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2014 Transportation Course
As Required by Texas Child Care Licensing
It is important that all individuals that transport children obtain their annual
transportation course information. This course was created to help people that provide
transportation of young children with basic knowledge on how to safely transport
children. We have made this course free for anyone to take. After you read the
material, please print the questions and certificate out. You need to answer the
questions and attach them to the certificate for it to be valid.
Since vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury and even death to children over
the age of three, it is even more important that all adults that transport young children
know how to do it safely. There is research that supports that almost 50% of those
children killed in a vehicle crash were not properly restrained in the vehicle during the
impact. Research further shows us that as much as 82% of children that are placed in
an approved car seat are done so improperly. This percentage might be even higher in
regard to child care facilities using care seats that parents provide. Facility employees
do not typically read the instruction manual that comes with the car seat. It is very
important that all employees understand how to properly restrain all children, without
regard to which car seat they use. Seat belts are created for an adult’s body size, not
children. The child does not adequately fit in the seat belt and therefore can become
severally hurt during a crash. Children must be transported in approved, properly
installed car seats on EVERY trip!
Reduce Their Risk (taken from http://www.cdc.gov/features/passengersafety/)
In 2009, 1,314 children ages 14 years and younger died in motor vehicle crashes, and
approximately 179,000 were injured. But parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving
difference.
Whenever you're on the road, make sure your child passengers are buckled into
appropriate safety seats. The safest place for children of any age to ride is properly
restrained in the back seat. Data show that:
•In 2008, restraint use saved the lives of 244 children ages 4 and younger. Child safety
seats reduce the risk of death in car crashes by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers
ages one to four.
•For children ages 4 to 7, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59% compared to safety
belts alone.
Children ages 12 and younger should always be buckled up and seated in the rear seat
of vehicles. Infants in rear-facing car seats should never ride in the front seat of vehicles
with airbags.
State of Texas Requirements (taken from the minimum standards book)
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Let’s first talk about the qualifications for drivers in the State of Texas. A transportation
driver must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Texas driver’s license and be able
to use the fire extinguisher that is located on the vehicle. Always stay up to date on any
new requirements that the State of Texas places on who can transport children.
All vehicles must be maintained in safe operating condition at all times. It is the
responsibility of the center to ensure the vehicle that they use to transport children is
safe and properly maintained.
Parents may provide the child seat; however it is the responsibility of the center to
ensure the seat is properly installed, meets the child’s requirements, and is safe.
Drive and all adults must be properly restrained by a seat belt before the starting of the
vehicle and during the time that the vehicle is in motion. There is to be NO sharing of
seat belts for anyone.
Subchapter X, Transportation §746.5607 of the Minimum Standards section - What
child safety restraint system must I use when I transport children?
(a) You must secure each child in an infant safety seat, rear-facing convertible child
safety seat, forward-facing child safety seat, child booster seat, safety vest, harness, or
a safety belt, as appropriate to the child’s age, height, and weight according to
manufacturer’s instructions for all vehicles specified in subsection
(b) All child passenger safety restraint systems must meet federal standards for crashtested restraint systems as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
and must be properly secured in the vehicle according to manufacturer’s instructions.
(c) A child 12 years old or younger must not ride in the front seat of a vehicle.
Types of Car Seats
It is important for adults to understand the different types of car seats that are available
for use. Make sure that you do not purchase used or old car seats because you do not
know if they have been used in a vehicle crash already. Car seats are designed to
protect the child at their stage of growth. Children being restrained in car seats that do
not meet their size and body structure will not be provided with a safe restrain in a car
crash.
1. Rear facing car seats – These car seats are designed to properly restrain infants in
case of a vehicle crash. Infants do not have strong body parts yet, which means that if
they are not facing the rear of the car, the crash force would do more harm than if they
were older. The rear facing car seat allows the back of the seat to distribute the crash
pressure along the car seat shell instead of to the infant’s body.
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2. Forward facing car seats – These seats have a harness to prevent the child from
being ejected in the event of a crash. In the event of a crash, the car seat helps to
distribute the crash force and pressure to the child’s strongest body parts, which include
the hips and shoulders. When children are properly restrained the car seat harness
straps also help to spread the crash force and pressure throughout the child’s body
instead of being concentrated in only one area.
3. Booster seats – These seats are designed for older children that are aged at least 4
years old, and who have physically outgrown the forward facing car seats that have the
harness system. These children are still not large enough to wear only the lap/shoulder
belt that come standard in all vehicles. Booster seats help to raise the children higher in
the car and allow the lap/shoulder belt to fit correctly over the child’s body.
If you are buying car seats for your vehicle, it is important to take into account all
aspects of the child. You must look at their height, weight, body size, and their ability to
sit within the appropriate car seat. I had a friend whose child was just barely big enough
for a booster seat; however he would also unbuckle it as she drove down the road. For
that reason, she kept him in the forward facing harness system a while longer. It is
important to remember, that the child must be properly placed in the car seat and that it
be properly installed in the vehicle.
Where should children ride in the car?
All children should be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. Never allow children to ride
in the front seat or in a jumper side seat of a pickup truck. The center seat in the back
is typically the safest because it is furthest away from either door. Not all middle seat
areas of a back seat are able to securely attach a car seat, so make sure that is
possible first.
Ten Basic Rules:
Kids 12 and under should ALWAYS ride in the back seat. This cuts their risk of death by
36%.
Kids should be in a car seat or booster until they can be seated properly in a seatbelt.
For most kids, this is around 8-12 years old or 4' 9" tall, but proper seatbelt fit is the
most important factor.
Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat when there is an active frontal
airbag.
Keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible. That can mean up to 35 or 40 pounds
in most current convertible seats, unless they outgrow it by height first.
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All current car seats pass government safety standards. Select the one that best fits
your child, your vehicle and your budget. Some models do have different features;
select one that has the features that will allow you to use it correctly EVERY trip.
Always read the owner’s manuals for your vehicle and car seat thoroughly. They often
contain specific information about car seat installation that may not be obvious. Some
models may vary from what you would expect.
Make sure that the harness fits snugly on your child, the car seat fits snugly in your
vehicle, and that your vehicle seatbelts are locked properly.
When you buy a car seat, make sure you have a good return policy in case it doesn't fit
or in case you find you don't like it. Have your seat inspected by a certified technician
for free at a checkup event or fitting station.
Please be wary of used car seats, especially those over six years old, those with an
unknown history that may have been in a crash, those that show any form of cracks or
damage, and those with missing labels, model number, manufacturing date, instructions
or parts.
Please give driving your complete, unimpaired attention and wear your own seatbelt all
the time. These two simple steps are among these easiest ways you can protect
yourself and your passengers from injury or death.
Selecting the Best Type of Car Seats
Please use a computer and watch the following videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMhsZKsXzNo
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zITYlg9jjB0
1. The Read Facing Car Seat
A convertible seat can be used both in the rear facing and forward facing positions. It all
depends on the size and age of the child. The majority of convertible seats are for
children up to 35 pounds in the rear facing position. The American Academy of
Pediatrics has recommending that children stay rear facing until they reach the age of
two, or until the weight/height limit on rear facing convertible seats. The five point
harness system that comes in these convertible car seats offers the best protection and
comfort for infants. The five point harness protects at the child’s shoulders, hips, and at
the crotch.
Use rear-facing up to 22-35 pounds, depending on the model.
A 5-point harness is preferred. Keep chest clip at armpit level and not on the neck or
tummy.
Harness strap slots should be at or below the shoulders.
A front adjuster to tighten the harness makes it easy to use.
Newborns and infants should have a 45 degree maximum recline.
Built-in angle indicators and adjusters may help get the correct recline.
Manufacturers have differing instructions on where handle should be while traveling.
Read the instruction manual to learn if it should be up or down in the vehicle.
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A rear-facing tether or impact foam found on some models may improve safety.
Infant seats may fit newborns better than convertible models.
Some models include a complete stroller and base system, while others may include
just the convenient base that installs in the car.
2. Convertible Seat
Rear-Facing is SAFEST!
Select a model with a 35 or 40 pound rear-facing weight limit and keep your child rearfacing as long as possible.
Your child should be turned front-facing at the 35 or 40 pound rear-facing limit, or if the
top of their head is within an inch of the top of the shell.
Models with a 5-point harness and front harness adjuster are preferred.
Keep the harness straps at or below the shoulders while rear-facing.
Keep the harness straps at or above the shoulders while front-facing.
Some older models require the use of TOP slots while front-facing (check your manual).
Keep chest clip at armpit level, not on the neck or tummy.
Make sure you use the correct seat belt path or LATCH hooks intended for front-facing
or rear-facing.
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A 45 degree maximum recline is needed for newborns and young infants while rearfacing. Older babies with good head support can have less recline while rear-facing.
Upright with no recline is best for front-facing.
Some models feature tethers that can also be used rear-facing and impact foam for
added safety. Some also have built-in locking clips for convenience.
Rear Facing Seats must always be placed in a vehicle facing the rear of the car.
Children under one year of age AND under 20 pounds are required by law to be in a
rear facing car seat. If possible, it is best to keep them in it longer, as long as their body
is not too big. Some of the newer models of rear facing seats are able to take children
up to 35 pounds. If the infant’s head comes within 1 inch of the top of the shell, they
have outgrown the car seat. If the infant outgrows this car seat but is still under 1 year of
age or less than 20 pounds, a rear facing convertible seat must be used.
The forward facing convertible seat can be used when the child is at least one year and
20 pounds: however remember The American Academy of Pediatrics has
recommending that children stay rear facing until they reach the age of two, or until the
weight/height limit on rear facing convertible seats. It is important to read the
instructions on EVER convertible seat because their height/weight requirements will be
different.
4. Combination Seat
The combination seat still has the five point harness that helps to keep the child safe but
they also have a high back booster with a belt-position in it. At some stores, and by
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many employees, this seat will be titled a booster seat with harness installed. The
harness typically goes to a 40-50 pound child. Once the harness is removed, the child
can use it as a tall booster seat.
Use the internal harness front-facing to the maximum limits indicated in the manual!
Models with a 5-point harness and front harness adjuster are preferred.
Keep chest clip at armpit level, not on the neck or tummy.
When the child reaches the weight limit of the harness or his or her shoulders are above
the top harness slots, remove the harness and use the seat as a booster with a lap AND
shoulder belt.
As a booster, the lap belt should ride high on the thighs or low on the hips.
As a booster, the shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and chest.
Use the built-in shoulder belt guide if the shoulder belt doesn't fit correctly.
The shoulder belt guide on some models can "catch" the seatbelt and leave slack.
Please make sure the belt is tight at all times.
Look for high, top harness slots to accommodate taller children up to 40 pounds (more
for many models) in the harness.
5. Booster Seats
Both of the pictured seats above are booster seats. The booster seat is used to help
transition a child that is over 40 pounds and still too small for the vehicles seat belt
system. The booster seats must be used with the lap/should belt that is already installed
in the vehicle. Booster seats have a weight limit of typically 80 to 100 pounds. The tall
booster seat has a built in head restraint; however the shorter one does not. When
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using the backless booster, make sure that there is a head restraint in the vehicle to
protect the child’s head in case of a crash. The majority of high back booster seats have
a shoulder belt positioner to secure the strap correctly.
Best used after 40 pounds with a only lap AND shoulder belt.
Use until the manufacturer's weight limit, or until your child can wear a seatbelt properly,
usually around 8-12 years old or 4' 9" tall.
Shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and chest, not on the neck.
Lap belt should be high on the thighs or low on the hips, not on the tummy.
Use a high back model if your vehicle has low seat backs with no head rests. Some
models may offer increased side impact protection.
A backless model is fine if your vehicle has headrests, or if there is plenty of growing
room from the tops of your child's ears up to the top of the seat back.
Many models have open loop shoulder belt guides that don't catch like some guides on
combination seats.
Many have adjustable head supports and extra padding for added comfort, compared to
combination seats.
The Latch System
In 2014 there are new LATCH requirements. The following information was taken from:
http://csftl.org/2014-latch-changes-dont-panic/
Before we dive in to what’s new, lets’ take a moment to discuss what isn’t new: LATCH
is an acronym that stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It was phased in
between 1999-2002 with the goal of giving parents a standard, foolproof method of
installing their child seat. The idea was great, but the execution has been confusing to
say the least.
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LATCH includes lower anchors (the metal bar in the crevice, or bight, of the vehicle
seat) and a top tether (the hook above or behind the seating position to which the tether
strap attaches). Passenger vehicles made after September 2002 are required to have
two sets of LATCH and one additional top tether.
Here’s what isn’t new about LATCH: it carries a weight limit. These limits are not
standard across the board, and were generally based on the child’s weight; requiring
parents to discontinue use of lower anchors when their child reached 40 or 48 lbs. A
decade ago, most car seats had a 40 lb weight limit on the harness and the seat itself
only weighed around 10 lbs. In contrast, today’s seats weigh as much as 25 lbs or more
and harness to 65 lbs or beyond. Child passenger safety technology is ever-evolving,
and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards must evolve as well.
Here’s what is new:
•NHTSA is using a 77 lb, 10 year old dummy to crash test car seats with 65-80 lb weight
limits and a 62 lb, 6 year old dummy to crash test car seats with 50-65 lb weight limits.
•If the weight of the dummy plus the weight of the child restraint exceed 65 lbs, the car
seat will NOT be tested using the lower anchors.
•All car seats manufactured after February 27, 2014 will have a label that clearly defines
the the maximum weight limit for installing that car seat with lower anchors. That
maximum weight limit will be 65 lbs when the car seat weight and the child’s weight are
combined.
What does this mean for you?
•First, you need to know what your vehicle says. In anticipation of these labeling
requirements for car seats, many vehicle manufacturers have restated their lower
anchor weight limit to align with the child restraint requirements. Not all vehicle
manufacturers have done this, and not all have done it retroactively.
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•Second, you need to know what your car seat says; especially if your vehicle is on the
list of manufacturers that defer to the car seat.
•Third, in many cases, you’re going to need to know how much your car seat weighs.
What about the top tether?
We know that using a top tether has significant benefit for reducing a child’s head
excursion in a crash. Unfortunately, some vehicle manufacturers have included the top
tether in these overall limits, despite the fact that the specific labeling requirements set
forth by NHTSA only extend to the lower anchors, not the top tether. In the past, many
technicians recommending continuing to use the top tether at all times, regardless of
weight limits, but these numbers put CPSTs between a rock and a hard place. Our hope
is that NHTSA will continue testing to set better standards for higher weight limits for top
tether anchors in the near future. Certain Chrysler vehicles do allow the top tether to be
used up to the weight limit specified by the car seat when the seat is installed with the
seat belt, and vehicles that defer to the child restraint may continue to use the top tether
per the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important that you read both your
car seat manual and your vehicle manual, and we always recommend visiting a CPST
to evaluate your situation one on one.
What about booster seats?
Many belt positioning booster seats now come with LATCH, and several combination
seats allow LATCH to be used when the seat is in booster mode. This is purely a
convenience feature that keeps the booster from flying into other occupants if the
vehicle is in a crash when the child is not in the seat. The seat belt is restraining the
child, LATCH is just securing the booster, so weight limits do not apply.
How do I find out what the limit is for my car and my seats?
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Please visit their website at http://csftl.org/2014-latch-changes-dont-panic/ and scroll
towards the bottom for information regarding different types of cars.
The state of Texas designed the following chart regarding child car seats
(taken from the minimum standards book)
If the child is…
Being transported in
this type of vehicle as
specified in
§746.5603(b) of this
title (relating to What
type of vehicle may I
use to transport
children?)…
Then the child must
be secured in…
(1) Younger than 12 months and weighs 20
pounds or less
All vehicles
(2) Younger than 12 months and weighs
more than 20 pounds
All vehicles
(3) 12 months through three years of age
and weighs more than 20 pounds
All vehicles
(4) Four years of age and weighs 40
pounds or less
(A) General purpose
vehicle and small
school bus
(4) Four years of age and weighs 40
pounds or less
(B) Large school bus
An infant only rearfacing child safety seat
or rear-facing
convertible child safety
seat according to
manufacturer’s
instructions;
An infant only rearfacing child safety seat
or rear-facing
convertible child safety
seat according to
manufacturer’s
instructions;
A rear-facing or
forward-facing child
safety seat, safety vest
or harness according to
the manufacturer’s
instructions;
A forward-facing child
safety seat, safety vest
or harness according to
the manufacturer’s
instructions;
A safety restraint
system according to
vehicle manufacturer’s
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instruction;
(5) Four years of age, weighs more than 40
pounds, and is less than four feet, nine
inches in height; or
Five years through seven years of age,
regardless of weight, and is less than four
feet, nine inches in height
(5) Four years of age, weighs more than 40
pounds, and is less than four feet, nine
inches in height; or
Five years through seven years of age,
regardless of weight, and is less than four
feet, nine inches in height
(5) Four years of age, weighs more than 40
pounds, and is less than four feet, nine
inches in height; or
Five years through seven years of age,
regardless of weight, and is less than four
feet, nine inches in height
(6) Four years through seven years of age
and four feet, nine inches in height or taller
(A) General purpose
vehicle
A forward-facing child
safety seat, booster
seat, safety vest or
harness according to
the manufacturer’s
instructions;
(B) Small school bus
A properly fitting safety
belt anywhere the child
sits in the vehicle;
(C) Large school bus
A safety restraint
system according to
vehicle manufacturer’s
instruction;
(A) General purpose
vehicle
(6) Four years through seven years of age
and four feet, nine inches in height or taller
(B) Small school bus
(6) Four years through seven years of age
and four feet, nine inches in height or taller
(C) Large school bus
(7) Eight years through 14 years of age
(A) General purpose
vehicle and small
school bus
(B) Large school bus
A booster seat
according to the
manufacturer’s
instructions or a
properly fitting safety
belt anywhere the child
sits in the vehicle;
A properly fitting safety
belt anywhere the child
sits in the vehicle;
A safety restraint
system according to
vehicle manufacturer’s
instruction;
A properly fitting safety
belt anywhere the child
sits in the vehicle;
A safety restraint
system according to
vehicle manufacturer’s
instruction.
(7) Eight years through 14 years of age
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State of Texas Requires during any Transportation
(taken from the minimum standards books)
You must have the following in each vehicle you use to transport children:
1. A list of the children being transported
2. Emergency medical transport and treatment authorization forms for each child being
transported
3. The child-care center’s name, child-care center director or permit holder’s name, and
child-care center telephone number in the glove compartment or clearly visible inside
the passenger compartment, or the child-care center’s name and telephone number
must be clearly visible on the outside of the vehicle
4. Parent’s names and telephone numbers and emergency telephone numbers for
each child being transported
5. A fire extinguisher approved by the local or state fire marshal, secured in the
passenger compartment and accessible to the adult occupants
6. A first-aid kit as specified in the minimum standards.
7. The driver must have a current driver’s license.
8. A communication device such as a cell phone.
A caregiver at the child-care center that knows the routine arrival and departure times of
the vehicle and takes action if the vehicle does not return to the child-care center at a
scheduled time. The driver must travel a known fixed route within an approximate
timeframe.
You must ensure the driver/caregivers have clear instructions in handling emergency
breakdowns and accidents, including vehicle evacuation procedures, supervision of the
children, and contacting emergency help. The director or designee in charge of the
child-care center must know what action to take in responding to a transportation
emergency call.
Recall List
When you do your regular check of the recall website, make sure to check for any car
seats. Keep a list and picture of any recalled seats to check against the ones a parent
might bring. Share these pictures and information with the parents often. It is a good
idea to keep a couple of car seats at your facility to use just in case a parent forgets or a
car seat comes in that is not safe to use.
For current information about child safety seat recalls, safety notices, and replacement
parts, contact the following:
* Auto Safety Hotline at 888-DASH-2-DOT
* Car seat manufacturer
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* NHTSA website http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Safety first
The reason you are required to receive this training annual is because of the 2009 law
established in the State of Texas, titled Jacob’s Law. In Dallas Tx on a hot July day in
2006, Jacob Fox died after accidently being left behind in a daycare van. That day,
temperatures reached into the triple digits, and it was even hotter in the vehicle that
Jacob was left in. The child care workers, owner and staff members did not follow
proper procedure to help little Jacob but rather took his body to a nearby park and left
him there. The child care facility was closed and the owner of the center was convicted
and sentenced to prison in 2007. All child care facilities must insure the safety of the
children involved in the program. The first step is to provide and ensure properly
secured child care seats, but that is just the first step. Now we must make sure that the
children on this field trip have fun and return safely without any harm.
Follow these safety tips recommended by National Safe Kids:
* Walk all the way around your parked vehicle to check for children, pets or toys before
getting in the car and starting the engine.
* Use a Spot the Tot* window sticker as a reminder to walk around the vehicle before * *
* Make sure young children are always accompanied by an adult when getting in and
out of a vehicle.
* Identify and use safe play areas for children away from parked or moving vehicles.
* Designate a safe spot for children to go when nearby vehicles are about to move.
* Firmly hold the hand of each child when walking near moving vehicles and when in
driveways, in parking lots or on sidewalks.
* Teach children not to play in and around vehicles.
Before you even start the trip - Prepare
It is important to make sure that you have a well planned trip and that you are prepared
for anything. Make sure that you bring extra water, snacks, emergency contact
information, and a list of all the children that will be participating in the trip.
Staff / child ratios must always be maintained.
Have a fire extinguisher and make sure all adults understand how to use it.
Make sure that you have a notebook in the vehicle at all times that includes the
following information –
1. A route for you to take from the center to the child’s school or to any field trip you are
participating in. You can print these off of mapquest, or another internet mapping
service.
2. A list of all school phone numbers, address, and a contact person in the office.
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3. If you are participating in a field trip, make sure to have the phone number, address
and a contact person in the office of the location you are going to.
4. Copy of the procedure for missing children
5. Copy of the procedure for a broken down vehicle.
6. Copy of the procedure for loading and unloading the vehicle.
7. Name, address and phone number of the child care center.
8. Name, address and phone number of child care licensing.
9. A copy of all children’s enrollment form, medical authorization card, and allergy
information
10. Money
Loading the Vehicle
Adults must supervise and insure the children safely enter the vehicle. Never allow a
child to enter the vehicle alone.
Children should always be loaded at the closet point to the main entrance and next to
the curb. Make sure that you understand the location of the building so that children are
not walking across a parking lot or a street. If there is no other way but to have to cross
a street, do not allow children (no matter how old) to cross alone.
Always load the children in a non-running vehicle. Do not leave the keys in the ignition
and be sure the emergency brake is set.
The drive should be outside of the vehicle, holding the door so the wind does not catch
it and hurt a child.
Children should be identified as they enter the vehicle, checking that they have their
required shirt or school name badge on.
Visually check that all children are on the bus or in the vehicle and that none have been
left. Do not rely on a verbal response, but rather make sure that you call the child’s
name, have them verbally respond and then look them in the eye while making sure
they are properly restrained.
Take a head count and check it against your roll sheet. Have a diagram of the vehicle,
and place each child’s name in the seat they are sitting in.
Before you pull out
Know the vehicle well and make sure you have driven it without children a couple of
times.
Before you start the vehicle, take a look around the entire outside of the vehicle. Each
year at least 50 children are accidently run over because the driver did not do a vehicle
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sweep. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure they check the large blind spot (in
the back) before they start to move.
Remember that children should NEVER sit in the front seat of any vehicle!
Climb into the vehicle, fasten your seat belt, check your mirrors, and lock the doors. If
you are playing a child’s music CD, make sure to properly turn it on now, before you
leave.
It is important to have already had the vehicle parked where you could drive forward
when leaving. Slowly start to leave the location while following ALL traffic laws.
While the vehicle is moving
NEVER check your phone, radio, map or anything else while driving. If you need to do
either of these things, pull over safely.
Check your mirrors every 30 seconds
Be observant to the people that are driving beside you. If you feel someone is not going
to stop at the red light, when you have a green light, stop anyway.
If you are at an intersection with no signs or signals – stop, look both ways and proceed
with caution.
At a stop light, make sure to leave a full vehicle length before you move your vehicle
forward.
If your brakes fail, pump them to build pressure in the line.
If the accelerator sticks never reach below and try to unstick it with your hands. Instead
Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off
the ignition or you will lose either your power steering / ability to steer
Call the center for someone to pick you and the children up
Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Always wear tennis shoes or skid resistant soft shoes when driving a vehicle. Never
wear flip flops or heels.
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When a car hydroplanes the most important thing to remember is not to panic. First, do
not brake or accelerate suddenly. Since hydroplaning is a loss of traction to the front
tires sudden braking slows the front tires but locks the rear tires which can cause a spin
out. Also sudden acceleration could pull the vehicle straight ahead which could be
dangerous if the vehicle is pointed toward the edge of the roadway. What you should do
depends on the type of vehicle you are in. If you are in a front wheel drive with or
without ABS and traction control or a rear wheel drive with ABS and traction control and
you begin to hydroplane, you should look for open space and plan to travel in that
direction. Stay lightly on the accelerator and steer gently toward the open space you
have identified. If you are in a rear wheel drive without ABS and traction control then
look for open space and plan to travel in that direction. Ease off the accelerator and
steer toward the open space you have identified. It’s also important not to have the
cruise control engaged in heavy rain due to a sudden acceleration problem.
Unloading the Children
Children should always be loaded at the closet point to the main entrance and next to
the curb. Make sure that you understand the location of the building so that children are
not walking across a parking lot or a street. If there is no other way but to have to cross
a street, do not allow children (no matter how old) to cross alone.
Adults must supervise and insure the children safely exit the vehicle. Never allow a child
to enter the vehicle alone.
Always unload the children in a non-running vehicle. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition and be sure the emergency brake is set.
The drive should be outside of the vehicle, holding the door so the wind does not catch
it and hurt a child.
Children should be identified as they exit the vehicle, checking that they have their
required shirt or school name badge on, still.
Take a head count and check it against your roll sheet. Check the diagram you created
before you left. Physically go into the vehicle and touch each car seat to ensure that no
child is still restrained. Visually check that all children are off the bus or vehicle and that
none have been left. Do not rely on a verbal response, but rather make sure that you
call the child’s name, have them verbally respond, look them in the eye and physically
touch their arm.
If unloading at a school, the driver MUST physically witness the child entering the
school before they reenter the vehicle.
On the Trip
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I cannot say it enough times to always be head counting and checking the roll. Do not
get comfortable with your group and think you have everyone. Check the roll, recheck it
and then repeat. Children can move away from the group quickly and you must ensure
their safety.
Danger of Leaving a Child in a Parked Vehicle
Even when the windows are rolled down, the temperature inside a car can rapidly
increase. When the outside temperature is 80 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can
reach deadly temperatures of 125 degrees within an hour. If it’s 93 degrees outside, the
internal car temperature can jump to 125 degrees in just a matter of minutes.. When left
in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature can increase three to five times
faster than that of an adult. This extreme heat can cause permanent injury or death.
Extreme heat affects infants and small children disproportionately. Heat can quickly
overwhelm their small body and affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
For the years 1998-2008, Texas led the nation with the highest number of vehicle
hyperthermia deaths – 52. Nationally, there were 42, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). I am sure most of you are saying to yourself “I
would never do that” but I want you to remember that more than 50% of those deaths
were because a care giver ‘accidently forgot’ about the child or thought the child was
with them. It does happen each year, and it can happy to any care giver.
According to National Safe Kids, one-third of the heat-related deaths in 2000 were due
to children becoming trapped in a vehicle they had crawled into. Trunks often look like a
fun place to hide or play. Make sure the keys to all vehicles are put out of the child’s
reach.
The saddest thing is that each of those deaths was preventable. It takes a little more
time and energy, but check, double check and repeat to ensure that all the children are
with you.
To help prevent heat-related deaths and injuries in the car, follow these suggestions by
Safe Kids USA:
* Never leave a child in an unattended car, even with the windows open.
* Teach children not to play in or around cars.
* Always lock car doors and trunks, even at home, and keep keys and remote entry
devices out of children’s reach.
* Watch children closely around cars, particularly when you are loading and unloading.
* Beware of child-resistant locks. Teach older children how to disable the driver’s door
locks if they unintentionally become entrapped in a vehicle.
* Check to make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination.
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* Do not overlook sleeping infants or toddlers. Get in the habit of checking the back
seats. Put a note, sign or object near the driver’s seat as a reminder or place something
that you will need at your next stop - for example a purse, your lunch, gym bag or
briefcase - on the floor of the backseat where the child is sitting. This simple act could
help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
* Be especially careful if you are dropping off infants or children at day care and that is
not part of your normal routine. Have your child care provider contact you if your child
does not show up on a day he or she is expected.
* Check with the family when a child does not show up for day care to be sure a parent
has not forgotten a child in their vehicle.
* Always lock vehicle doors and trunks, and keep keys out of children’s reach.
* If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk or storage area.
* If a child is in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child
rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Also, make sure to check the temperature of the car seat surface and safety belt
buckles before restraining children in the car. These can easily cause skin burns. Use a
light covering to shade the seat of a parked car.
If a child is left in a hot car for any dangerous amount of time, the first thing to do is call
911 for help. Take the child out of the car and if he is alert, give him some cool water. If
he’s not breathing or has no pulse, administer CPR until emergency help arrives. The
Texas heat can be extreme, so it is vital for parents and caregivers to be aware of the
possible dangers a child can face if left unattended in any vehicle.
For The Director
It is important that the director or someone at the school/center ensures:
Accountability
Always Know...
Where your buses are, all the time – not only for you, but for parents and caregivers too
If your buses are running late, early or on-time
If there's a speed, idle time or driving violation – instantly
That the caregivers on the trip are following proper procedure
Safety
Always Know...
Who's getting on and off the bus and where they're getting on and off
When there's an emergency on the bus – immediately
Automation
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Always Know...
The actual hours your drivers are working
Who has permission to go on that field trip, who is driving the bus and other adults
Those pre-trip and post-trip inspections are being performed consistently
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Transportation Test
1. Research states that almost 50% of those children killed in a vehicle crash were not
properly restrained in the vehicle during the impact.
a. True
b. False
2. Which of the following is NOT a State of Texas qualification for drivers in the State of
Texas?
a. must be at least 21 years of age
b. have a valid Texas driver’s license
c. be able to use the fire extinguisher that is located on the vehicle
d. know how to use a cell phone in case of an emergency while driving
3, Parents may provide the child seat; however it is the responsibility of the center to
ensure the seat is properly installed, meets the child’s requirements, and is safe.
a. True
b. False
4. A child 12 years old or younger may ride in the front seat of a vehicle if:
a. they are in a child safety seat
b. in a seat belt
c. never
5. ________________ car seats are designed to properly restrain infants in case of a
vehicle crash.
a. Rear facing
b. Forward facing
c. Compact
6. Car seats that has a harness to prevent the child from being ejected in the event of a
crash by distributing the crash force and pressure to the child’s strongest body parts,
which include the hips and shoulders.
a. Rear facing
b. Forward facing
c. Compact
7. Always read the owner’s manuals for your vehicle and car seat thoroughly.
a. True
b. False
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8. A _______________ seat can be used both in the rear facing and forward facing
positions.
a. convertible
b. LATCH
c. forward face
9. Newborns and infants should have a ____ degree maximum recline.
a. 30
b. 45
c. 90
10. Keep the harness straps _______________ the shoulders while front-facing.
a. below
b. at
c. above
d. b and c
e. a and b
11. The _____________ is used to help transition a child that is over 40 pounds and still
too small for the vehicles seat belt system.
a. Rear Face
b. Convertible
c. Booster Seat
12.LATCH is an acronym that stands for
a. Long Anchors and Ties for Children
b. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
c. Low and Anchor to the child
13 LATCH now carries a:
a. weight limit
b. technology limit
c. height limit
14. According to the State of Texas Minimum Standards to transport children you must
have:
a. a list of the children being transported
b. emergency medical transport and treatment authorization forms for each child being
transported
c. The child-care center’s name, child-care center director or permit holder’s name, and
child-care center telephone number.
d. All of the Above
e. None of the Above
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15. The child care driver must travel a known fixed route within an approximate
timeframe.
a. True
b. False
16. For current information about child safety seat recalls, safety notices, and
replacement parts, contact the following:
a. Auto Safety Hotline at 888-DASH-2-DOT
b. Car seat manufacturer
c. NHTSA website http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
d. Any of a, b, and/or c.
17. In Dallas Tx. on a hot July day in _____________, Jacob Fox died after accidently
being left behind in a daycare van.
a. 2005
b. 2006
c. 2009
18. Which of the follow safety tips is NOT recommended by National Safe Kids:
a. Walk all the way around your parked vehicle to check for children, pets or toys before
getting in the car and starting the engine.
b. Let children depart in a parking lot and hold an adult’s hand to the building.
c. Use a Spot the Tot* window sticker as a reminder to walk around the vehicle before *
d. Identify and use safe play areas for children away from parked or moving vehicles.
19. Staff / child ratios do not need to be maintained when transporting children.
a. True
b. False
20. Always load the children in a ___________________ vehicle.
a. non-running
b. running
c. cool
.