Reference Point Driving

Reference Point Driving

Reference point driving is a proven method for bus drivers to safely make turns.

To make a turn using this method, the driver first determines the turning radius and tracking of the bus's wheels.

By making practice turns, the driver determines two reference points, one on the vehicle and one on the street or road.

For example for a right turn, the driver determines that the front edge of the passenger door to be the vehicle’s reference point and the street corner to be the street’s reference point.

The driver starts turning the steering wheel 100% to the right when the vehicle’s reference point is even with the street’s reference point. Now with slight adjustments for traffic and road conditions, the driver can use these reference points when making any right turn.

Here we show how to make a left and right turn using reference point driving.

Left Turn Using Reference Point Driving

1. Prior to reaching the intersection center your bus in the traffic lane.
2. Check your mirrors to clear traffic, turn on the left turn signal at least 100 feet prior to the turn, now recheck mirrors for traffic especially on the left side.
3. Continue driving straight ahead into the intersection until the vehicle's reference point is even with the street's reference point. Now turn the steering wheel 100% to the left.
4. Complete the turn at a safe speed.
5. When completed your bus should be centered in the traffic lane.

• Prior to reaching the intersection, position your bus 3 to 5 feet from the edge of the street or curb.
• Check your mirrors to clear traffic, turn on the right turn signal at least 100 feet prior to the turn, and recheck mirrors for traffic especially on the right side.
• Continue driving straight ahead into the intersection until the vehicle's reference point is even with the street's reference point. Now turn the steering wheel 100% to the right.
• Complete the turn at a safe speed.
• When completed, your bus should be 3 to 5 feet from the curb.

Warning: Traffic attempting to pass on the right side makes a right turn very dangerous. Watch for vehicles that may try to squeeze past on the right.

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