UNIT VI
SCHOOL BUS CRITICAL
SITUATIONS
Topics:


Responses to critical situations
Preventing and correcting:









traction loss
loss of brakes
steering failure
tire blowout
headlight failure
accelerator sticking
engine overheating
Classifications of fire
School bus evacuation
procedures
VI-2
Critical Situation



Driver action
Roadway situation = COLLISION
Vehicle malfunction
VI-3
How Quick on the Draw are You?
Directions:







Form teams of two
Each team must have a watch with a second hand
One game sheet per team
Touch numbered squares in sequence
Time each attempt
Three attempts per player
Record time for each attempt
VI-4
VI-5
Why Drivers Respond the Way They Do




Surprise causes hasty action
Surprise leads to panic/ fear
Drivers become confused when panicking
Correct action must be learned in advance
VI-6
How Drivers Can Improve





Thinking reduces panic
Ability depends upon driver mind set
Knowledge and practice reduce surprise
“What if” is good practice
Repetition reduces surprise
VI-7
Driver Safety Formula
Skill
+ Knowledge
+ Conditioning
+ Concentration
_____________________
= Reduction in critical situations
VI-8
Traction Loss
Traction is important to starting,
stopping, and turning any vehicle.
When traction is reduced or lost
completely, the driver is confronted
with a critical situation.
VI-9
What is Traction Loss?
Traction loss occurs when tires lose their rolling grip on the road
surface, resulting in partial or total loss of vehicle control.
VI-10
Causes of Traction Loss
Overpowering
Steering and speed
Overbreaking
VI-11
Minimizing Traction Loss





Keep brakes and tires in good working order
Increase sight distance and react to hazards well in
advance
Match speed conditions
Avoid overpowering, over braking, and over steering
Stay off highway when conditions are hazardous
VI-12
Traction Loss Summary
A competent driver rarely allows his vehicle to lose
traction, but—if it does, he possesses the capability to
cope effectively with the situation.
VI-13
Potential Vehicle Malfunctions
Loss of brakes
 Steering failure
 Tire blowout
 Headlight failure
 Accelerator sticking
 Engine overheating

VI-14
Loss of Brakes
Indicated by signal from buzzer, air pressure gauge
Correction:
Use engine as brake; down shift.
Continue application of brake pedal.
Get off road and stop immediately.
VI-15
Steering Failure
Correction:
Grip wheel firmly—get off road
No wheel response—stop bus quickly and safely
Evacuate passengers (if warranted)
Secure area
VI-16
Tire blowout
Correction:
Grip wheel firmly
Release accelerator
Steady braking—do not lock wheels
Move off roadway
Secure vehicle
VI-17
Headlight Failure
Turn on parking/ auxiliary lights
Turn on emergency flashers, brake lights, right turn signal.
Slow down
Stay on path
Look for escape
Look for something to orient you
VI-18
Accelerator Sticking




Apply brakes
Shift to neutral
Steer off roadway
Turn off engine
after stopping bus
VI-19
Engine Overheating




VI-20
Pull off road
Shift to neutral—run
engine at fast idle
Stop engine if it does not
cool
Call for assistance
Emergency Equipment and
Emergency Procedures
Topics:
Fire extinguishers
Reflectors
Evacuations
Stakeouts
VI-21
Type:
A (Ashes)
B (Barrels)
C (Current)
Source:
Combustible materials
Flammable liquids
Electrical
VI-22
Fire Extinguisher Operation




Pull pin—use twisting motion
Hold in upright position
Squeeze trigger lever
Direct at base of fire—use side to side motion
VI-23
Required Warning Devices
3 Bidirectional emergency reflective triangles
VI-24
Vehicle Stakeout
Requirements

Bidirectional emergency reflective triangles
 Placed as follows:



One 100’ in front of the bus in center of lane occupied by the bus
One 100’ to the rear of the bus in center of lane occupied by the bus
One at the traffic side of the bus either 10’ to the front or rear of the bus
VI-25
Reasons for Evacuation
Fire
Potential Fire
Vehicle in dangerous
position
VI-26
School Bus Evacuation
Film
Emergency School Bus Evacuation
Points of interest:
 Three evacuation methods
 Driver’s role
 Leader’s and helper’s role
 Distance students move away from bus
VI-27
Front Door Evacuation
VI-28
Rear Door Evacuation
VI-29
Front and Rear Door Evacuation
VI-30
Department of Education Requirement
Evacuation Drills
A school bus driver shall know how to conduct an
emergency bus evacuation.
VI-31
Special Needs Evacuation




Lift Evacuation
Ramp Evacuation
Blanket Drag/Carry
Removal from
Wheelchair
VI-32
Summary


Responses to critical situations
Preventing and correcting:









traction loss
loss of brakes
steering failure
tire blowout
headlight failure
accelerator sticking
engine overheating
Classifications of fire
School bus evacuation procedures
VI-33