES area CHP has approved only 2 school bus stops on Topanga Canyon Bl south of View Ridge Road and Holder Drive to PCH...... These two Approved Stops are: Topanga ES, Viewridge Rd/ Holder Dr. Victoria ES (ES pickups only) ...... Dearborn Av Westminster ES...... Abbot Kinney Bl White House Pri Ctr...... Sp Ed buses only
195 STREETS TO AVOID
School buses shall NOT use the following streets. These streets are restricted from our use due to weight restrictions, narrow widths, agreements with neighborhood groups, etc. If a school in the immediate area needs to be reached, and no alternative route exists, the street may be used EXCEPT if there is an (*) asterisk beside the name. Do not deadhead on these streets. If there is an asterisk (*) beside the street name no bus shall use it.
NEAREST SCHOOL(s) STREET LOCATION 122ND ES 121St St. San Pedro St to Avalon Bl 186th ES 186th St. Denker Av to Normandie Av Baldwin Hills ES Higuera St. Hayden Av to Washington Bl Bancroft MS, Burroughs MS Highland Av Melrose Av to Edgewood Pl 3rd ES, Wilshire Crest ES Banning SH Broad Av Pacific Coast Hwy to O St Banning SH Lakme Av Lomita Bl to O St Bassett ES Firmament Av Sherman Way to Vanowen St Birmingham SH, Mulholland ES Aleda Av Victory Bl to Vanownen St Valley Alt, W. Valley Sec Forbes Av Victory Bl to Vanowen St Valley Alt, W. Valley Sec Haynes St Hayvenhurst Av to Balboa Bl Brentwood Mag Gretna Green Wy Montana Av to Goshen Av Canyon ES Amalfi Dr Other than around school Canyon ES Chautauqua Bl Pacific Coast Hwy to Sunset Bl Carpenter ES Carpenter Av Ventura Bl to Laurel Cyn Bl Carpenter ES Sunshine Ter Ventura Bl to Laurel Cyn Bl Clifford ES Alvarado St North of Berkeley Av Clover ES Bentley Av Queensland St to Clover Av Downtown Mag, Nightingale MS Pasadena Av All El Sereno MS, Farmdale ES Phelps St Eastern Av to Budau Pl Elizabeth Learning CTR Santa Ana St Atlantic St to Echo Park Av Elysian Hts ES, Clifford ES Baxter St Allesandro St to Echo Park Av Emerson MS Glendon Av Santa Monica Bl to Ohio Av Emerson MS Holman Av Selby to Westwood Bl Emerson MS Overland Av Pico Bl to Santa Monica Bl Emerson, University SH, Sterry ES Ohio St Sepulveda Bl to Westwood Bl Eshlman ES 259th St Eshelman Av to Western Av Fairfax SH, Hancock Pk. ES Fairfax Av Venice Bl to Melrose Av Laces, Carthay Ctr. ES, Gardena 168th St. Figueroa St to Vermont Av ES Gault ES Amestoy Av Vanowen St to Hart St Glassell Park ES Avenue 31 Cazador St to Division St Hale MS Crosson Dr Hatteras St to Califa St Hamilton SH, Laces Open Durango Av Kincardine Av to National Bl
196 NEAREST SCHOOL(s) STREET LOCATION Open, Community, Shenandoah Livonia Av Kincardine Av to National Bl ES Hazeltine ES, Fulton MS Valerio St Woodman Av to Kester Av Holmes ES 55th St Intersection of Long Beach Bl Holmes ES 48th Pl No left turns on to Long Beach Bl Kentwood ES Emerson Av Manchester Av to 88th St Lassen ES Superior St Use Lemona Av Loyola Village ES 87th St Rayford Dr to Stanmoor Dr Loyola Village ES Rayford Dr 90th St to 91st St Mar Vista ES Butler Av Woodbine St to National Bl Mar Vista ES Palms Bl Mc Laughlin Av to Centinela Av. Mar Vista ES Rose Av Mc Laughlin Av to Sawtelle Bl Mar Vista ES Woodbine St Mc Laughlin Av to Sawtelle Bl Mayberry ES Mc Collum St Reservoir St to Scott Av Murchision ES Alcazar St Soto St to Ricardo St Nobel MS Vanalden Av Devonshire St to Merridy St North Hollywood SH Weddington St Area east of school, from North Hollywood SH Irvine Av Magnolia Bl to Chandler Bl North Hollywood SH Margaret Av and 170 Fwy to Colfax Av Palisades SH Bowdoin St Beyond stadium parking lot Palisades SH El Medio Av All Woodland Hills Academy Kelvin Av Burbank Bl to Oxnard St Woodland Hills Academy Clark St East of Irondale Av Pt Fermin ES Gaffey St 22nd St to 36th St Van Ness ES, Blend ES, Wilton ES Van Ness Av Beverly Bl to Third St Van Ness ES, Blend ES, Wilton ES Wilton Pl Beverly Bl to Third St Venice SH Zanja St Do not park on this street Verdugo SH, Mt Gleason MS Use only Sunland Bl, Plainview, Sunland ES Foothill Bl, Pennsylvania for 210 Fwy. access Apperson, Mtn View, Pinewood Victory ES Radford Av Victory Bl to Sylvan St (SE bus ok) Webster Barry Av Brookhaven Av to National Bl Webster Butler Av Brookhaven Av to National Bl Webster Colby Av Brookhaven Av to National Bl Webster MS Ceilhunt Av Brookhaven Av to National Bl Webster MS Coolidge Av Brookhaven Av to National Bl Webster MS Federal Av Brookhaven Av to National Bl Webster MS Richland Av Coolidge Av to Purdue Av Webster MS Purdue Av Richland Av to Graham Pl Westchester SH 88th, 89th, 90th ST Stanmoor Dr to Parkhill Dr Westport Hts ES Truxton Av Manchester Av to 78th St Westside Alt Strongs Dr Washington Bl to Driftwood St White Point ES 36th St Roxbury St to Alma St Wilson SH Druid St Wilson SH to Eastern Av 197 NEAREST SCHOOL(s) STREET LOCATION Wilshire Crest ES Edgewood Pl Highland Av to La Brea Av Wright MS Anise Av 77th St to 80th St Hamilton SH, Laces, Open Durango Av Kincardine Av to National Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Livonia Av Kincardine Av to National Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Airdrome St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Alcott St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Beverlywood St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Cadillac Av Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Cashio St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES David Av Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Durango Av Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Gibson St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Guthrie Av Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Hargis St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Olin St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Pickford St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Saturn St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Sawyer St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES 25th St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES 24th St Robertson Bl to La Cienega Bl Community, Shenandoah ES Point View St Guthrie Av to 18th St
198 SECTION VIII
USING THE TWO-WAY RADIO
This section provides minimal guidelines for use of the two-way radio system operated by the Transportation Services Division. The procedures outlined are influenced by FCC Regulations and Division Operating Policies. Specific questions not covered should be referred to the driver’s immediate supervisor.
All radio usage must be kept to an absolute minimum. The radio in not a private telephone system. Users shall avoid personal messages over the radio. For this reason all messages that can be conducted by telephone should be conducted by telephone. When the radio must be used, certain ten-codes should be utilized in place of words and phrases in order to keep usage (traffic) to the minimum.
Indulging in practices prohibited by regulations or policy such as citizens band (CB) slang may result in disciplinary action. This equipment is not to be used in a playful manner, and staff members are expected to observe these guidelines.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION The District operates five channels in the 800 MHZ range and two in the 450 MHZ range. In the 450 MHZ range, one channel is a general business frequency and is used primarily by Truck Operations. The other channel is used by District School Police and Los Angeles Police Department. School buses are equipped to use the 800 MHZ frequencies only.
A. CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT With the exception of Cover Drivers, all units are to remain on their assigned channel unless instructed otherwise. Cover Drivers are to use the channel assigned to the route they are covering. If they do not have as assigned route to cover, they are to monitor and transmit on channel 5.
The five channels in the 800 MHZ range are assigned as follows:
Channel One - Region A Channel Two - Region B Channel Three - Region D Channel Five - Region E & Cover Drivers, Staff Members
All units shall use and monitor Channel 5 on weekends and holidays. Summer as needed drivers shall use and monitor Channel 5.
199 2. BASIC RADIO USE After turning the radio on, drivers should select the proper channel. Note: some radios are equipped so that the receiver and transmitter are turned on separately. Drivers will notice that they will be able to transmit and receive immediately because the receiver and transmitter require virtually no warm up time.
Prior to transmission, when a driver wishes to contact another unit, he/she should take sufficient time to organize his/her thoughts so the message will be clear and concise. When the driver has decided what to say, he/she should listen until the channel is clear and no one else is transmitting. Drivers should bear in mind that only one person at a time can be heard. If two people try to transmit at the same time, one or both transmissions may be blocked by static. This will require that both parties repeat their messages. Additionally, a driver must speak calmly and distinctly so that the other party will understand the message. If he/she speaks rapidly or fails to pronounce words clearly, it is likely that the other party will not understand what the driver is saying and he/she will again have to repeat the message.
3. USE OF TEN-CODES The following codes are used to keep radio traffic to a minimum by replacing common phrases. By using these ten-codes in place of words, a driver will shorten his/her message considerably.
CODE USED = ENGLISH TRANSLATION 10-1 = RECEIVING POORLY 10-2 = RECEIVING WELL 10-4 = “OK” (Message received) 10-7 (+ location) = OUT OF SERVICE (Radio turned off) Use only When the vehicle is stationary; and give the location. 10-8 = IN SERVICE 10-9 = REPEAT YOUR MESSAGE 10-10 = OUT OF VEHICLE (But can hear the radio). 10-15 = PASSENGER(S) ILL 10-19 = RETURNING TO PARKING LOCATION 10-20 = WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT LOCATION 10-21 = TELEPHONE YOUR MESSAGE (Call by telephone) 10-23 = PLEASE STAND BY (Momentarily) 10-36 = WHAT IS THE CORRECT TIME? 10-98 = ASSIGNMENT COMPLETED, AVAILABLE FOR NEW ASSIGNMENT (A 10-98 must be followed by a location & is
200 CODE USED = ENGLISH TRANSLATION used only by Cover Drivers) 10-100 = NEED RESTROOM STOP 10-LINCOLN = LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDED AT SCENE (GIVE LOCATION) 10-WILLIAM = WEAPON(S) ALERT (GIVE LOCATION)
4. USE OF OTHER CODES
CODE USED = ENGLISH TRANSLATION CODE-1 = ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES CODE-2 = ACCIDENT WITHOUT INJURIES CODE-6 = ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION CODE-7 = OUT OF SERVICE FOR LUNCH (A 10-7 must be followed by a location) 962A = BREAKDOWN 970A = OVERSLEPT E.O.D. = END OF DAY E.O.S. = END OF SERVICES
There are literally hundreds of ten-codes in use by various radio users but the Transportation Services Division uses only the codes listed above.
5. HOW TO IDENTIFY RADIO USERS On school days, will identify themselves by using their assigned route number regardless of which vehicle they are actually driving. Area Bus Supervisors and Assistant Area Bus Supervisors will identify themselves at all times by a call sign derived by eliminating the last digit of their route number for Area Bus Supervisors and replacing the digit with an “X” for Assistant Area Bus Supervisors. All others have assigned call numbers that are used regardless of the vehicle they are driving and whether school is in session or not.
If someone should call the vehicle number that a driver is driving, preceded by the word bus, the driver shall answer regardless of the manner by which the driver normally identifies his/herself.
Generically, the Bus Dispatch Office is identified by the term L.A. Individual Radiotelephone Operators are identified by a number preceded by an R, for example R-1.
Individual Bus Dispatchers identify themselves by using their dispatcher number, for example, Dispatcher 2.
201 6. BASIC EQUIPMENT CONTROLS
A. VOLUME CONTROL On some radios, the volume control also serves as the on/off switch. By adjusting this control, the driver can set the volume at a comfortable listening level. Please keep in mind that volume levels that are excessively high can be detrimental to hard of hearing or partially deaf students.
This control affects only the level at which the driver can hear and has no effect on loudness of any transmitted message.
B. SQUELCH CONTROL The squelch control eliminates the rushing noises or static from the radio speaker when the driver removes the microphone from it holder. Drivers should adjust the squelch control to a point just beyond that which eliminates noises. To adjust it further may result in a driver not being able to hear some messages.
7. MICROPHONE TECHNIQUE The driver should listen briefly to make sure that no one else is using the radio before transmitting. He/she should hold the microphone two to three inches away from his/her mouth. The driver should push the button located on the side of the microphone and wait one second before speaking. Drivers must remember to keep the button depressed until they have completed transmitting the entire message. Failure to wait one second before speaking or releasing the button before finishing may cause portions or all of the message not to be transmitted.
8. OPERATING PROCEDURES Rules for using the two-way radio equipment properly are for everyone and must be followed. Failure to follow proper two-way radio procedure may result in disciplinary action. Drivers must remember there are many others who may need to use the radio. It is possible that others may need this capability in a life threatening emergency. Because of this possibility and the need to use this tool to solve problems arising from normal and unusual day-to-day operations, misuse of the system will not be tolerated.
A. WHAT TO DO BEFORE USING There is one short test required on a regular basis before using a radio.
DAILY-After turning the radio on and as a part of the pre-trip bus inspection, the driver should turn the squelch control counter clockwise until encountering static. At this point reverse rotation until the static is gone and then stop. The purpose of this test is to gain an indication of whether the radio is operating or not without having to make an actual transmission. This is indicated by the presence of the static.
202 If the driver fails to encounter static in the daily test, he/she should notify the supervisor of this condition as soon as possible so that your radio can be checked and repaired if necessary.
B. HOW TO CONTACT ANOTHER UNIT A driver must speak clearly and distinctly into the microphone, stating the route number he/she is trying to contact followed by a short pause and then his/her own route number. Example: “1234” (pause) 1235.
This tells the driver of route 1234 that the driver of route 1235 is trying to make contact.
C. HOW TO ANSWER ANOTHER UNIT When called by another route, the driver should answer by saying his/her route number only. It is unnecessary to tell the other unit to “go ahead” as they are waiting for a response to their original call. Example: calling unit says “1234” (pause) “1235). The proper response is “1234”.
The response tells the first or calling unit (1235) that the driver (1234) is listening and that he/she (1235) may state the message.
Once initial contact between two parties has been made, it is not necessary to keep repeating identification numbers throughout a conversation.
D. HOW TO CONTACT AN UNKNOWN UNIT NUMBER When a driver does not know the designated identification number for a specific unit, he/she must use some unique term that applies only to that unit. For example, he/she could say the driver’s name or say “unit involved in rock throwing at Adams and Western”, if that is the case. Example: “Mr. Smith” (pause) “1235”.
The proper response for Mr. Smith is to reply with his proper identification number. After proper ID has been established, normal radio procedures can follow.
9. EMERGENCY REPORTING PRODEDURES
A. PROBLEM REPORTING If a driver becomes involved in an accident, rock throwing, breakdown or other incident that requires making a report, the driver must first call Dispatch in the normal manner adding the nature of the problem.
Drivers shall be prepared to provide all of the following information upon request when calling Bus Dispatch by radio or telephone with a problem. The intent is to
203 collect information in an organized fashion in order to minimize delays and to simplify the reporting procedure. The initial communication is the beginning of the detailed information needed later. Drivers must remember to speak calmly and clearly because someone is writing this information down as the driver speaks.
B. HIGH PRIORITY SITUATIONS
SITUATION DESCRIPTION CODE 1 Accident with injuries in which your bus is involved. CODE 2 Accident without injuries in which your bus is involved. Rock Throwing Incident in which your vehicle was hit and damaged or injuries occurred. No One Home To Receive Absence of required adult to receive a special education student. 962 The driver’s assigned vehicle is broken down. Missing Person One of the assigned students is lost. Student Discipline Problem Need assistance to control
Note: For other problems, describe as briefly as possible.
REQUIRED INFORMATION: 1. State the route number. 2. State the nature of the problem and if there are injuries involved. 3. State the location. 4. State the bus number he/she is actually driving. 5. State the number of passengers he/she is transporting. 6. State the receiving school or location where these passengers boarded. 7. State the destination. 8. State whether or not he/she has another assignment starting immediately.
C. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION After the Radiotelephone Operator or Dispatcher has received this information, he/she will begin to ask the driver for various details regarding the situation. Dispatch will notify all pertinent parties.
The driver shall stay on the assigned channel until the incident is concluded. A driver may consider an incident concluded when he/she has been released by the investigating District supervisor or any law enforcement officer. However, before
204 proceeding, drivers shall get approval from Bus Operation Dispatch. Drivers shall also inform dispatch how late they are running.
This exchange may become quite involved and lengthy. For this reason drivers are required to use the telephone (800 522-8737) (LA-BUSES), whenever possible and/or feasible. Note: Drivers shall never leave students alone without adult supervision!
10. RADIO PROBLEMS Drivers should check their radios daily to make certain they are working properly. In the event the radio doesn’t work properly, a driver should exercise the following:
A. CHECK FOR THE PROPER SETTING AS OUTLINED UNDER BASIC EQUIPMENT CONTROLS.
(I.) If a driver is able to hear other units, but gets no response when calling them, it may be due to the bus being in a area where the signal is not activating one of the repeaters. Radio transmissions go to a repeater and then to another vehicle or to a base station. The driver should wait until he/she has moved to another location and try again. (II.) If the driver hears nothing on the radio, he/she should try to contact another unit for a radio check. (III.) If the driver still is unable to make contact, he/she should select another channel and repeat steps one through three. If this is successful, the driver should assume that the radio is malfunctioning only on the assigned channel and report this condition to the immediate supervisor as soon as possible. (IV.) If step four doesn’t result in a response, the driver should assume that the radio cannot transmit and/or receive. This condition should be reported to the immediate supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor will then call the ITD Radio Repair Unit to arrange for the appropriate repair.
11. DO’S & DON’TS OR RADIO USE
A. DO (I.) Practice courtesy. (II.) Use the telephone whenever possible. (III.) Think before pressing the transmit button. (IV.) Listen for time-checks. (The time is announced every 15 minutes on the hour, half-hour and quarter-hour).
205 B. DO NOT (I.) Use slang language or profanity when transmitting over the radio. (II.) Attempt to transmit while others are transmitting. (III.) Use the radio as if it were a telephone. (IV.) Transmit personal or confidential information. (V.) Ask for the time unless absolutely necessary. (VI.) Transmit on the radio while fueling. (VII.) Leave the radio on while washing the bus. (VIII.) Wash any part of the radio with liquids of any type.
206 SECTION IX
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES
This section provides information for the driver to use when instructing or preparing students for emergencies. Bus drivers must constantly be alert to the potential for accidents or other dangers to their passengers. When an emergency occurs, the driver and passengers must respond appropriately and immediately. Circumstances may require them to evacuate the bus.
1. PRE-PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES All drivers would do well to plan ahead of time for how they would manage in an emergency. Mental imaging and preparation can do much to help a driver remember to stay clam and in control. Knowing where services are along the route, noting which bus monitor is absent and planning who could fill that monitor’s role, and imagining one’s response to an imaginary sudden dire event can help a driver maintain control and respond with confidence.
To ensure the safety of everyone on the bus, the driver must comply with state and District requirements regarding the Bus Evacuation and Safe Riding Practices (SRP) drills. The driver’s responsibility involves teaching students about bus rules (Safety First), how to follow instructions, and how execute a proper bus evacuation.
2. BUS EVACUATION INSTRUCTION Each school year, the governing board shall provide, and require each student who is transported in a school bus to receive, appropriate instruction in safe riding practices and emergency bus evacuation drills [5 CCR 14102; E.C. 38048].
3. SAFE RIDING PRACTICES INSTRUCTION The law requires school boards to adopt rules and regulations relating to safe riding practices (SRP) for students transported in school buses. These rules shall include, but not be limited to, specific administrative procedures relating to suspension of riding privileges. The District must advise parents that continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation. The District shall make these rules available to parents, students, teachers, and other interested parties [5 CCR 14103].
The District has provided guidelines for emergency evacuation and safe riding practices drills in Reference Guide No. 10, revised annually. The guidelines require drivers to instruct all students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade according to all requirements of E.C. 38038. Each driver must document the instruction and practice drills on the Certificate of Bus Evacuation Drill, form 78.281. When providing instructions
207 to students on a activity trip, the driver must document the safety instructions on the Dispatch Report and submit the report with the DBR.
4. EVALUATING WHETHER TO EVACUATE During most emergency situations, students are safest when they remain on the bus. On the bus, students are protected from traffic and the driver has more control over student behavior. Before beginning a bus evacuation, the driver must carefully consider all factors affecting the safety of students. The driver shall check the scene, evaluate the circumstances, and take the appropriate action. A hasty decision could aggravate an already bad situation and endanger students unnecessarily. When the students would be safer off the bus, the driver should act immediately to begin the evacuation.
The driver should immediately begin evacuating passengers from the school bus in these circumstances.
A. FIRE OR DANGER OF FIRE If any part of the bus is on fire, the driver shall stop and secure the bus and begin evacuation procedures. If the bus is near a fire or highly flammable materials (such as gasoline tanks) the driver should move the bus away from the source of danger. If he/she cannot move the bus, the driver should evacuate the students. The driver should instruct the students to move to a safe location away from the fire or combustible materials. The location should be at least 100 feet from the fire or source of fire. If there is any wind, the students should evacuate to a safe area where the wind will not blow smoke or flames toward them.
B. UNSAFE LOCATION Anytime the bus is unable to move from an unsafe location, the driver should evacuate the students to a place of safety. Examples of unsafe location include blocking a traffic lane, stopped on a blind curve, stopped on or within fifteen (15) feet of railroad tracks, near the edge of a cliff or body of water, or other hazardous situations.
The driver must evaluate the scene and decide which exit(s) to use for the evacuation, who will assist those who need assistance, and the location where everyone will regroup. The driver is responsible for everyone’s safety.
5. SUCCESSFUL EVACUATION DRILLS The driver and students must accomplish these four things to make their evacuation drill successful:
(I.) Know and follow the proper procedures. (II.) Practice together, using active participation.
208 (III.) All individuals shall participate. (IV.) All individuals shall go to a safe area designated by the driver.
Supervisors are encouraged to arrange for evacuation practice drills at least twice a year, although the law mandates a minimum of once a year. A second drill would meet the needs of new students, teachers and drivers and it would reinforce what others had learned in the previous drill. The students and drivers could work through any problems encountered during the practice drills. Later in an actual emergency, everyone would be better prepared for a successful emergency evacuation.
Area Bus Supervisors and School Administrators shall work together to schedule practice bus evacuation drills as part of the annual Safe Riding Practices Program (SRP) at each receiving school. A driver shall not conduct a side or rear exit bus evacuation drill without the approval of the Area Bus Supervisor. Drivers shall not conduct drills en route. District supervisors must attend all scheduled SRP drills.
The supervisor arranges for all drills to be conducted at the school site. Before the actual drill, the school principal will show the appropriate “Safe Riding Practices” video to the students. The Driver Trainer or the Area Bus Supervisor will instruct the school bus drivers before the drill.
6. BUS EVACUATION DRILL PROCEDURES Before attempting any emergency drill, the driver must receive approval from the Area Bus Supervisor. The driver will need to adapt parts of the drill to the different configurations of school buses. In general, the driver should follow the steps listed below when conducting a bus evacuation.
A. DRIVER PREPARATION FOR DRILL The Area Bus Supervisor will have arranged for the drill. The Bus Driver should prepare for the drill by doing the following:
(I.) Attend the SRP training session conducted by the Area Bus Supervisor or Driver Trainer. (II.) Obtain the form (78.281-Certificate of Bus Evacuation Drill) to document the training required for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. (III.) Report to the designated location for conducting the drill. (IV.) Secure the bus and turn off all electrical systems. (V.) Locate the Area Bus Supervisor who will observe and witness the drill.
B. PREPARING STUDENTS FOR DRILLS The driver must prepare the students as follows:
209 (I.) Explain the bus rules (SAFETY FIRST rules). (II.) Locate, show how to remove, and briefly explain the use of the first aid kit, fire extinguishers, and roadside triangles. (III.) Assign students to remove these during the drill. (IV.) Select and instruct the bus monitors about their responsibilities. (V.) Demonstrate turning off the engine, setting the parking brake, and calling Dispatch on the two-way radio. (VI.) Explain and demonstrate how to operate each emergency exit. (VII.) Select and announce the assembly point (a safe location at least 100 feet from the bus). (VIII.) Explain the rotational unloading procedure. (IX.) Explain that everyone should remain calm during the evacuation and/or actual emergency. (X.) Explain that students must use hand rails during front door evacuations. (XI.) Explain that students must walk and not run. No one should push or shove when exiting. (XII.) Remind students to remain quiet and listen for instructions. All instructions must be followed promptly and exactly. (XIII.) Direct students to remain seated until instructed to begin the evacuation. (XIV.) Allow the bus monitors to assist. (XV.) Explain how to jump from a semi squatting position and use the “palm to palm” method with the bus monitor when exiting through the rear or side exit. (XVI.) Explain that all passengers shall exit the bus. (XVII.) Explain the students must remove all necessary emergency equipment, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. (XVIII.) Direct students to go directly to the assembly point. (XIX.) Tell students to remain at the assembly point until the driver directs them either to go to another location or to return to the bus.
C. AFTER THE EVACUATION DRILL After checking that all students are at the assembly point, the driver shall discuss the drill with the students. The driver shall:
(I.) Praise the correct behaviors of students. (II.) Discuss the weak points of the drill, if any. Give any necessary additional instructions. (III.) Repeat the drill, if it will improve performance, and praise the students for the improvements. (IV.) Complete and sign the Certificate of Bus Evacuation Drill and have the District supervisor sign the form.
210 Drivers shall remind students that they must learn how to safely exit the bus. How fast you conduct the drill is of little importance. The practice sessions should be used to teach a safe and orderly exit during an emergency using the evacuation procedure.
7. ASSIGNING BUS MONITOR POSITIONS The safety monitors are an important part of a successful bus evacuation. The monitors must be thoroughly instructed in each type of bus evacuation plan. Specific duties are outlined for each bus monitor position. These specific duties include as much detail as possible. However, in every instance, the bus driver has the overall responsibility to give directions for each phase of the evacuation procedure. The driver may need to assign as many as eight monitors.
8. BUS MONITOR SELECTION Every bus driver should identify and train four (4) bus monitors to assist with the bus evacuation. On an activity trip, the driver should assign adult passengers to the safety monitor positions. If there are no adult passengers, the driver should select student monitors. When picking monitors, the driver should select mature, capable students whose stops are at or near the end of the P.M. route.
9. BUS MONITOR DUTIES Bus monitors must be able to direct and assist other passengers during an evacuation if the bus driver has been injured or become incapacitated. The driver should train the monitors to perform the following:
A. Turn off the ignition switch. B. Set the parking brake. C. Assist other passengers from the vehicle. D. Take the first aid kit and fire extinguisher. E. Account for all passengers after evacuation. F. Receive instructions on whom to contact for assistance. Information is listed on “Request for Assistance Form”, located in the first aid kit. G. Learn how to operate the radio for emergency help. H. Learn how to use emergency exits and windows during evacuation.
10. FRONT DOOR EVACUATION
A. MONITOR SEATING POSITIONS Monitor #1 – Right front seat on the aisle. Monitor #2 – Right front seat at the window. Monitor #3 – By side or rear emergency door as directed. Monitor #4 – By side or rear emergency door as directed.
211
B. MONITORS’ DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor #1 The driver should select the most reliable students for this position. When the driver instructs students to start evacuating, Monitor #1 will open the entrance door. The monitor will step outside the bus and prepare to lead the exiting passengers to the designated assembly point, located at least 100 feet from the bus. At the assembly point, this monitor will remain in charge of the group until relieved by a responsible adult. If necessary, the monitor will tell all the students to sit down at the assembly point. Monitor #2 As directed Monitor #2 will leave his/her seat, position him/herself outside the entrance door, and assist students as they exit the bus. At the assembly point he/she will assist Monitor #1 with the supervision of the group. Monitor #3 and #4 They will assist the driver, as directed, in controlling the flow of students and maintaining calm on the bus. These positions require no active participation during a front door evacuation.
11. SIDE OR REAR DOOR EVACUATION Driver must have approval and supervision from their Area Bus Supervisors to use the rear or side emergency exit door for a drill. We do not conduct drills from rear emergency windows on any bus.
A. MONITOR SEATING POSITIONS Monitor #1 – Right front seat on the aisle. Monitor #2 – Right front seat at the window. Monitor #3 – Transit style and conventional buses – rear window seat at side emergency door. Type 2 buses (vans) – the last seat on the right side. Monitor #4 – Transit –type and conventional buses – rear aisle seat by the side emergency door. Type 2 buses (vans) – last seat on the left side. B. MONITORS’ DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor #3 & Monitor #4 On the driver’s command, Monitor #3 will open the door and jump to the ground. The monitor will immediately turn and be ready to assist Monitor #4 out, using the approved “palms up” method. Monitor #3 and Monitor #4 will use the “palms up” method to assist each exiting passenger. After everyone has exited from the bus, they will join the group at the assembly point, and if necessary, will sit on the ground. Note: The actual seating assignment for rear or side exit monitors depends on type and configuration of the bus. In either case, Monitor #3 will have physical control of opening the emergency door and will be first to leave. Monitor #4 will follow to
212 complete the assistance team. When selecting and assigning these monitors, drivers must consider their physical strength, size and leadership ability.
Monitor #1 Monitor #1 shall lead students from the front of the bus to the exit location. After the monitor team of #3 and #4 are in place, #1 will exit the bus, immediately clear the landing area, and prepare to escort the students to the designated assembly point. Monitor #2 Monitor #2 will remain inside the bus and, at the driver’s direction, assist in controlling the aisle by releasing the students in proper rotation.
12. DRIVER’S DUTIES For any drill and emergency, the driver must take control of the situation, get the students’ attention, and give directions.
A. DRIVER’S POSITION Take control of situation and obtain the students’ attention from beside the driver’s seat at the front of the bus. B. PROTECT THE BUS AND SCENE Activate the emergency hazard lights. C. TAKE ACTION Direct the monitors to start the procedure and instruct students to follow directions. D. EVACUATE The driver or monitors must immediately begin the evacuation by any available exit. The rear door may be the most accessible, but every available means should be considered. Many buses today have roof hatches to open and pop outwards. Some windows may be used as additional ground level exits. These may have rubber seals around the edges. The driver or monitors can kick them out so students can climb through. Some buses also have side windows with releases to open them outward like doors. Many transit style buses have rear emergency exit windows that act as excellent door when a bus is lying on its side.
14. ROTATIONAL UNLOADING The quickest and safest method for passengers to exit a bus is to use the rotational unloading system. This system is essential for a successful bus evacuation and a very important student management technique. Drivers who transport students in District service shall instruct their students and utilize the rotational unloading system daily. Instructions must be given to the students on home-to-school routes and on activity trips.
A. For routine unloading at schools or other final destinations, the driver shall stand adjacent to the driver’s seat facing the students.
213 B. The driver shall instruct the students to remain seated until instructed to stand or until the front door is opened. C. Upon the driver’s directions, the students in the right front seat will stand and leave the bus. As soon as the students in the right front seat have cleared the aisle, students from the left front seat will stand and leave directly behind them. D. Passengers should continue unloading by alternating right and left sides until all students have exited the bus. E. After all students are off the bus, the driver shall check the bus for damage, lost articles, etc. F. Drivers shall explain procedures to the students and closely supervise the operation so that compliance becomes an automatic action.
15. OTHER EMERGENCIES Earthquakes, floods, major fires, and civil defense alerts can cause major problems in a urban area like Los Angeles. When major emergencies occur, the school district coordinates activities with police, fire and other emergency service agencies. If a major emergency condition exists, drivers will receive instructions on the two-way radio from Bus Operations Dispatch or School Police. Drivers should avoid unnecessary radio use. Instead, they must monitor the radio for instructions. Each driver must stay calm and ensure safety of his/her passengers.
A. EARTHQUAKES If a major earthquake occurs when students are on the bus, the driver must stop the bus in a safe location, as soon as possible. The driver shall instruct the students to “TAKE COVER”. During S.R.P. (Safe Riding Practices) drills students have learned to place their heads between their knees and listen for instructions when the driver gives the “TAKE COVER” instruction. The students remain in this position until the driver gives the “ALL CLEAR” command. After the shaking stops, the driver may give the “ALL CLEAR” command. The driver should look for dangers like falling buildings and debris, electrical lines, and damaged or destroyed bridges or highway underpasses. If a dam collapses, there may be a flood. Ruptured gas lines may cause fires. If students are injured, the driver must begin first aid and seek help.
When it is safe to do so, the driver will then proceed to the nearest LAUSD school, preferably a secondary school, or Special Education Center for severely disabled students. At the school, the driver shall fill out a bus passenger list, keep one copy with bus roster and give one copy to the site administrator. If it is necessary to abandon the bus to walk to the nearest school, the driver shall leave a copy of the roster aboard the bus.
214 Additionally, a driver shall be prepared to do all of the following:
(I.) Remain with passengers as long as necessary. (II.) Account for all passengers by filling out a seating roster of those students who are on the bus and report injuries, if any. (III.) Give an exact location and intended destination over the two-way radio. (IV.) Get the name identification of any person relieving him/her of the responsibility for the students. (V.) Be available to assist the site administrator as needed, unless otherwise assigned. (VI.) Remain with the bus at the school site for communication needs if power lines or phones are inoperable.
B. MAJOR WILDFIRES Many fires occur in the summer or fall seasons in the mountains and hilly areas of the city. If a driver needs help, he/she should call Bus Operations Dispatch. Drivers should not enter the fire zone unless directed to do so. Firestorms can jump from point to point within a few minutes, trapping the bus and its occupants. Heavy smoke limits a driver’s ability to see. The driver’s reaction to breathing smoke may result in an accident. Persons affected by asthma may have a severe attack requiring emergency medical care. Bus Operations Dispatch or School Police may direct the driver to deliver the students to an emergency disaster center or school location.
Drivers should obey directions of emergency personnel and no driver should never drive over a fire hose.
C. FLOOD AND MUD SLIDES During the rainy season, frequent mud slides may occur in the hills and canyons. This is even more likely if a major wildfire occurred in the area before the rainy season. Flooding may occur on flat land areas or along costal highways. Drivers should listen for instructions on the radio from Bus Operations Dispatch and their Area Bus Supervisor.
No one should drive a bus through water if he/she is unsure of the conditions of the road. Drivers must instruct students not to walk through deep or rapidly flowing water. Students should not play near or in storm drains or flood channels. If the route is blocked by a mud slide flooding where there is no safe turn-around or way to pass, the driver must call Bus Operations Dispatch for assistance. Whenever rerouting, a driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch.
215 D. BLOCKED OR IMPASSABLE ROADS, “ROAD CLOSED” SIGNS Where a roadway is impassable for any reason, the driver of a bus in District service shall not attempt to use the road. A sign warning “Road Closed” means just that. It is illegal to drive on a road that is closed. When any dangerous condition makes a road impassable, the Department of Transportation or local authority may place road blocks and detour signs to divert traffic. Drivers shall reroute or follow the detour. Bus drivers shall not pass through barriers that have been placed across any roadway or ignore any signs stating the road is closed.
E. CIVIL DEFENSE WARNING If a driver hears the Civil Defense “Take Cover” signal when the bus is occupied by students, he/she shall pull out of traffic and park at the curb or nearest safe parking location. If a Civil Defense shelter is available in the area, the driver and students should use it. If the driver cannot locate a shelter, the driver must direct the students to “take cover” under the seats if possible.
16. RESPONSIBILTY FOR STUDENT SAFETY In any emergency situation, the driver should continue to listen for instructions on the radio. Drivers must not leave their students unsupervised at bus stops or anywhere else. Once the driver has received students onto the bus, the driver should not release the students. For different types of emergencies, the driver may receive instructions from Bus Operations Dispatch, an Area Bus Supervisor, another District Supervisor or Manager. School Police, other Law Enforcement Officers, or over the Emergency Civil Defense System. The driver shall keep the students under his/her supervision and care until relieved of responsibility for them by their individual parents, District Officials, or Law Enforcement.
The driver shall not return students to their original bus stops or take them home as long as the emergency exists or until instructed to do so by Bus Operations Dispatch, an Area Bus Supervisor or a School Administrator.
Bus drivers must be prepared to do all of the following:
(I.) Remain with their passengers as long as necessary. (II.) Account for all passengers and report injuries, if any. (III.) Give his/her exact location and intended destination. (IV). Get the name and identification of any person relieving him/her of the responsibility for the bus passengers. (V.) Be available to assist the site administrator as needed, unless otherwise assigned.
216 During all emergencies, radio communication becomes vitally important. Every driver shall limit radio transmissions to emergency communications only. Drivers should plan brief, clear, concise radio messages to deal with emergencies.
Panic adds additional hazards to emergencies. Everyone must try to remain calm. Drivers must reassure their students. If a driver shows panic or appears emotionally upset, he/she may lose control of the students. Stay clam.
17. SCHOOL BUS HIJACKING The care and safety of his/her passengers is the bus driver’s obligation. A driver must try to be ready for the unusual at all times. A driver must use good judgment in any unusual situation or at any unanticipated stop. Drivers must keep alert. They must watch for, and be aware of, any strangers at regular stops. No driver shall allow an unauthorized person to board the bus.
A. DON’T TRY TO BE A HERO If an armed person does take control of the bus, the driver must do exactly as the person directs. He/she should give up any personal belonging, if demanded, without a struggle. The driver should not try to be a hero. An attempted heroic action may set off retaliation by the intruder against the driver of the passengers. The driver and students should try to follow all instructions without resisting and without making suggestions.
B. BE OBSERVANT The driver and passengers should follow instructions while discreetly observing the person. Later, they may be able to give an exact description of the hijacker. They should try to remember these details.
(I.) Height, weight, build, complexion, etc. Study the person and memorize these characteristics. (II.) Memorize hair color, eye color, distinct facial characteristics; study the face feature by feature, noting size of shape of ears, nose, any distinct feature, including scars or blemishes. (III.) Note clothes style and speech patterns or any other distinct mannerisms. (IV.) When moved from the original location, try to determine what turns were made, the directions the vehicle seemed to be going, and by what route.
(a.) How long did they travel. (b.) By what route. Freeway, surface street, uphill or downhill. What traffic sounds they heard. What did they smell?
217 (c.) Try to determine where they were held. What was the physical location like? What sounds could they hear (such as traffic sounds, industrial sounds, etc.). (d.) If inside a building, remember description of the interior.
C. CARE FOR STUDENTS Drivers should try to persuade the person(s) to provide for the needs of the passengers, such as food, water, shelter, medication, etc. A driver should also try to be kept with his/her passengers. However, he/she should be careful not to do or say anything to irritate or antagonize the captors. The driver should attempt to learn which passengers have special health problems requiring regular medications or care.
D. STAY CALM, COOL & IN CONTROL The students will respond to the driver’s manner. If the driver remains calm, the students will be reassured and more cooperative. The driver should offer to give the necessary instructions to students for the captors. Everyone should remember that time is on their side and be prepared to cooperate with law enforcement agents when they arrive to rescue everyone.
218 SECTION X
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Safety is a school bus driver’s primary responsibility. Statistics reveal that school bus transportation is the safest form of transportation. School bus drivers experience significantly fewer accidents than drivers of cars or trucks. Training, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance contribute to this safety record. The District holds drivers to the highest standard possible regarding the health, safety, and good conduct of the students they transport.
The professional driver must do everything possible to avoid dangerous situations and prevent accidents. However, emergency situations can occur, and each driver must know how to use safety equipment, render proper first aid, and evacuate the bus. State regulations require specific emergency equipment on each school bus and specify minimum training standards for drivers. This section summarizes the basic equipment requirements and first aid practices for school bus transportation. No driver should consider this information as equivalent to a first aid course or state training requirements.
Drivers can expand their training by enrolling in first aid classes or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes. The American Red Cross, many local fire stations and hospitals provide free or low-cost courses of this nature. First Aid emergency training benefits the driver at work and at home.
1. FIRST AID KITS State of California regulations require all school buses to be equipped with first aid kits. The requirements include the following:
A. PLAINLY MARKED The first aid kit for school buses shall be readily visible, accessible, and plainly marked.
B. CONSTRUCTION The kit shall be constructed to prevent dust and moisture from reaching the contents. It must be maintained in good conditions and easily removable from the place of securement.
C. CONTENTS The minimum requirements listed in state regulations are shown in Table I. Drivers shall thoroughly check the First Aid Kits in their assigned vehicles, including loaner or spare buses. If any unit or part of a unit is missing or damaged, the driver must replace the missing or damaged unit immediately by properly submitting a VCR to the garage. 219
The Transportation Services Division requires each bus driver to keep the first aid kit clean and fully equipped as required by state regulations. Although the First Aid Kit in the bus must contain the minimum number of each required unit, any kit may contain additional units.
The CHP School Bus Coordinator and the Office of Motor Carrier Inspectors have explained that when a driver must use contents of a First Aid Kit during a trip, the bus can continue on the trip without refilling the Kit. Upon completion of the trip, the driver must refill the Kit before beginning another trip.
2. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS State regulations require every bus to carry a fire extinguisher.
A. MINIMUM SIZE Each school bus shall carry one or two extinguishers having an aggregate rating of not less than 8 B:C units. When the school bus has two fire extinguishers, each extinguisher must have at least 4 B:C rating.
REQUIRED UNITS IN FIRST AID KITS
1-16 17-42 43 or more >>>Bus Capacity>>> Passengers Passengers Passengers Number of Number of Number of Unit Description Units Units Units 1-in. adhesive compress 1 2 2 2-in. bandage compress 1 2 2 3-in. bandage compress 1 1 2 4-in. bandage compress 1 1 2 Eye dressing packet (3 @ cotton eye pads, NA NA 1 sets adhesive strips) Plain gauze pads (3x3) in.) 1 1 1 Gauze roller bandage (2 rolls, 2-in. x yd.) 1 1 2 Plain absorbent gauze (½ sq. yd) 1 2 4 Plain absorbent gauze (24 x 72-in.) 1 2 3 Triangular bandages gauze 40-in.) 1 3 4 Scissors, tweezers 1 1 1 Total Units 10 16 24
B. WHEELCHAIR SCHOOL BUS A wheelchair school bus shall be equipped with two extinguishers, each one rated at 8 B:C or more. One extinguisher must be placed in the driver’s compartment. The 220 other shall be placed at the wheelchair loading door or emergency exit. Both extinguishers must meet all inspection requirements.
C. PROHIBITED EXTINGUISHERS School buses shall not carry fire extinguishers using any carbon tetrachloride, chlorbromomethane, or methyl bromide as extinguishing agents. No one shall use these types of extinguishers in or around a school bus. Regulations also forbid the use of vaporizing fluid fire extinguishers in or about a school bus.
D. SECUREMENT Each fire extinguisher shall be securely mounted on the motor vehicle in a conspicuous place or a clearly marked compartment and shall be readily accessible.
E. MAINTENANCE Each fire extinguisher shall be maintained in efficient operating condition. Each extinguisher must be equipped with some means of determining that it is fully charged.
F. INSPECTION School bus fire extinguishers shall be inspected and serviced only by a person, firm or organization authorized to do so by the State Fire Marshal. Inspection or servicing shall be done at yearly intervals or any adopted by the State Fire Marshal.
G. DISTRICT EXTINGUISHERS District buses carry dry chemical extinguishers. This extinguishing agent is non- poisonous, non-conductive, and will not harm the operator or any clothing. We have equipped our buses with extinguishers to provide the minimum 8 B:C rating required.
3. FIRE DANGER The danger of fire is serious. Professional bus drivers must know how to use fire extinguishers. Every bus driver must know the following:
(I.) To evacuate all passengers first. (II.) When to use an extinguisher. (III.) Where to find the fire extinguishers in the bus. If they are not visible, look for a sign or label indicating the location. (IV.) How to read the gauge of the extinguisher for proper charge. (V.) How to read the date on the inspection tag of the fire extinguisher. The date indicates when the extinguisher was last inspected. (VI.) How to determine it is the proper size and type of extinguisher for a school bus. Look for the U.L. label and the word “CLASSIFICATION”. (VII.) How to remove the extinguisher from the holding bracket.
221 (VIII.) How to extinguish fires. Remember to aim at the base of the flames, not at the flames themselves. (IX.) How to keep the powder inside the extinguisher loose. At least once a month, the driver must remove the extinguisher from the mounting bracket and vigorously shake it to keep the powder from becoming packed or a solid mass.
4. FIRE CONTROL The fire extinguisher is provided for the purpose of saving lives and property. The driver is responsible for its use. Think of a fire extinguisher as a first aid fire fighting appliance. In first aid situations, drivers must act quickly. The driver may need to use the extinguisher to protect children while they evacuate from the bus. Speed is important.
Fire extinguishers are relatively small. So are their capabilities. The 8 B:C rating means the extinguisher can extinguish 8 square feet of flaming surface of an electrical or flammable liquid fire. Eight square feet is only slightly larger than 8 pages of this manual laid out side by side in a block. When a driver delays the use of an extinguisher, the fire will be larger and harder to control. After a delay, the extinguisher may not be capable of putting out the fire.
What makes a fire burn? Three things keep a fire burning; fuel, oxygen, and heat. Combustion is another word for fire, a chemical process that produces heat. All combustible or flammable substances have a known ignition point (temperature). When a heat source raises the temperature of a fuel to its ignition point, the fuel combines with oxygen to produce fire. As long as the fire has fuel, oxygen, and heat, it will burn and may grow larger. The fire releases heat to the surrounding atmosphere and heats other combustible materials to their ignition points. The fire then spreads, releasing more heat, and continuing the process.
Drivers can suppress or put out the fire by any one (or all) of the following:
(I.) Cooling the fire – Lowering the temperature of the burning substance to below the ignition temperature. (II.) Smothering the fire – Blocking the supply of oxygen to the burning substance. (III.) Removing the fuel – Removing the combustible materials.
Drivers may use an appropriate combination of these means.
5. CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES Fires are categorized in three general classes.
222 (I.) Class “A” Fires These are fires of ordinary combustible materials. For these, large quantities of water will smother and cool the fire. Some extinguishers contain solutions of water and chemicals to cool and contain fires. Examples: wood, paper, grass, textiles, fabrics, rubbish, etc. (II.) Class “B” Fires These fires involve combustible and flammable liquids, petroleum products, etc. The extinguishing agent must smother the fire so it can get no oxygen. Examples: gasoline, diesel, oils, grease, cooking fats and oils. These might be in tanks or containers, open vats, or running freely if spilled on floors or the ground. (III.) Class “C” Fires These fires involve heat from electrical current and equipment. The extinguishing agent must not be able to conduct electricity. Water, for example, conducts electricity and could subject a person to electric shock. Examples: electrical switchboards, fuse boxes, electrical motors, electric appliances, or wiring and electrical panels.
6. FIRES ON SCHOOL BUSES A bus driver is most likely to encounter either an electrical (Class C) or a fuel-fed (Class B) fire in a school bus or any other motor vehicle. In such circumstances, driver shall make the proper notification.
A. AFTER AN ACCIDENT Immediately after an accident, the driver must check the scene and any victims. Among other things, he/she must evaluate the potential for a fire. The driver should properly secure the bus. Inside and outside the bus, the driver should look for warning signs that suggest a potential fire. Such signs include, but are not limited to the following:
(I.) Flames, sparks, or smoke coming from the bus or other involved vehicle(s) close to the bus. (II.) Impact into the fuel tank area of the bus or other vehicle(s). (III.) Fuel or flammable liquids or gases spilling or leaking from the bus or other involved vehicle(s). (IV.) Impact area into the battery compartment of the bus or other vehicle(s). (V.) Electrical or fuel fumes either vehicle.
B. EVACUATING THE BUS With fuel fires, drivers must remember that both fuels and vapors FLOW DOWN HILL. For this reason, the driver must direct the students to a location at a safe
223 distance in the direction opposite the wind and away from the flow. SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS IS ALWAYS THE FIRST CONSIDERATION OF THE DRIVER.
The driver must evacuate the students first in the event of a fire.
Fire spreads quickly if not immediately extinguished. Drivers must always consider the safety of their students. If a fire starts in a bus, the entire bus can become engulfed in flames in a very short time. If a bus catches on fire, the driver must stop and secure the bus, and begin evacuating the students immediately. After all the students have safely evacuated from the bus to a safe place, the driver may attempt to do something about the vehicle. A driver shall not permit any student to return to a burning vehicle for any reason.
7. HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER Proper use of a fire extinguisher requires the following steps:
A. REMOVE LOCKING PIN A driver must first break the seal by pulling and twisting the locking pin to remove it. Avoid squeezing the two parts of the extinguisher’s handgrip together while removing the pin. B. POSITION FOR PERSONAL SAFETY The driver should approach the fire with the wind at his/her back. This will enable the driver to get closer and the powder will drift over and blanket the fire. Extreme heat can make an effective approach difficult. A driver can overcome this by spraying a cloud of the powder in front of him/herself as he/she moves closer. This powder will break the heat wave and help the driver get close enough for an effective spray. C. AIM AT BASE OF FIRE The driver should hold the extinguisher upright, not angled to the side. He/she should aim the nozzle at the base of the fire and squeeze the handgrip to the full open position. The object is to cover the burning surface with the powder. Leaving gaps will permit the fire to keep burning. Using a sweeping motion over larger surfaces will help in covering the entire burning surface. D. FIRES IN ENCLOSED SPACES If flames of smoke are coming from under the hood or engine compartment of a bus, the driver should not open the hood or compartment. Instead, the driver should spray with the extinguisher through the grille or other available openings.
8. ROADSIDE WARNING DEVICES The California Vehicle Code 25300 requires every school bus to be equipped with roadside warning devices. Drivers may refer to these devices as emergency triangles
224 and emergency reflectors. These devices are not flares. During darkness, school buses shall display these emergency reflectors as required.
By properly using emergency reflectors, drivers can help prevent accidents. This will allow other drivers adequate time to slow down. A driver can increase the safety of passengers by moving students to seats on the non-traffic side of the bus and to the front seats of the bus.
9. HOW TO SET OUT REFLECTORS When preparing to set out the emergency reflectors, the driver should first open the reflectors and lock them into the triangle shape. He/she should do this before stepping out of the bus.
A. PERSONAL SAFETY The driver should hold the opened triangles between his/her body toward traffic and walk facing traffic. The head lights of approaching vehicles will reflect back to their drivers to warn them of the situation. After placing the reflectors, the driver should return to the bus while staying well off to the side between the reflectors and the edge of the roadway.
B. ESTABLISHING THE PROPER DISTANCE Driver may have trouble measuring the required distances. A long stride is about three feet. If the driver’s stride is about three feet, he or she can take three or four long steps and set out the reflector at the traffic side. About 30 to 35 long strides would achieve 100 feet. Another 30 to 35 long strides would take the driver to the second 100 feet. At the placement point, the driver should swivel the reflector base and set it down.
10. REFLECTOR PLACEMENT Drivers shall place the reflectors around their vehicles to protect their passengers, the bus, and the motoring public, as follows:
A. DISABLED NEAR OBSTRUCTION TO VIEW When any school bus is disabled upon the roadway during darkness, the driver shall place the emergency reflectors in the following positions.
(I.) TRAFFIC SIDE One at the traffic side of disabled bus, not more than ten (10) feet to the front or rear of the bus. (II.) TO THE REAR One at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the rear of the disabled bus in the center of the traffic lane occupied by the bus.
225 (III.) TO THE FRONT One at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the front of the disabled bus in the center of the traffic lane occupied by the bus.
B. DISABLED NEAR OBSTRUCTION TO VIEW If the bus becomes disabled within 500 feet of any curve(s), crest of a hill(s), or any other obstruction(s) to view, the driver must give advanced warning to other drivers by placing the emergency reflectors in the following positions:
(I.) TOWARD OBSTRUCTION The driver shall place the emergency reflector(s) in the direction of the obstruction(s) at least 100 feet and as far as 500 feet from the disabled bus. (II.) TRAFFIC SIDE He/she shall place one reflector at the traffic side of the disabled bus, not more than ten (10) feet to the front or rear of the bus. (III.) DIRECTION WITH NO OBSTRUCTION In any direction for which there is no obstruction within 500 feet, the driver shall place the emergency reflector as in A.(1) or A.(2) above.
C. DIVIDED OR ONE-WAY HIGHWAY On this type of highway, traffic approaches the stopped vehicle only from the rear. If the bus becomes disabled upon any roadway of a divided or one-way highway, the driver shall place the reflectors as follows:
(I.) 200 FEET BEHIND One reflector at approximately 200 feet to the rear of the bus at the edge of the roadway. (II.) 100 FEET BEHIND One reflector at a point 100 feet to the rear of the bus in the center of the lane occupied by the stopped bus. (III.) TRAFFIC SIDE One reflector at the traffic side of the bus no more than 10 feet to the rear of the bus.
D. DISABLED OR PARKED OFF THE ROADWAY During darkness, if any bus is disabled or parked off the roadway, but within 10 feet of the roadway, the driver shall immediately place warning reflectors as follows:
(I.) 200 FEET BEHIND One at a distance of approximately 200 feet to the rear of the bus. The driver shall place the reflector between the edge of the roadway and the bus, but never less than tow feet to the left of the widest position of the bus.
226 (II.) 100 FEET BEHIND One at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the rear of the bus. The driver shall place the reflector between the edge of the roadway and the bus, but never less than two feet to the left of the widest position of the bus. (III.) TRAFFIC SIDE One at the traffic side of the vehicle not more than 10 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The driver shall place the reflector between the edge of the roadway and the bus, but never less than two feet to the left of the widest position of the bus.
E. CONTINUOUS DISPLAY The reflectors shall be displayed continuously during darkness as long as the bus remains disabled or parked upon the roadway or parked or disabled within 10 feet of the roadway.
F. OTHER WARNING EQUIPMENT Until the driver can properly set out the required reflectors, he/she may use the hazard lights (four-way turn-signals).
G. WHEN REFLECTORS ARE NOT REQUIRED Drivers are not required to use the emergency reflectors for the following circumstances:
(I.) LEGAL PARKING The bus is parked or disabled in a legal parking position within the corporate limits of any city. (II.) AT THE CURB The bus is parked or disabled in a legal position upon a roadway bounded by adjacent curbs.
See chart on page on next page.
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228 SECTION XI
ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS
Prevention is the key word to use when discussing accidents. Professional drivers can avoid most potential accidents by complying strictly with all laws, regulations and policies for vehicle operation, remaining alert and in good condition, and using appropriate “DEFENSIVE DRIVING” techniques.
In this section, we review the driver’s legal obligations and responsibilities following a motor vehicle or school bus accident. The driver bears the immediate responsibility for the safety of the students aboard the bus and for any other persons involved in the accident. Section 12717.4 VC defines a School Bus Accident. Section 1234 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations explains the driver’s responsibility for reporting school bus accidents and sending for help. Other laws and regulations expand the discussion of these responsibilities.
1. DEFINITION: SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT A school bus accident is a motor vehicle accident meeting any of the following conditions:
A. DAMAGE OR INJURY A motor vehicle accident resulting in property damage in excess of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or personal injury, on public or private property and involving a school bus, youth bus, school pupil activity bus, or general public para-transit vehicle transporting a student.
B. INJURY DURING ESCORT OR CROSSING A collision between a vehicle and a student or a school bus driver while the student or driver is crossing the highway when the school bus flashing red signal lamps are required to be operative pursuant to Section 22112 VC.
C. INJURY CAUSED BY VEHICULAR MOVEMENT Injury of a student inside a vehicle described in paragraph (A) as a result of acceleration, deceleration, or other movement of the vehicle.
2. CHP INVESTIGATION The Department of the California Highway Patrol shall investigate all school bus accidents. Those accidents involving only property damage and occurring entirely on private property shall be investigated only if they involve a violation of this code. District policy requires every bus driver in District service to stop at the scene and notify Bus Operations Dispatch of every motor vehicle or school bus accident in which
229 the bus is involved whether or not students are aboard. The driver shall wait for a District Supervisor to come to the scene to investigate the accident.
3. REPORTING SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENTS Whenever a school bus accident occurs, the driver shall stop at the scene, immediately notify or cause to be notified the department (CHP), his or her employer, and the school district for which the bus may be operated under contract [13CCR 1234]. District policy requires a driver in District service to report all accidents, even if the driver believes the resulting damage is less than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or that it may not be a school bus accident. During the District investigation, the assigned District Supervisor will help the Bus Dispatcher determine whether to notify CHP.
4. SENDING FOR HELP In the event of an accident or emergency, a driver shall not leave the immediate vicinity of the bus to seek aid unless no student aboard can be sent to summon help [13CCR 1219]. When seeking assistance, bus drivers in District service shall stay near the bus where the bus and students are within safe view and control at all times when students are aboard.
5. DISCONTINUE USE OF BUS When a bus is rendered unsafe for continued operation due to accident damage or a mechanical failure, the driver shall discontinue use of the bus and notify the motor carrier of these circumstances. The driver or motor carrier shall then make the necessary arrangements to have the students safely transported to their destinations [13CCR 1220]. District policy prohibits any bus driver from operating a unsafe bus while in District service.
6. REPORTING INTERRUPTIONS OF SERVICE District policy require drivers in District service to report all damage, accidents, breakdowns, and any other interruptions of service immediately to the District’s Bus Operations Dispatch unit. This procedure allows for prompt assistance and route coverage. When drivers follow the correct procedures, students can reach their classrooms or homes with a minimum of lost time.
A. TELEPHONE REPORTS When a driver must make his/her notification by telephone, the driver shall call Bus Operations Dispatch using the appropriate listed number:
Accidents...... (323) 342-1443 or 342-1444
Breakdowns/other Interruptions...... (323) 342-1460 or 1 (800) 522-8737 LA-BUSES
230 If the telephone system places the call on hold, the driver should not hang up. Dispatch personnel answer phone calls in the order the system receives them. If a caller hangs up the phone and re-dials, his/her call will automatically be put at the end of the line of waiting calls.
When a person does answer the call, the driver should immediately state he/she is reporting a breakdown or accident to facilitate a prompt response. Any driver who knowingly fails to comply with these instructions will be subject to disciplinary action.
7. PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING
A. WHEN DISPATCH IS CLOSED The District plans to have personnel on duty in Bus Operations Dispatch whenever a minimum number of buses are in District service. However, if it does happen, that Bus Operations Dispatch is closed when a bus driver is involved in an accident, the driver shall place a collect call to the School Police of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The School Police dispatcher would then contact the CHP and meet other obligations of the District.
School Police Telephone: (213) 625-6631
If the driver gets no answer from the School Police telephone number, then the driver should try to reach CHP directly. For injury accidents and life threatening situations, the driver should call 911, the public emergency telephone number. For non-injury accidents and accidents that are not life-threatening, the driver should dial as follows:
Within the Los Angeles area, (213) 953-7378 Outside the Los Angeles area, the toll-free number (888) 4CHP211
The driver must tell the emergency dispatcher who answers that he/she is involved in a school bus accident and needs a CHP officer to investigate.
B. SUBSEQUEST NOTIFICATIONS In all cases, when the Emergency Line Dispatcher or CHP Dispatcher answers, the driver shall state that he/she is reporting a school bus accident. Then, for further assistance such as bus towing, a mechanic, and to report any injuries, the driver must telephone the School Police Section at (213) 625-6631. Even after notifying any or all of the above, the driver shall also report the accident to Bus Operations Dispatch on the first work day following the occurrence.
231 C. CONTRACT DRIVERS When a contract bus driver is involved in an accident, either with students aboard or when in District service, he/she shall notify, or cause to be notified, the District’s Bus Operations Dispatch immediately using the appropriate method below.
(I.) RADIO EQUIPPED CONTRACT BUSES All contact buses are required to be equipped with working two-way radios. Contract bus drivers shall notify their contract dispatchers over the radio of all accidents and incidents. As soon as a contract driver has notified the contract dispatcher, that contract dispatcher assumes responsibility for immediately notifying the District’s Bus Operations Dispatch of the accident and all pertinent information.
In no event, shall the contract driver on the contract dispatcher delay notifying the Bus Operations Dispatch of any disruption of District service or related information. Any contract driver or contract dispatcher who delays his/her notification to the District’s Bus Operations Dispatch will be subject to removal from District service. (II.) NON-RADIO CONTRACT BUSES If the two-way radio on a contract bus becomes inoperative, the contract driver must telephone Bus Operations Dispatch before telephoning his/her contract company. This rule applies to any accident, incident, or other interruption service for which the District requires the driver to report.
In this situation, the contract driver shall use the accident phone number(s) (323) 342-1443 or (323) 342-1444 to ensure prompt attention. The driver may call collect. Any contract driver or dispatcher who uses these accident only phone numbers to report anything other than accident may receive disciplinary action.
District policy requires the contract driver to remain at the scene of any accident until the assigned District supervisor has released him/her. In the event of a school bus accident, if the CHP Officer completes his/her investigation before the District Supervisor has arrived or completed his/her investigation, the contract driver shall wait for the District Supervisor.
232 8. WRITTEN ACCIDENT REPORTS
A. REPORT FILES School bus motor carriers shall maintain a report of each accident that occurred on public or private property involving a school bus with students aboard. The report shall contain pertinent details of the accident and the carrier shall retain the report for 12 months from the date of the accident. If the CHP did not investigate the accident, the carrier shall forward a copy of the report to the local CHP within five work days of the date of accident [13CCR 1234].
B. NOTIFYING CHP Whenever a school bus, school pupil activity bus, or youth bus driver is involved in an accident specified in Title [13CCR 1219], that requires the driver to notify the CHP immediately, the motor carrier shall ensure that the accident is reported within 24 hours to the department (CHP) and the superintendent of the school district for which the bus was operated. If the driver is physically incapable of reporting the accident, the carrier shall make the required notifications immediately upon becoming aware of such accident [13CCR 1237].
When a District bus driver has been disabled in an accident in a District vehicle, a District Supervisor or Driver Trainer will complete or pick up the accident report from the driver. The supervisor or trainer will visit the driver at home or in the hospital to assist him/her in completing the report.
Both the District and the State of California give high priority to the accuracy and promptness of every driver’s report for any school bus accident.
A District driver involved in any motor vehicle accident while in District service shall complete the report and have it reviewed and signed by the immediate supervisor before personally presenting his/her completed report to the assigned Driver Trainer on the work day following the date of the accident. This does not apply to Contract Drivers, who submit their District reports of accidents to their Area Bus Supervisors. The District bus driver will discuss the accident with the Driver Trainer. The trainer will evaluate the overall preventability of both District and Contract accidents and assign a determination of preventable or, non-preventable. All drivers who have been involved in a preventable accident will receive counseling and training as determined by the Driver Trainer or Regional Transportation Manager.
9. ACCIDENT REPORT FORMS District and contract drivers shall use the District’s Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report form when submitting written reports for accidents and incidents. Contract drivers shall not submit reports to the District on contract company forms. In addition, the driver shall
233 submit the top (white) copy of the District’s Bus Accident Passenger List form to his/her District supervisor with the District’s Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report form. The District supervisor who investigates an accident or incident may request the yellow copy and CHP Officer may request the pink copy. The contract company may request a photocopy of the passenger list from the Transportation Services Division Safety Center.
District drivers must report a motor vehicle accident for a situation where there is any degree of involvement by the District driver, whether or not students are aboard the bus. When a District driver finds any new damage on an assigned bus, he/she must report the damage as an accident to Bus Operations Dispatch and complete a Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident form.
A. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT FORM To list the pertinent details of any motor vehicle accident or school bus accident, District and Contract driver shall use the form titled Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report.
When cause by another motor vehicle or by any movement of the vehicle itself, any damage to a motor vehicle or other property, or any injury to or death of a person constitutes a motor vehicle accident. Some motor vehicle accidents are also school bus accidents.
B. BUS ACCIDENT PASSENGER LIST Drivers shall also use a Bus Accident Passenger List, form (78.55) or pre-printed form to report information on all passengers in the bus at the time of the accident or incident. The driver shall begin completing the Bus Accident Passenger List (Form 78.55) immediately upon notifying Dispatch of the accident incident. The driver shall list all the required information for each passenger. The form must be complete without any blank spaces. At some accident scenes, the assigned Supervisor may assign other adults, such as supervisors or drivers, to help complete the passenger list.
C. FORMS FOR INCIDENTS & NON-ACCIDENTS Drivers shall complete the Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report form for all non-accidents. An incident (non-accident) is any event or interruption of service that does not meet the definition of an accident. Examples; of incidents include any instance of objects thrown at the bus, attempts to damage the bus or injure its occupants, fights on or around the bus, trip and fall injuries, or other injuries of non- vehicular origin. Note: that an object thrown by hand is an incident, while an object thrown at a bus by the wheels of another vehicle or falling off another vehicle and damaging a bus is an accident. Incidents also include malicious mischief, vandalism, thefts from the vehicle, and other interruptions of service.
234
When the investigation and review is complete, a District Trainer will check the appropriate box to indicate whether the event reported is an accident or an incident. A driver shall make a report even if damage or an injury did not actually occur, when an event threatened to cause injury or damage.
D. PUPIL INJURY REPORT While under a driver’s supervision, a student might sustain an injury in some way that is not related to the definition of a school bus accident. In such a case, the driver must report the injury on the Pupil Injury Report (Form 74.43). Example; if a student falls in the step-well while boarding or exiting the bus, while the bus is stopped.
At the child’s school of attendance, school staff will provide the form and assist the driver in completing the form. The driver then submits the Pupil Injury Report to the school office. The driver should request a photocopy of the completed from and submit it with the Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report to his/her District supervisor. The supervisor will review the reports and send them to the assigned Driver Trainer. The trainer will review the report, confirm whether the reported event is a non-accident, and send the report to the Safety Center at the Transportation Services Division.
The District has provided other forms for different purposes related to accidents and incidents.
E. ACCIDENTS/INCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT The District Supervisor who is dispatched to the scene will complete and submit an Accident/Incident Investigation Report. Drivers are required to fully cooperate with the Investigating Supervisor and CHP Officer sent to the scene or location.
If a driver has been involved in an accident, he/she shall complete the required forms. The Area Bus Supervisor or Assistant Area Bus Supervisor will advise and help the driver complete the proper report form(s). The District Supervisor will review and sign the report before the driver submits the report to the Driver Trainer.
Accident/Incident Report to the assigned Driver Trainer on the work day following the date of the accident. The driver shall submit the form(s) to his/her immediate District Supervisor to review and sign before reporting to the Driver Trainer with the completed report.
Contract drivers shall complete and submit the completed District’s Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report forms to their immediate District Supervisors within three
235 working days following the accident or incident. The supervisor will review, sign, and forward the report to the appropriate Driver Trainer.
10. REPORT IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Bus Operations Dispatch maintains a daily log of all vehicle accidents and incidents. Before submitting a written Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report form, the driver must telephone Bus Operations Dispatch to obtain the identification number for the report. The Bus Dispatcher will give the driver a six-digit number to write on the Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report in the space on the report labeled I.D. #. For example, an accident occurring on March 28, 2000, the I.D. or log number would be) 3-28-05 if the accident were the fifth event recorded for that day.
The District uses these log/I.D. numbers to identify and track the status of all reports and documents relating to accidents and incidents. Drivers and supervisors must submit all reports promptly following the occurrence of an incident or accident.
11. PROCEDURE AT THE SCENE Each accident or incident involves different circumstances. A driver may need to vary the sequence of necessary actions for a particular situation. Drivers should remember to stay calm, reassure passengers, and follow this general procedure:
A. SECURE THE BUS (I.) Put transmission in the appropriate gear. For an automatic transmission, select park, or neutral if the automatic has no park position. For a standard transmission use first or reverse gear. (II.) Set the parking brake. (III.) Turn off engine. Remove and retain the ignition key.
B. PASSENGER CONTROL (I.) Remain calm and reassure the students. (II.) Instruct passengers to remain seated. (III.) Instruct monitors to assist appropriately. (IV.) If there is no need to evacuate, keep all students on the bus.
C. EVALUATE THE SCENE Make certain there are no immediate hazards or dangers. Look for dangerous conditions of the bus, other involved vehicle, or elements of the scene itself. For example, check for leaking fuel, sparks from battery cables, downed electrical wires, and whether the bus is vulnerable to moving traffic are a few of these dangers.
236 D. CHECK FOR INJURIES Check for injuries among the passengers. Include giving first-aid in the action plan. Check for injuries to the occupants of any other vehicle involved. Check for injuries of any person the bus has struck.
E. PROTECT THE ACCIDENT SCENE Activate the hazard lights. Properly place roadside warning reflectors according to law. Enlist aid of passer-by to guide or control traffic around the scene. Ask the other driver not to move his/her vehicle. If possible, mark or chalk the placement of the tires of both vehicles on the ground if any vehicle must be moved before law enforcement arrives. Do not move the bus unless absolutely necessary.
F. NOTIFICATION Notify Bus Operations Dispatch via two-way radio or by telephoning the number reserved for accidents; e.g. (323) 227-6017 or (323) 227-6018. During the call, write down the name of the Bus Dispatcher who is handling the accident.
Before calling, verify the exact location of the bus. Usually the driver must give the street number of the property nearest to the bus. On the freeway and some divided highways, give the call box number nearest the bus, or the name (or number) of the exit ramp closest to the bus and the direction of travel of the bus. The dispatcher will also ask how many students or passengers are aboard and the school they attend and/or their destination. Verify the head-count before calling. Be prepared to state whether any student is injured, whether anyone needs paramedics, fire truck, law enforcement, or a tow truck.
G. REMAIN AT THE SCENE Never leave the scene of an accident. A driver shall not move the vehicle from the final place of rest after an accident unless either a law officer or a District Supervisor instructs him/her to move, or the vehicle is creating a danger to others and it is safe to move the bus.
(I.) If a Bus Dispatcher or District Supervisor instructs the driver by radio or telephone to move the vehicle or to transfer or release students, the driver must ask which dispatcher is giving these instructions. (II.) The driver must not leave the accident scene until authorized to do so by the dispatcher. (III.) Even if the law enforcement officer has released the driver, the driver must get approval from Bus Operations Dispatch before continuing his/her assignment.
237 J. VEHICLE POSITION If a driver must move an involved vehicle to a safe location, he/she must remember where the vehicle was positioned. If possible, the driver must mark the location by outlining tire positions with chalk on pavement. This would help the law enforcement officer or the District Supervisor investigating the accident. The driver will need the information for his/her own report.
K. DISCUSSING THE ACCIDENT The driver shall not discuss the accident with anyone other than the law enforcement officer or authorized District Representative investigating the accident. During the investigation, a driver must be patient, evaluate the questions posed by investigators, and give clear and concise answers. HE/SHE MUST MAKE NO ADMISSIONS OF GUILT. The driver should never say, “It was my fault.” The driver should not argue about the accident. If the law enforcement officer will not take an accident report, the driver should obtain the officer’s unit and badge number for the District report.
L. INFORMATION EXCHANGE The law [VC 20002 and 20003] requires all drivers involved in an accident to exchange information with the other driver or owner of the vehicle involved in the accident. Each driver shall provide his/her name, driver’s license number, vehicle registration and current residence to the other party, including any person injured in the accident. Information about the vehicle’s insurance carrier is also required. The driver shall also provide this information to the law enforcement officer investigating the accident.
M. PASSENGER LIST The school bus driver shall prepare a list of passengers who were on the bus at the time the accident occurred. The driver will use form 78.55, “Bus Accident Passenger List” to record this information, or pre-printed rooster. Drivers must always keep copies of these forms on the bus. If the law enforcement officer at the accident scene requests a copy of the list, give the officer the pink (third) copy of the form, or copy of pre-printed roster. Do not give the original. The driver shall submit the original to the District with the report of the accident. Drivers must check the accuracy and legibility of the list.
N. INJURED PERSONS If an ill or injured person is taken to a medical facility, the driver must record the name of the person taken and the name and location of the facility to which the injured party is taken. The driver should also include the name of the District representative or the number of the paramedic unit transporting the injured person in the report.
238 12. SENDING FOR ASSISTANCE In an emergency situation, a school bus driver may need additional assistance. The fastest way to obtain help is to call by radio. If the radio does not work, the driver must call Bus Operations Dispatch by telephone.
In the event of an accident or emergency, CHP regulation prohibits a driver from leaving the immediate vicinity of a bus to seek aid unless no student aboard can be sent to summon help. Transportation Services Division policy permits the driver to leave the bus to seek help only as long as the bus and the passengers remain in the driver’s immediate view and control.
In situations where assistance is needed, the following procedure is recommended:
(I.) If the radio is dead and no telephone is available, the driver should try to use the Request for Assistance forms. If possible, give the completed Request for Assistance form to two separate adult passers-by and ask each of them to place the necessary call. The adult may have a cellular phone and be willing to make the call at the immediate scene. If not, the driver has a better chance of success by sending two separate adults to make the call. (II.) If the driver must send student passengers, he/she shall follow this procedure:
(a.) Fill out the Request for Assistance form completely. (b.) Select the Two most reliable students. (c.) Instruct them to go to the nearest house and request the resident to make the phone call. Tell the students that they must not enter the house and that, after they give the written request to the resident, they must return immediately to the bus.
The driver must exhaust all other means of obtaining assistance before deciding to send students for help. Sending students should be the last resort.
13. ACCIDENT WITNESS Whenever possible, the driver should try to identify witnesses to the accident. He/she must try to get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the witnesses. Witnesses can help the insurance investigator and assist with litigation evolving from an accident.
The driver shall first take care of the passengers’ immediate needs, protect the accident scene, and notify Bus Operations Dispatch. Then the driver will attempt to identify as many witnesses to the accident as possible.
239 A. WITNESS NAMES AND ADDRESSES The driver should secure names and addresses of witnesses using Witness Cards Form 70.53). The driver should find these cards in the District Accident Packet stored in the first aid kit.
B. VERIFY INFORMATION The driver should check each witness card carefully for legibility before taking leave of any witness. The information is of no value if it cannot be read.
C. VEHICLE OCCUPANTS The driver should also obtain the names and addresses of every occupant of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident. He/she must clearly indicate who was driving when the accident occurred.
D. EXCHANGE INFORMATION Exchange information with each person involved in the accident. Use the Information Card from the accident packet and the Notice of Financial Responsibility form on the bus to help provide District information.
E. NOTIFICATION The driver shall notify Dispatch when he/she has completed all the accident information, the CHP Officer has released the bus, and the driver and bus are ready for service or for removal from the scene.
14. MECHANICAL DEFECTS If a driver believes an equipment malfunction or mechanical defect contributed to an accident, he/she must state this during the original telephone or radio report. The driver shall avoid making such statements in the presence of all non-investigating parties. Dispatch will arrange for a mechanic to inspect the bus before permitting the bus to move or be moved from the scene. The driver shall submit a written report any known or suspected defects on the District VCR or Contract company’s defect report [13 CCR 1215].
15. ACCIDENT TO UNATTENDED PROPERTY
A. FOUND DAMAGE REPORTS If any District vehicle or District property sustains damage from an accident during a period when it is not attended, the assigned driver or person responsible for the property shall, immediately upon discovery, call Bus Operations Dispatch to report the damage. Thus, following a period when the bus was not attended, if a District driver finds new damage on his/her assigned vehicle, the driver shall report an accident and complete a Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report form. The driver
240 shall include the Log or I.D. number of the found damage accident on the V.C.R. for the day, along with a description of the damage, and the driver shall submit the appropriate copies of the V.C.R. to the garage.
B. RUNAWAY VEHICLE According to [VC 20002], when any person has parked a vehicle which becomes a runaway vehicle and is involved in an accident before anyone drives the vehicle again, that person who parked the vehicle shall comply with all requirements of the law. If a bus driver parks a school bus or other District vehicle and the vehicle becomes a runaway vehicle causing any damage to other property, vehicles or the bus, the bus driver shall complete the District Motor Vehicle Accident/Incident Report form and any report required by law. This applies even if someone else discovered the damage.
C. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OF OTHERS Section 20002 VC also requires a driver to leave a written notice in a conspicuous place on the unattended vehicle or property damaged in an accident. The written notice shall include the name or address of the driver and owner of the bus (vehicle) which caused the damage. The driver shall also write his/her assigned route number, bus number, and the telephone number of the District Insurance Section (213) 241-3139 on the written notice. Of course, if the owner of the damaged property or vehicle is present, the driver shall exchange information directly with that person.
D. LEAVING THE SCENE A driver shall not leave any accident scene until the assigned District Supervisor or Bus Operations Dispatch releases him/her. If the dispatcher directs the driver to leave the scene, the driver shall request and include the name of the dispatcher in his/her written report.
16. ACCIDENT REVIEW COMMITTEE The District has established an Accident Review Committee to evaluate the preventability of accidents when any District Driver requests a review.
A. COMPOSITION The members of the Accident Review Committee include at least four (4) bus drivers and one (1) driver from Truck Operations. They are elected by their peers to serve two (2) year terms. To be eligible to serve on the committee, a driver must have a driving record free of preventable accidents for a minimum of ten years immediately preceding his/her term of service. Member terms overlap so that each year one-half of the committee members are replaced by the election process.
241 B. PURPOSE The Accident Review Committee reviews pertinent documents and determines whether the decision of preventable is appropriate. A preventable accident is one in which the driver failed to do everything that a reasonable and prudent person would have done to avoid the accident. If the driver performed all reasonable actions and took all reasonable precautions, then the accident would be non-preventable.
C. REQUEST FOR REVIEW If a driver believes he/she did everything reasonable to prevent the accident, yet the Driver Trainer has determined the accident preventable, the driver may request that the Accident Review Committee review the accident and decision. The driver must request this review in writing on the “Decision on Accident” form. The committee’s recommendations are binding unless otherwise modified upon administrative review by the Division Director or his/her designee. A driver can make no further appeal.
17. ACCURACY OF REPORTS The driver must provide a clear, accurate and concise report of the accident. Otherwise, the Driver Trainer and/or the Accident Review Committee may have difficulty in fairly evaluating the preventability of the accident. These individuals have no first hand knowledge of the facts involved and must rely upon the report. The statements and diagram on the accident report must enable the reviewer to properly understand the accident. A. GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN REPORTS When preparing reports, drivers should remember these points:
(I.) ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF SCENE Identify and describe the location. Include street names, width and number of lanes, lane markings, traffic volume, type of traffic controls and signs, and any other physical factors that relate to the occurrence; e.g., fog, wet or dry pavement, debris, etc. (II.) MOVEMENTS OF INVOLVED PARTIES Describe the movements or actions of each party immediately preceding the accident. Describe these separately and identify the vehicles as V-1 or V-2, etc. Include and identify any skid marks. Drivers should identify their assigned vehicle as V-1, V-2 is always the other vehicle on District report forms. When two buses in District service are involved in the same accident, each driver refers to his/her assigned vehicle as V-1 and the other bus as V-2. Each driver completes a report.
242 (III.) POINT OF IMPACT Describe the point of impact (P/I) and movement of each vehicle to its point of rest. Relate the point of impact to curb lines or the edge of the road. Indicate the damaged part(s) of the vehicle(s) and approximate amount of damage to each vehicle. (IV.) STATEMENT OF DRIVER OF V-2 If the driver of V-2 made any statement, the driver should include it on the report. (V.) DRAW A DIAGRAM Draw a complete diagram that will allow any reviewer a clear understanding of the narrative portion of the report. Either the District supervisor or the Driver Trainer can help a driver to draw an accurate diagram.
18. PREVENTING BUS BREAKDOWNS Bus drivers play vital role in bus maintenance. The driver should notice malfunctions of engine, brakes, steering, starter, etc. At the first sign of a mechanical problem, the driver shall report the perceived defect. Then he/she shall verify the bus is safe to drive.
State regulations require each bus driver to make a thorough daily inspection before using the school bus. Throughout the day, conscientious bus drivers monitor the conditions of all systems of their buses. The condition of the bus can change suddenly during the day. Professional drivers watch for warning sign of impending mechanical problems. They check instruments and gauges frequently and pay attention to strange noises, smells, and sensations.
19. REPORTING BREAKDOWINS Both District and Contract Drivers shall report all breakdowns immediately.
A. DISTRICT DRIVERS If the breakdown occurs at the parking location, the supervisor’s Station One, or a school site, the District driver shall use the telephone on that site and call Bus Operations Dispatch. The driver should not use the radio unless there are students aboard the bus he/she cannot get to a phone that would allow him/her to keep the bus and students safely in view. The Bus Dispatcher will notify the driver’s supervisor of the breakdown.
243 If at all possible, District drivers should use the telephone to report breakdowns when they occur on the road. If no telephone is available, a driver may use the radio. The driver shall use the radio if:
(I.) The nature of the breakdown is an emergency, such as blocking traffic, trapped in vehicle, or other dangerous condition. (II.) The driver cannot find a telephone. (III.) There are students aboard and the driver cannot find a phone that would provide a safe view of the bus and students. (IV.) The bus is on the freeway and cannot be moved to a safe location.
After the driver reports the breakdown, the dispatcher will notify a District garage. When the bus has been repaired, the driver shall again notify Bus Operations Dispatch. If the bus will continue on the route after a breakdown on the road, the driver shall use the radio to notify Bus Operations Dispatch of how late the route or assignment will be running.
Sometimes a bus may become operable again after the driver notified the Dispatch of the breakdown. When this happens, the driver shall notify Dispatch, and shall not move the bus from the breakdown location unless the dispatcher authorizes it. A mechanic may be en route to check the bus and/or the problem may occur again. The driver shall notify Dispatch and follow instructions.
B. CONTRACT DRIVERS While in District service, a contract driver shall notify Bus Operations Dispatch or cause the contract dispatcher to notify Bus Operations Dispatch of all breakdowns.
(I.) NON-RADIO BUSES If the contract bus radio is not working, then the driver shall telephone Bus Operations Dispatch to report the breakdown. The driver shall place the first call to LAUSD Bus Operations Dispatch at 1-(800) 522-8737 (LA- BUSES). The District Dispatcher will notify the contract dispatcher of the breakdown. Immediately upon completion of repairs of the bus, the contract driver shall telephone Bus Operations Dispatch again stating he/she is back in service before resuming his/her assignment. (II.) TWO-WAY RADIOS Contract drivers shall notify their companies of any breakdowns via their two-way radios. The contract dispatcher shall immediately notify the District’s Bus Operations Dispatch. When the contract bus goes back in service, the contract dispatcher shall immediately inform the District Bus Operations Dispatch.
244 (III.) FAILURE TO NOTIFY If a contract bus driver or contract dispatcher fails to notify or delays notifying the District Bus Operations Dispatch of any disruption of service, the contract employee will be subject to removal from District service.
C. TELEPHONE NUMBERS Drivers shall telephone Bus Operations Dispatch at 1-(800) 522-8737 (LA-BUSES) to report breakdowns. Drivers shall not dial the Special Accident telephone number. Drivers should keep two quarters in the First Aid Kit or in reserve on their person or other location on the bus to use at a pay phone.
D. PREPARE TO MAKE THE CALL When notifying the dispatcher, the driver should be prepared to answer questions about the breakdown. The dispatcher will request the exact address or location, the street number of the location, exact nature of the breakdown, how many students are on the bus. Then the mechanic can equip himself with the required tools or parts for the repairs. This will also enable the dispatcher to send the proper size bus to take the students.
20. FAILURE TO NOTIFY Any driver’s failure to report any accident or incident immediately may result in a recommendation of disciplinary action or removal from District service.
245 SECTION XII
VEHICLE CONDITION REPORTS
Part 1 REQUIREMENTS
1. BUS INSPECTIONS Contract drivers; every contract driver shall conduct a proper pre-trip and brake inspection and document the condition of the vehicle using forms and procedures adopted by his/her company.
This section specifies the various requirements for inspections by District drivers.
A. BEFORE LEAVING THE PARKING LOCATION Before leaving the parking location, the driver must complete all lines on the VCR, except the following items:
Item 58 – Service Brake 20 MPH test (Air Brake System) Item 67 – Service Brake 20 MPH test Hydraulic Brake System) Item 70 – Speedometer/Speedograph Item 71 – Tachograph Item 100 – Transmission Operation Item 101 – Engine Operating Temperature Item 102 – Unusual Noises/Smells Item 103- Performance, Operation Item 104 – Steering, Ride Item 105 – Excessive Exhaust Noise Item 106 – Excessive Exhaust Smoke
B. BEFORE LOADING PUPILS Before loading the first pupil, the driver must complete the items not previously completed as follows:
Item 58 – Service Brake 20 MPH test (Air Brake System) Item 67 – Service Brake 20 MPH test (Hydraulic Brake System) Item 70 – Speedometer/Speedograph Item 71 – Tachograph Item 100 – Transmission Operation Item 101 – Engine Operating Temperature Item 102 – Unusual Noises/Smells Item 103 – Performance, Operation 246 Item 104 – Steering, Ride Item 105 – Excessive Exhaust Noise Item 106 – Excessive Exhaust Smoke
C. AFTER ANOTHER DRIVER HAS OPERATED THE BUS If a driver receives a bus assignment after another driver has already completed a pre-trip inspection and VCR on the bus for that day, the newly assigned driver must inspect the bus, complete the VCR, and follow all procedures before moving the bus. Drivers operating the same vehicle (e.g., two-driver operation) shall complete separate VCR’s.
D. AFTER AN EIGHT- HOUR SPLIT After an eight-hour split, a new tour of duty begins and requires another VCR. Since 13CCR 1215 requires the driver to submit the VCR at the completion of the tour of duty, the driver would no longer have the VCR for the work period that ended just before the eight-hour split. Since the driver shall inspect the bus prior to operation (at the beginning of the tour of duty), he/she must complete another pre-trip and brake inspection and another VCR at this point.
E. POST – TRIP INSPECTION Before securing the bus at the end of the day (tour of duty), each driver shall also complete a Post-Trip Inspection to determine if repairs are needed before going back into service the following day. During the Post-Trip Inspection, the driver shall inspect all tires and exterior lights, drain all tanks and reclose the air drains. If a driver discovers or has knowledge of newly developed defects or unreported conditions of the bus, the driver must add these to the VCR for the day and submit the VCR to the garage before going off-duty.
F. POST REPAIR INSPECTION When any garage personnel or mechanic has completed repairs of a driver’s assigned vehicle, the driver shall complete a post-repair inspection before again operating the vehicle. At a minimum, the post-repair inspection shall cover the item(s) repaired, except that at the beginning of any tour of duty, the driver shall conduct a complete pre-trip inspection. Examples of required post-trip inspections: (1.) After replacement of a broken mirror, the driver shall check the mirror for proper adjustment and securement; (2.) After an air leak or other brake failure, the driver shall conduct a complete brake inspection. If the driver discovers any deficiencies after the repair, he/she shall report the bus for further repair.
G. SUBMITTING VCRS Drivers shall submit VCRs at the end of the day (tour of duty). The following pages explain the VCR procedures that drivers shall follow.
247 2. DEFECTS Upon completing the pre-trip inspection, drivers must note “All Defects” on their VCR’s. Defects are classified in two ways: safety-related defects and minor (non-safety related) defects.
A. SAFETY – RELATED DEFECTS Drivers shall report all safety-related defects to the Garage Supervisor before driving the bus upon any roadway. The assigned mechanic will examine the bus to determine whether it can be driven before repairs are made.
(I.) SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS If the mechanic determines the defect is not a safety-related defect and the bus is safe to drive, either the mechanic or the Garage Supervisor will note that fact on the driver’s VCR and sign the VCR. Drivers shall comply with any further instructions from the garage supervisor or mechanic. For example, the instruction might be, “Okay to operate, but driver must return the bus to the garage immediately after a.m. route”. (II.) DISCOVERED BEFORE LEAVING THE PARKING LOCATION When submitting VCRs to the garage, drivers shall tell the Garage Supervisor about their critical time factors to prevent routes from running late. If the garage must hold the bus for repairs, the driver must obtain a spare bus from the on-site Area Bus Supervisor or Bus Operations Dispatch. (III.) DISCOVERED DURING THE DAY During the day, drivers may experience mechanical or safety-related failures. If the failure or defect is safety-related, the Driver shall STOP DRIVING THE BUS and contact Bus Operations Dispatch immediately. If the failure or defect is not safety-related, the driver may continue operation. Bus Drivers shall note such defects on the VCR at the time of occurrence. If the driver has time between trips to get repairs for a minor defect, he/she shall consult with his/her Area Bus Supervisor before proceeding to a garage for repairs. (IV.) DISCOVERED DURING POST-TRIP INSPECTION The driver shall note all defects on the VCR, including those found during the post-trip inspection, and then submit the Driver/Vehicle (goldenrod) and Garage (white) copies of the VCR to the Garage Supervisor (See next subsection, (V) AFTER HOURS. Each driver shall submit these copies of the VCR for any required repairs before signing off for the day. When doing so, drivers should ask whether the repairs will be completed before the next day, the driver should sign on 15 minutes early the next morning. This will allow the driver time to get a spare from Bus Operations Dispatch or the on- site Area Bus Supervisor and remain on schedule.
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(V.) AFTER HOURS Garage facilities and satellite parking locations are not open twenty-four hours a day. Garage and Satellite locations have specific closing hours. Whenever leaving a bus with safety-related defects, the driver shall notify the supervisor on duty. If garage personnel have left for the day, the driver shall contact the Garage Supervisor at the main garage responsible for the satellite. Drivers may use the District telephone in the driver’s room to explain the nature of the safety defect and where to find the bus. The supervisor will then be able to evaluate all repair needs and, where possible, send a mechanic to make the repairs at the satellite location. (VI.) GARAGE SUPERVISORS FOR SATELLITE LOCATIONS Sun Valley, Van Nuys ...... (818) 982-1459 BSD, Nutrition Center...... (213) 743-3593 (VII.) REPAIRS NOT COMPLETED OVERNIGHT If the garage cannot make the safety-related repairs overnight, the Garage Supervisor will generate a list of buses placed Out-of-Service for the on-site Bus Dispatcher to use the next morning. (VIII.) MINOR DEFECTS (NON-SAFETY) Driver shall report all minor defects on their VCRs and submit them to the garage before signing off for the day. Requests for paint touch-up are considered minor repairs. A mechanic does not need to certify the condition of the bus for a minor (non-safety) defect.
3. VCR PROCEDURES
A. PURPOSE OF VCRS VCRs satisfy three purposes for the District.
(I.) COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW State and Federal laws require that drivers complete thorough inspections of the vehicle(s) and complete and submit Vehicle Condition Reports (VCRs) daily. Each driver shall keep the DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (goldenrod) of the VCR in the vehicle for 24 hours or until the next time the vehicle is operated. Employers shall effect repairs of safety-related defects, keep repair and service records, and maintain files of the submitted VCRs for 90 days. (II.) IDENTIFYING DEFECTS To assist drivers in preventing bus breakdowns on the road, the VCR provides a detailed checklist of safety and mechanical items requiring daily inspection prior to use.
249 (III.) A COMMUNICATION TOOL The VCR has four (4) NCR copies for distribution. Each copy serves a communication purpose as follows:
(a.) Garage Copy (White) The Garage Copy (white) provides the required documentation of the inspection and defects found by the driver. Each repair facility must file Garage Copies showing repairs by vehicle number, together with the repair document. The CHP’s Motor Carrier Inspector checks these files to verify District compliance with the regulations. (b.) Driver/Vehicle Copy (Goldenrod) The DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (Goldenrod) communicates to the driver (or the next assigned driver) the lack of defects or the repair of any reported defects from the last day of operation.
If repairs are necessary, the driver submits this copy to the garage. Upon completing the repairs, a qualified mechanic must sign this DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (Goldenrod) to certify that safety-related defects have been repaired and/or that the vehicle is safe for service. The driver shall keep a copy of signed DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (Goldenrod) in the pouch in front of the Stop Sign Holder, for 24 hours after the inspection or repair of the vehicle, or until the next time the vehicle is operated. The next assigned driver will look for this copy to learn of any defects or repairs made on the vehicle on the last day of operation. (c.) CHP – BIT Copy (Yellow) The CHP-BIT COPY (Yellow) of the VCR communicates the level of compliance to the Motor Carrier Inspector. Based upon 13CCR 1234, District policy requires the on site Area Bus Supervisor to keep these copies on file for 90 days. Drivers shall submit legible copies daily by depositing the CHP-BIT COPY (Yellow) in the VCR Box designated for Dispatch at the parking location. (d.) Supervisor Copy (Pink) The SUPERVISOR COPY (pink) communicates the driver’s certification of compliance to the supervisor. Daily, each bus driver shall attach the pink copy to the DBR and submit them together to the supervisor along with the tachograph or speedograph chart. Each Area Bus Supervisor will review, initial and date the submitted pink copy of the VCR to verify that the driver completed the inspection.
250 B. RESPONSIBILITY For any driving assignment, a driver shall certify that the assigned bus is in the proper condition. The Driver may be relieved of this responsibility only under certain circumstances.
(I.) NO DEFECTS FOUND The driver inspects the bus and finds no defects. The driver accepts responsibility for the condition of the bus, completes the VCR, signs it and keeps all copies of the VCR until the end of the day. At the end of the day the driver leaves the DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (Goldenrod) in the vehicle, deposits CHP-BIT COPY (Yellow) in the VCR box, and submits the SUPERVISOR’S COPY (Pink) with the DBR to his/her supervisor. (II.) SAFETY – RELATED DEFECTS FOUND The driver inspects the bus and finds safety-related defect(s). The driver does not accept responsibility for the condition of the bus. The driver makes an appropriate note about the defect(s) on the VCR and notifies the garage. Upon inspection of the defect(s) on the VCR and notifies the garage. Upon inspection of the defect(s), the mechanic may either repair the defect(s) or determine the defect(s) are not safety-related. If the mechanic determines the condition of the bus is safe, the mechanic shall certify that in writing and sign the VCR. At that point, the mechanic accepts the responsibility for the defect(s) noted by the driver. After the mechanic has signed the VCR, the driver can then drive the vehicle. The end of the day procedures remain the same. The garage will retain the GARAGE COPY (White) of the VCR. (III.) OUT - OF - SERVICE If both the driver and mechanic decline to take responsible for vehicle operation, the garage will place THE BUS Out – of – Service until the repairs have been made. When the repairs are complete, the repairing mechanic shall sign the VCR. The mechanic will also place the signed DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (Goldenrod) on the bus to notify the driver, attach the GARAGE COPY (White) of the VCR to the repair order, and place both in the vehicle’s repair file.
C. DISTRIBUTION OF THE COPIES OF THE VCR Drivers shall distribute the individual copies of the VCR according to the type of VCR. The two (2) types of VCRs are based on whether the bus needs repair or not (see the VCR DISTRIBUTION CHART on page 254).
251 The following steps apply:
(I.) NO ACTION VCRS No Action VCRs indicate that the bus does not require repair. Drivers shall separate and distribute the individual copies of these completed VCRs Daily as follows:
(a.) Supervisor Copy (Pink) Each driver must attach the SUPERVISOR COPY (Pink) to the day’s DBR and submit it to the supervisor, Daily. (b.) Driver/Vehicle Copy (Goldenrod) Each driver shall leave the DRIVER/VEHICLE COPY (Goldenrod) in the pouch in front of the Stop Sign Holder; in the vehicle for at least 24 hours or until the next day (tour of duty) he/she operates the vehicle, whichever occurs first. After the 24 hour period, the driver may remove and retain the goldenrod copy for his/her own record. (c.) CHP-Bit (Yellow) & Garage (White) Copies Drivers shall submit the CHP-BIT (Yellow) and Garage (White) the copies to the on-site Area Bus Supervisor. The on site Area Bus Supervisor shall file the CHP-BIT (Yellow) copy in the 90-day vehicle file in readiness for inspection by the CHP (Motor Carrier Inspector). (II.) REPAIRS REQUIRED VCRS Drivers must distribute Repairs Required VCRs using the following steps:
(a.) Supervisor (Pink) Copy Each driver must attached the SUPERVISOR COPY (Pink) to the DBR and submit it to his/her immediate supervisor Daily. (b.) CHP – BIT (Yellow) Copy Drivers shall submit the CHP-BIT (Yellow) copy to the on-site Bus Dispatcher for the 90 day vehicle file. The Division has placed collection boxes for the on site Area Bus Supervisor copies in or near the drivers’ room or on site Area Bus Supervisor’s office and/or at the exit gate for the parking location. (c.) Garage (White) & Driver/Vehicle (Goldenrod) Drivers shall submit the GARAGE (White) and DRIVER/VEHICLE (Goldenrod) copies to the Garage Supervisor, only when repairs are required. After checking and/or repairing the vehicle, the repairer will sign the VCR to confirm that the defect was repaired or that the vehicle can continue to be driven. The repairer will place the signed DRIVER/VECHILE (Goldenrod) copy of the VCR in the bus to communicate the outcome of the repair.
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The driver must leave the DRIVER/VEHICLE (Goldenrod) copy in the vehicle for 24 hours or until the next day (tour of duty) he/she drives the vehicle. The Garage Supervisor will file the GARAGE (White) copy, attached to the repair order, in the vehicle maintenance file.
253 START HERE VCR DISTRIBUTION
Do complete vehicle inspection and Fill in VCR “completely”
At E.O.D. Did you Put white copy in on site Area Bus find a Supervisor’s VCR box. IF NOT defect? Leave gold copy on Bus 24 hours or for next assigned driver
IF YES AND
Give white & gold copies to garage supervisor. If not on site, telephone garage supervisor AND Put in “Repair VCR Box.
Were Is it a Repairs IF NO safety IF NO Done? defect?
IF YES IF YES
Do not drive bus. Get another bus. Follow chart to “END” And return to “START HERE”
At E.O.D. Leave gold copy on Put yellow copy in on site Area Bus bus for next driver or for AND Supervisor’s VCR box, 24 hours. AND Give pink copy to A.B.S.
END
254 Sample V.C.R. Form
255 Section XII
Part 2 COMPLETING A VCR FORM
This list explains which details driver must check and distinguishes the safety-related items. Safety-Related Items marked with the words required to transport students must pass inspection or be repaired prior to transporting students. When drivers have questions, they should see the assigned Driver Trainer or Area Bus Supervisor for clarification.
TOP BOXES OF INFORMATION
Driver Name Print name legibly. Worker # List worker number. Driver Comments List (print) all symptoms of the vehicle without offering the diagnosis. Driver Signature Driver signs name here. Date List current date. Vehicle # List vehicle number. Park Loc List parking location of the vehicle. Mileage List the mileage of the vehicle.
District bus drivers shall use the odometer reading on the speedograph.
Stall List assigned stall number of vehicle’s assigned parking location. Route List your route number. Telephone List telephone number of the supervisor. Supervisor Signature Leave blank for Supervisor’s signature. Worker # Leave blank for Supervisor’s worker number.
NO. Line Title (Items Inspected)
EXTERIOR VEHICLE CHECK
1. WINDOWS, WIPERS, MIRRORS
A. WINDOWS (required to transport students). □ Check all glass for defects (cracks, windows missing) □ Visually check all latches □ Check operation of all windows (drivers window should be checked daily, all others may be checked on a weekly rotational basis).
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B. WIPERS (required to transport students). □ Check for missing, cracked, or broken blades □ Check arm tension □ Check windshield washers are operative
C. MIRRORS (required to transport students). □ Check for clean, un-cracked, un-broken □ Check bracket for secureness
2. ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS
A. CLEARANCE LIGHTS (must be operational during darkness to transport students). □ Check operation
B. SIDE LAMPS, I.D. LIGHTS, RUNNING LIGHTS □ Check operation
C. DISTRESS LIGHTS □ Check operation
D. RED CROSSING LIGHTS (required to transport students). □ Check operation, must flash alternately
E. AMBER WARNING LIGHTS (required to transport students). □ Check operation, must flash alternately
F. FLASHING LIGHTS ON STOP SIGNAL ARM (required to transport students) if so equipped. □ Check operation, must flash alternately
G. TURN SIGNALS (front and rear must be operational to transport students). □ Check operation
H. FOUR-WAY HAZARD LIGHTS □ Check operation
I. HEADLIGHTS (required to transport students). □ Low Beams (required during darkness to transport students). □ High Beams □ Check operation
257
J. BRAKE LIGHTS (service brake lights required to transport students).
K. LICENSE PLATE LIGHT (required during darkness to transport students).
L. TAIL LIGHTS (required to transport students).
M. BACK UP LIGHTS if so equipped.
3. TIRES, WHEELS, LUGS, PRESSURE
A. TIRES – Report defects immediately □ Check for tread depth (required to transport students). □ Check for damage (cuts, bulges, cord showing) (mechanic must check if noted). □ Check for pressure by thumping.
B. WHEELS – Report defects immediately □ Check for cracks or bent wheels (mechanics must check if noted).
C. LUGS □ Check for looseness, must be tightened (do not transport students with a loosened or broken lug nut).
D. HUBS NUTS AND GREASE SEALS □ Visual check (excessive grease leak requires mechanic to check before going on route).
E. VALVE STEMS □ Check for accessibility and absence of leaks
4. WHEELS, FLAPS, SKIRTS
A. WHEEL FLAPS □ Check that wheel flaps are secured.
B. SKIRTS □ Check that skirts are secured.
5. RADIATOR/SHUTTER OPERATION
A. RADIATOR □ Check for obstructions
258
B. SHUTTERS □ Check proper operation.
6. PASSENGER, EMERGENCY DOORS
A. PASSENGER DOOR □ Check that rubber is secured, not ripped. □ Check head pad protection. □ Check entrance door emergency release (required to transport students).
B. EMERGENCY DOORS (must be operational to transport students) □ Check rubber seals. □ Check lettering and instructions.
7. ROLL-UP DOORS, RAMPS, ROLLERS (rear emergency ramp on newer Lift Buses) □ Ramp must be present, able to be deployed, secured. □ Access door must be operable and secure.
8. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, bus operations mark N/A 9. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, bus operations mark N/A
10. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, bus operations mark N/A
11. EXAUST SYSTEM □ Check for leaks, excess noise, fumes inside (exhaust is not to leak into driver or passenger compartment). Report & identify location of leak.
12. COOLANT LEVEL, CONDITION □ Check fluid level.
13. ENGINE OIL LEVEL, CONDITION □ Check fluid level.
14. OTHER FLUID LEVELS
A. POWER STEERING FLUID
15. ANY FLUID LEAKS □ Check for leaks
16. BELTS, HOSES, WIRING
259
A. BELTS □ Check for looseness, fraying, or cracks.
B. HOSES □ Check for bulges of leaking fluid.
C. WIRING □ Check for looseness, bare wires, or defects (do not transport students)
17. BATTERY, CABLES, MOUNTING
A. BATTERY □ Check for secureness, absence of corrosive build-up.
B. CABLES □ Check for secureness, absence of corrosive build-up. C. MOUNTING □ Check for secureness, clean.
18. BODY CONDITION, DAMAGE
A. BODY CONDITION □ Check all reflectors □ Check for structural damage Minor damage may not be repaired for sometime. When first assigned vehicle indicate all damage, thereafter just indicate “minor body damage” on VCR.
19. WHEEL CHAIR LIFT OPERATION
□ Check structure □ Check for full functionality (must be operational to transport students).
20. PAINT & LETTERING CONDITION
□ Check SCHOOL BUS signs. □ Check STOP WHEN RED LIGHTS FLASH sign. □ Check LAUSD sign. □ Check carrier identification number. □ Check paint condition. □ Check lettering on side-mounted stop signal arm, if so equipped. □ Check exterior emergency exit lettering and instructions.
260
INTERIOR VEHICLE CHECK
30. SEATS, SEAT BELTS, MOUNTING
A. ALL SEATS □ Check condition □ Check secureness □ Check that driver’s seat is adjustable and locks in place.
B. DRIVER SEAT BELT □ Check that it is adjustable and secure.
C. MOUNTING OF ALL SEATS □ Check for secureness. D. MODESTY PANEL □ Check for secureness.
31. WINDOWS, SEALS, LATCHES
A. WINDOWS □ Check for cracks (cracks must be checked by mechanic).
B. SEALS □ Check for secureness. □ Check for broken seals.
C. LATCHES □ Check for secureness. □ Check for proper operation.
32. FLOORS, STEP WELL, LEAKS
A. FLOORS □ Check for damage. □ Check for cleanliness.
B. STEP WELL □ Check for damage. □ Check for cleanliness.
261 C. LEAKS □ Check for roof leaks. □ Check for floor leaks. □ Check for windows leaks. □ Check for leaks in walls.
33. HEATING & DEFROSTING SYSTEMS
A. HEATING (required to transport students) □ Check operation.
B. DEFROSTING (required to transport students) □ Check operation.
34. CLEANLINESS (must be operational to transport students) □ Check cleanliness of entire vehicle.
35. HORN(s) INTERIOR LIGHTS
A. HORN(s) (must be operational to transport students).
B. INTERIOR LIGHTS □ Check operations of all lights. □ Lenses not cracked or broken.
36. WARNING LIGHTS/BUZZERS
A. WARNING LIGHTS □ Check all dash warning lights and indications (must be operational to transport students). □ Check Air pressure warning light (must operate properly to transport students). □ Check oil pressure warning light. □ Check brake warning light. □ Check low coolant warning light. □ Check emergency exits warning light. □ Check turn signal indicators.
B. BUZZERS All buzzers (must operate properly to transport students). □ Check oil pressure buzzer □ Check oil coolant level buzzer if equipped □ Check emergency exit buzzer
262
37. EMERGENCY EXIT OPERATION/MARKINGS
A. EMGERENCY EXIT □ Check all emergency exit instructions (must work properly to transport students). B. MARKINGS □ Check all emergency exit instructions (must have instructions on proper operation to transport students).
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
40. FIRE EXTINGUISHER/CHARGE DATE
a) FIRE EXTINGUISHER (required to transport students) □ Check each extinguisher’s charge date, charge, pin in place, size, and nozzle. b) CHARGE DATE □ Check that is tagged and properly inspected by State Fire Marshall. □ Check that it is dated within (one year in order to transport students) – list dates on tags.
41. FIRST AID KIT (must have to transport students) □ Check that all units must have proper contents as marked on outside of package. Package does not have to be sealed provided inside materials are sealed and all items are present. □ Check that the kit has the proper number and type of units for the size of vehicle.
42. ROAD REFLECTORS (required to transport students) □ Check container is secured. □ Check that all reflectors are operational and unbroken.
43. SPECIAL EDUCATION LAP RESTRAINT BELTS, TIE DOWNS, EXTERNAL LIFT COVER
A. SPECIAL EDUCATION LAP RESTRAINT BELTS □ Check that lap-belts are secured, uncut, not missing buckles, and unbroken. B. TIE DOWNS □ Check for the proper number of operational tie downs in good condition. C. OTHER SPECIAL EDUCATION EQUIPMENT (if required) □ Check presence & condition of cover for external lift.
263 AIR BRAKE SYSTEM
ALL SYSTEM CHECKS MUST MEET LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS. Enter N/A if bus is equipped with a hydraulic brake system where non- applicable.
50. AIR GOVENER CUT-OUT PRESSURE □ List cut-out pressure (100-130 PSI).
51. AIR LOSS, STATIC □ List static air pressure loss (must not exceed 2 PSI).
52. AIR LOSS, APPLIED □ List cut-in pressure (must not be less than 3 PSI).
53. AIR GOVENER CUT-IN PRESSURE □ List cut-in pressure (must not be less than 85 PSI).
54. LOW AIR WARNING PRESSURE □ List air pressure when warning device is activated (must not be less than 60 PSI) (single service system between 55-75 PSI).
55. EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTUATION PRESSURE □ List air pressure when emergency brake activities (between 20-60 PSI).
56. PARKING BRAKE OPERATION TEST □ Check operation.
57. TRUCK OPERATION PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
58. SERVICE BRAKE 20 MPH TEST (check before picking up first student). □ Check operation of brakes.
HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM
ALL SYSTEM CHECKS MUST PASS LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS. Enter N/A if bus is equipped with air brake system.
59. VACUUM LOSS, STATIC □ List static vacuum loss (must not exceed 3 in.)
264 60. SYSTEM LEAKS □ Check system for hydraulic leaks
61. VACUUM LOSS, APPLIED □ List applied vacuum loss (must not exceed 3 in.)
62. LOW VACUUM WARNING □ List vacuum inches at actuation of warning device (must not be less than 8 in.)
63. VACUUM BUILD UP (after 30 seconds) □ List vacuum build up in 30 seconds.
64. BRAKE BOOSTER OPERATION □ Check operation of brake booster.
65. BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL (66% maximum travel permitted) □ Check brake pedal travel.
66. SERVICE BRAKE 20 MPH □ Check operation of brakes.
67. PARKING BRAKE OPERATION TEST □ Check operation.
INSTRUMENTATION
68. SPEEDOMETER/SPEEDOGRAPH □ Check for proper operation (must be operational to transport students).
69. TACHOGRAPH □ Check operation.
70. AIR/VACUUM GAUGE(S) (required to transport students) □ Check operation.
71. FUEL GAUGE (required to transport students) □ Check operation.
72. AMP/VOLT GAUGE(S) (required to transport students) □ Check operation.
265 73. a) A.B.C. STICKER SERVICE DUE/DATE □ Circle appropriate service due □ List date service due □ List mileage service due □ List beginning mileage from service due mileage to show mileage to operate. DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE IF PAST DUE FOR SERVICE
b) CHP EXPIRATION DATE □ List expiration date on CHP Vehicle Inspection Approval Certificate. DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE IF PAST DUE FOR INSPECTION
74. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
75. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
76. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
77. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
78. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
79. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATIONS MARK N/A
80. TRUCK OPERATIONS PROCEDURE, BUS OPERATINS MARK N/A
81. CHECK CHILD CHECK SYSTEM OPERATION □ Check operation.
82. CHECK STOP ARM OPERATION □ Check operation.
DRIVER ABILITY
MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE PICKING UP FIRST STUDENT.
83. TRANMISSION OPERATION □ Check operation.
84. ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE □ Check temperature.
266 85. UNSUSAL NOSIES/SMELLS □ Listen and smell. □ List any problems.
86. PERFORMANCE, OPERATION □ List any problems.
87. STEERING, RIDE □ List any problems.
88. EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE □ Listen for excessive noise. □ List any problem.
89. EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SMOKE □ Watch for excessive smoke. □ List any problem.
267 INDEX
The topics here are listed using words that different people might think of them. Each topic can be found on the pages listed, but not necessarily under headings of the same name. In some cases, ideas are listed in bold, italic, ALL CAPS, underlined, or combination of these on the page indicated.
TOPIC PAGE
Absences...... 14 Absence in the Afternoon ...... 168 Absence of Adult, Student Reveals ...... 178 Absence of Bus Assistant ...... 169, 171 Absence of Designated Adult ...... 168, 173 Absence of Student with Disabilities...... 167 Absenteeism, Driver ...... 14 -16 Absent Without Authorization, Driver...... 16 Accident Identification Numbers ...... 236 Accident Information Exchange ...... 238 Accident Investigation...... 229-230 Accident Reports ...... 233-235 Accident Review Committee...... 241 Accident, Runaway Vehicle ...... 241 Accident Scene Procedure ...... 236- 237 Accident Witnesses ...... 239 Accidents, Unattended Property ...... 240 Accidents, Wash Rack...... 60 Accuracy of Reports ...... 242 Acts of Violence...... 88 Address Changes, Driver...... 8-9 Address, Student with Disabilities...... 159, 167-168 Admission of Guilt...... 238 Adult Bus Assistants...... 158, 169 Adult, Definition ...... 175 Adult, Designated ...... 158-169 Adult to Receive Student with Disabilities...... 175-178 Alcohol & Drugs...... 22 Alcohol Testing ...... 23-34 AM/FM Radio Use ...... 39 Amber Lights ...... 46-48, 65, 79-82 Annual In Service...... 9-10 Aphasia...... 164 Approved Stops ...... 65 268 Assertive Communication ...... 147 Assigned Parking...... 49 Assisting Students with Disabilities...... 172-173, 183, 189-190 Assistive Learning Devices...... 158 Assistive Mobility Devices...... 158 Attacks, Assaults, Threats ...... 88 Attended by an Adult, Student with Disabilities...... 12, 158 Attended on the Lift...... 185 Authority of Driver...... 207 Authorized Bus Use...... 37 Autistic ...... 163 Backing in Loading Zone ...... 47 Badges ...... 19 Banners on Buses ...... 38 Basic Speed Law...... 43 Batteries, Electric Wheelchairs ...... 181-185 Battery (Assault) ...... 88-89 Behavior, Students with Disabilities...... 160-162 Behavior Modification ...... 184 Bites...... 166 Blocking Pump Handle ...... 52 Boundaries, District...... 66 Breakdowns...... 243 Brooms ...... 40 Bulky Equipment...... 41 Bulletins & Memos...... 4-5, 37 Bus Assistants, Students with Disabilities...... 158, 169 Bus Evacuation Drill...... 207-210 Bus Hijacking...... 217-218 Bus Monitors...... 211-213 Bus Passenger Lists...... 234, 238 Bus Passes...... 69-70 Bus Rules Sign ...... 75-76, 141-144, 150 Bus Stops ...... 21, 64-65 Bus Stop Safety...... 72 Cellular Telephone...... 39-40 Certificate to Drive a Bus ...... 7-8 Change in Student Stop/Time...... 64 Changes in Policy, Bulletins ...... 4 Check Bus for Students ...... 49, 70, 190 Check Rides ...... 45 Chemicals on Bus...... 45
269 Child Abuse Reporting...... 90-91 Child Safety Restraint ...... 168, 182-189 Child Safety Seat...... 187-188 Child Safety Vest ...... 158, 179 CHP Inspection...... 42 Clean Bus ...... 40 Closed Roads ...... 216 Communication...... 147, 164-165 Common Behaviors of Students with Disabilities...... 160-161 Confidentiality, Student Information...... 159 Counseling & Training after Accident...... 233 Contract Companies to Supply Special Equipment ...... 179 Contract Driver Information Form (78.285) ...... 9 Corporal Punishment ...... 83-84, 161, 190 CNG Fueling...... 53-54 Activity Trips ...... 77, 95 Daily Assignments ...... 94 Danger Zone...... 72, 77, 81 Dangerous Locations...... 66 Dangerous Procedures...... 171-173 Dashboards ...... 40 DBR, Absence Dates...... 106, 115 DBR, Approval...... 126 DBR, Absorbed Route ...... 108, 118 DBR, Daily Submission...... 101, 105 DBR, Instructions-Contract ...... 124 DBR, Instructions-District...... 110 DBR, Late to Work...... 106 DBR, Remarks...... 125 Decimal Time Equivalents ...... 105 Defective Wheelchair Equipment...... 160, 181-188 Delivery Address, Student with Disabilities...... 167, 171, 177 Delivery, after Dark...... 178 Delivery Successful after “No One Home to Receive” ...... 171 Delivery Times, Student with Disabilities ...... 167-168 Designated Adults to Receive...... 167-168 Designated Lanes...... 43 Designated Stops ...... 65-70, 77, 97, 160 Designated Signs...... 38 Developmentally Impaired ...... 163 Disciplinary Procedures for Students...... 152 Discontinuing Use of Bus...... 230
270 Discrimination ...... 85 Dispatch Reports ...... 137 District Driver Information Form (78.284)...... 9 Document Copies ...... 8, 13 Document Validity...... 7-8, 12-13 Doors ...... 42, 49 Do Not Resuscitate Orders...... 166 Double Parking ...... 67 Dress Standards...... 19 Driver Behavior...... 20, 83-87 Driver Evaluations...... 45 Driver Name ...... 8-9 Driver Qualification File Update Form...... 9 Driver Responsibility...... 4, 72, 175 Driver’ Documents ...... 7-8 Driver’s Hours of Service ...... 92 Driver’s License and Restrictions...... 8-9 Driver’s LOG...... 93, 95, 104 Driver’s Medicals ...... 11 Driver’s Seat & Seat Belt ...... 41, 42 Driving Hours Limit ...... 92 Driving Record...... 13 Drug Testing ...... 23-24 Duty-Free Meal Period...... 99 Earthquakes ...... 214 Effective Bus Driver Training ...... 156 Eight-Hour Splits...... 93-94 Ejection of Students...... 147 Electric Wheelchairs ...... 179, 181, 185 Elementary Students ...... 144 Elevator Guards, Lift Buses ...... 185 Emergency Door/Brake Danger...... 187 Emergency Reflectors ...... 224-225 Emergencies, Students with Disabilities ...... 165-166, 207, 213-214 Emotional Outbursts ...... 166 Employee Assistance Program...... 160 Environment, Supportive ...... 23, 165 Escorted Loading...... 73-74, 79, 80-96, 141, 169 Escorted Unloading ...... 73, 76, 189 Escorting Students with Disabilities ...... 80-81 Evaluation...... 45 Evacuation Drill Procedures ...... 207-208, 218
271 Excessive Idling...... 47-48 Expiration Dates (driver documents)...... 8 External Lifts...... 182-187 Failure to Comply...... 4 Failure to Notify...... 99 FAPE ...... 158 Feet on the Floor, Open the Door...... 73 Fire Extinguishers...... 220 First Aid ...... 189 First Aid Cards...... 7 First Aid Kits ...... 219 Floods...... 214-215 Found Damage...... 240-241 Free and Appropriate Public Education ...... 158 Fueling Locations...... 55 Fueling Policies ...... 50-51 Fueling Procedures...... 52 Fuel CNG...... 53 Fuel Propane ...... 54 Fuel Spills ...... 51 Gear Shift Extensions ...... 42 Gifts ...... 84 Going to the Bus Stop...... 191 Guidelines for Stops ...... 66 Hazardous Stops ...... 72-73, 208 Headlamp Use...... 42 Health Care Assistants ...... 168, 184 Hearing Impaired ...... 163 High School Students ...... 146-147 Home Delivery, Students with Disabilities...... 168, 171-172, 175, 179 Home-to-School...... 101 Honesty ...... 94 Horn Use ...... 167, 175 Hostile Environments...... 23 IDEA ...... 158-159 Idling, Air Conditioned Bus ...... 48 Idling, Excess ...... 47-48 IEP...... 158-159, 161, 166, 168-169, 179-180, 183-184 Ill Students with Disabilities ...... 166, 168 Immediate Possession...... 8 Impeding Required Reports...... 88 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ...... 158, 179
272 Industrial ...... 15 Infants with Disabilities ...... 168, 187 In Service when Ill or on Industrial...... 10 In Service Requirements ...... 9-10 In Service Unpaid ...... 10 Inspection after an Accident, Special Equipment...... 223, 240 Inspection Sticker, Special Equipment...... 180-181 Instructing Students...... 75-76, 96 Internal Lifts ...... 182, 186 Interruption of Service...... 234 Investigations...... 235 Receiver Order Numbers...... 104-112 Keeping Bus in View...... 239, 243 Lane Control ...... 43 Lap Restraints for Trip ...... 96 Lap Restraints for Students with Disabilities...... 41, 96, 185, 187 Lap Trays...... 180 Late-Bus Trips ...... 94, 97-99 Late Sign-On ...... 93-94 Leaving a Bus Unattended ...... 49, 97 Leaving Driver’s Compartment ...... 73 Leaving Students at Stop...... 65-66 Leaving Students Unattended ...... 70-71, 190 Leaving Students Unattended on Lift...... 185 License Restrictions...... 8 Lift Activation Switch...... 187 Lift Doors ...... 185, 187 Lift, Locking Devices Used on ...... 183 Lift Operation ...... 187 Lift Ramp ...... 183, 186 Listening Devices...... 39-40 Loading Requirements...... 184-185 Loading Students with Disabilities ...... 80, 169, 170, 179, 189-190 Loading Safety...... 72-78 Loading Wheelchairs ...... 185, 187 Loading Zones, Students with Disabilities ...... 47-48, 187, 195 Locking the Bus ...... 49 Loose Items ...... 40-41 Lost Badges...... 20 Lost Driver Documents ...... 7 Mandatory Classes of Meetings...... 10 Master Elevator Control Danger ...... 187
273 Maximum Driving Hours ...... 93 Maximum On-Duty Hours ...... 93 Meal Periods...... 99 Mechanical Defects at Accident Scene...... 240 Media Center Parking...... 57 Medical Certificates ...... 7, 11 Medically Fragile Students...... 165 Medical Restrictions...... 14-15 Medication Release Form (78.307)...... 23 Medications, Students with Disabilities...... 169, 218 Mentally Retarded...... 163 Midday Routes, Students with Disabilities ...... 178 Midday Split ...... 37, 93, 95 Middle School Students ...... 145 Mirror Adjustment ...... 58-61 Mirror Checks ...... 58-61, 73, 247, 256-257 Missing Students ...... 91 Mud-Slides...... 215 Multicultural Society...... 150 Multiple Bus Assignments...... 62 Multiple Disabilities ...... 163 Multiple Employers ...... 93 Multiple Turning Lanes ...... 44 Name Changes (Form 78.284/78.285) ...... 9 New Students ...... 69 Non-Conforming Wheelchairs...... 181 Non-Preventable Accidents ...... 234 Nose Bleeds, Students with Disabilities...... 166 Non-Severe Disabilities ...... 164 No One Home to Receive, Students with Disabilities ...... 171, 175 Notice of Safety Concern on a School Bus...... 155, 157,171, 177 Notifying DMV of Changes ...... 9 On-Duty Status ...... 93-94 One-Way Streets ...... 81 Open Door ...... 42 Opening the Tach (Speed) Clock...... 102 Orthopedically Impaired...... 163 Other Emergencies...... 214 Overtime Distribution ...... 98 Oxygen Administration...... 184 Oxygen Tanks ...... 183-184 Paint Touch-Ups...... 45
274 Parent at the Bus Stop...... 191 Parent Request Changes ...... 64 Parent Riding Bus...... 71 Parking on Roadways...... 47 No One Home to Receive, Students with Disabilities ...... 171, 175-178, 204 Parking Rules-District Sites ...... 57-60 Passenger Head Counts...... 72, 95 Positive Test Results ...... 33, 36 Post Accident Testing...... 28 Post Trip Inspection...... 95 Pre-Planning Emergencies ...... 207 Pre-School...... 168, 187-188 Pre-Trip Inspection ...... 38, 45-46, 50, 58, 95-96 Pre-Trip Safety Instructions ...... 96 Preventability ...... 241-243 Primary Students ...... 144 Procedures ...... 103 Program Codes for Special Ed...... 163-164 Prohibited Alcohol Level ...... 32 Prohibited Conduct/Intervention ...... 161-162, 168-169 Prohibited Drugs...... 23 Prohibited Materials & Chemicals...... 44-45 Prohibited Stops ...... 65 Prohibited Touching...... 83-84 Pulling Hair ...... 166 Pupil Accounting Reports ...... 153 Pupil Counts ...... 72, 95 Pupil Injury Reports ...... 238 PURLs ...... 159, 169, 172, 179, 183-184, 187, 193 Radio Call-High Priority ...... 204-205 Radio Channel Assignment ...... 199 Radio Monitoring...... 97, 199 Radio Operating Procedures ...... 202-206 Radio-Reporting Emergencies...... 203 Radio-Ten Codes...... 201 Railroad Crossings ...... 46 Reasonable Suspicion Testing ...... 26-29 Red Curb Zones ...... 66 Red Light Crossings, Students with Disabilities...... 81 Red Light Policy...... 79-82 Refusing a Drug or Alcohol Test...... 31 Related Service ...... 4-5, 158-159, 179
275 Relationships with Students...... 21, 74, 83, 86-87 Release of Responsibility ...... 168-170 Release of Student, Students with Disabilities...... 175-178 Renewal Course ...... 12 Renewal Requirements ...... 11 Repair Lines ...... 57 Reporting Accidents, Breakdowns & Incidents ...... 229-231 Report Forms-Accident...... 233 Required Driver Documents ...... 7 Respectful Treatment ...... 85, 150 Respirators ...... 165, 180 Responsibility for Students ...... 4, 65, 69, 72, 86, 141, 150, 159-160, 169, 175 Restraints for Disabled Students ...... 41-42, 183-186, 189-190 Returning Buses ...... 63 Returning Special Ed. Student After Dark...... 178 Returning to Work...... 14 Road Rage ...... 22 Roadside Warning Devices ...... 224-225 Rotational Unloading ...... 76-78, 144, 213 Routes and Route Changes ...... 64, 72 Routing Symbols...... 194 Rosters ...... 68, 214-215, 238 Safe Delivery of Students ...... 71, 77 Safety Rules ...... 144-145, 151, 156, 160 Safety, Students with Disabilities...... 46, 160-166 Safety Vests ...... 158, 179, 184, 189 School Bus Accident...... 229, 231 School Loading Zones...... 47, 79 School Site Stops ...... 81 School of Attendance...... 177 School-to-School ...... 81, 158-159 Seat Belt (driver)...... 41-42, 261 Seat Belts ...... 41, 95-96, 168, 179, 182-183, 185-187, 261 Securement, Students with Disabilities...... 180-188 Securing Buses...... 49, 59 Securing Equipment ...... 41, 169, 180-181, 183-186 Seizures...... 166 Sending for Help...... 230 Service...... 56 Service Miles ...... 243 Severe Disabilities ...... 163 Severe Disruptions (Students with Disabilities) ...... 161-162
276 Shoes ...... 18-19 Sidewalks (Parking)...... 58 Signs on Buses...... 38 Situations Not Covered...... 5 Sixteen Hour Limit ...... 93 Sleeping on Bus...... 21 Smoking...... 22 Spare or Loaner Bus...... 52, 62 Special Equipment...... 160, 179-188 Special Transportation by School Bus...... 69 Specific Learning Disability...... 164 Speed ...... 43 Speed on District Property...... 61 Spray Cans on Buses...... 45 SRP Drills ...... 46 SRP Instructions...... 207-218 Stay at the Fuel Pumps ...... 51-53 Stop Bus to Discipline...... 147 Stops ...... 65-66 Stop Sign Holder...... 40 Stop Times, Students with Disabilities ...... 167 Streets to Avoid ...... 196-198 Student Behavior Curve...... 142-147 Student Loading...... 74 Student Safety ...... 150-152, 216 Students at the Bus Stop ...... 192 Student Suspension...... 153-156, 162, 171,177 Suctioning Devices ...... 180, 184 Sweeping the Bus...... 40, 51, 62-63 Tachographs and Charts ...... 102-104 Tardiness (Bus Drivers) ...... 14, 16 Telephone Number Changes, Drivers ...... 8-9 Telephone Numbers, Students with Disabilities...... 171, 176 Temporary Documents ...... 13 Tie-Downs ...... 183, 186 Thefts...... 50, 91 Threats ...... 88, 142 T-Intersections...... 44 T-01 Certificates ...... 11 Toddlers...... 168 Toddler Seats, (Child Safety Seats)...... 187 Toileting, Students with Disabilities...... 169
277 Touching Students...... 83-87, 189-190 Traffic Citations...... 13 Transit Options (Wheelchair) ...... 183 Transportation Requests, Students with Disabilities...... 159 Trash Containers ...... 40 Turning ...... 44 Two-Driver Operations...... 45 Uniforms ...... 17 Unattended Student, Students with Disabilities ...... 175, 185, 190 Unauthorized Bus Use...... 37 Unauthorized Passengers ...... 38 Unexcused Unpaid Absences...... 16 Uneven Shirt Tails ...... 17 Unlawful Entry in School Bus...... 217 Unloading ...... 76-77, 97 Unpaid Status ...... 10-11 Unsafe Vehicles...... 38, 230 VCRs ...... 56, 246-267 Violent Acts...... 88-89 Visually Impaired ...... 163 Wait for the Open Door...... 75 Waiting for Students with Disabilities...... 167 Warning Light Policy...... 79 Wash Racks ...... 58-61 Wash Rack Accidents...... 60 Watches...... 17 Weapons Prohibited ...... 90 Weekend Availability...... 98-100 Weekend Trips ...... 99 Wheelchair Access Ramps...... 182-187 Wheelchair Attended on Lift...... 185 Wheelchair Batteries...... 182 Wheelchair Brakes (Wheel Locks)...... 181, 183, 185-186 Wheelchair, Electric...... 185-187 Wheelchair, Equipment Attached ...... 181-184 Wheelchair, Fit on Lift...... 182 Wheelchair Inspection ...... 180-188 Wheelchair Inspection Sticker ...... 181 Wheelchair Lap Restraints...... 96, 185-187 Wheelchair, Lap Tray...... 180 Wheelchair, Legal Requirements...... 181 Wheelchair Loading ...... 181-188
278 Wheelchair Needing Repair...... 181 Wheelchair Orientation (side facing, forward facing) ...... 166, 187 Wheelchair Power Disconnect...... 185, 187 Wheelchair Securement ...... 169, 180-187 Wheelchair Tie-Downs...... 183, 186 Wheelchair, Tilted Position ...... 165-166, 187 Wheelchair Tip Over...... 186 Wild Fires...... 214-215 Witnesses ...... 239-240 Work-Related Restrictions ...... 8-9, 14-16 Work Schedules...... 93-94 Zero Tolerance Policy on Drugs & Alcohol ...... 24, 36
279