Safety Operations

Passenger Restraint Systems

All drivers shall wear safety belts and shall ensure that all passengers are properly secured in seat belts or child passenger restraint systems in accordance with law.

When a school bus or student activity bus is equipped with a passenger restraint system, all passengers shall use the passenger restraint system. Bus drivers shall be informed of procedures to be followed to reasonably enforce proper use of the passenger restraint system.

Safety Equipment

Each school bus shall be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher located in the driver's compartment which meets the standards specified in law.

Safe Bus Operations

School buses and student activity buses shall not be operated whenever the number of passengers exceeds bus seating capacity, except when necessary in emergency situations which require that individuals be transported immediately to ensure their safety. School bus operations shall be limited when atmospheric conditions reduce visibility on the roadway to 200 feet or less during regular home-to-school transportation service. Bus drivers for school activity trips shall have the authority to discontinue bus operation whenever they determine that it is unsafe to continue operation because of reduced visibility.

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, except under the following conditions:

1. When he/she uses a wireless telephone that is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, provided it is used in that manner while driving
2. For emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency service agency or entity
3. In the case of a school bus driver, for work-related purposes

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, including, but not limited to, text messages, instant messages, and email. This prohibition does not include reading, selecting, or entering a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call.

The Superintendent or designee shall review all investigations of bus incidents and accidents to develop preventative measures.

Transportation Safety Plan for Boarding and Exiting Buses

The Superintendent or designee shall develop a transportation safety plan containing procedures for school personnel to follow to ensure the safe transport of students. The plan shall include procedures for boarding and exiting a school bus at a school or other trip destination

Student Instruction

All students who are transported in a school bus or student activity bus shall receive instruction in school bus emergency procedures and passenger safety. The Superintendent or designee shall annually provide appropriate instruction in safe riding practices and emergency evacuation drills to each student who receives home-to-school transportation in a school bus. As part of this instruction, students shall evacuate the school bus through emergency exit doors. Instruction also may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. Before departing on a school activity trip, all students riding on a school bus or student activity bus shall receive safety instruction which includes, but is not limited to the location of emergency exits and the location and use of emergency equipment. This instruction also may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit.