EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Bus drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers.

Passengers expect the driver to take charge during an emergency. The action you, the driver, take can save lives and prevent injuries.

In emergencies remember these things:

• Stay calm
• Take action to protect your passengers and yourself.
• Assist your passengers in case of illness or injuries.
• Take action to obtain help, if needed.
• Protect property (use warning triangles or flares as needed).

Protect Lives

Your first and most important responsibility is to protect your passengers and yourself. Life is more important than the bus or other property.

Most companies have a set of rules for a driver to follow during an emergency. Find out the rules used in your company.

Evacuation

There may be times when you have to evacuate the bus.

In the case of a fire or accident, a speedy evacuation could be critical.

If you must evacuate the bus:

• Tell the passengers.
• Briefly explain the emergency. Example: “There is a fire in the engine compartment, everyone must get off the bus.
• Give clear directions.
• Tell the passengers which exits to use and where to go once they are off the bus. Example:Everyone stay calm and exit through the front door, once you’re off the bus stay off the highway and walk along the side of the road to the gas station. Please stay together in a group.”
• Ensure exits are Open. Open the doors and if necessary the emergency exits.
• Assist your passengers in exiting the bus.
• Keep passengers in a group and as far away from the bus and traffic as possible.

School Bus Drills

School bus drivers are required to practice evacuation drills twice each school year.

Passenger Risks

In some cases it may be better to keep your passengers on the bus. If the bus breaks down on the interstate highway, keeping passengers on the bus may be safer. The bus driver must decide if they should evacuate or leave the passengers on the bus.

Only push or tow a bus with passengers aboard if getting off the bus would be more risky for the passengers.

Railroad Crossings

If your bus stalls on railroad tracks as rail traffic approaches, evacuate all passengers immediately.

Direct the passengers to move in the direction of the approaching train and away from the tracks. By moving toward the direction of the oncoming train they may avoid injury from flying debris when the collision occurs.

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