RULES TO LOAD AND UNLOAD STUDENTS
1. The driver should NEVER change stops a. Release parking brake.
without prior approval from the Director of b. Check all mirrors, especially front crossover
Transportation. All unsafe situations should be and side mirrors.
reported to the supervisor. 7. During the loading and unloading process, the
2. Students should load or unload ONLY at their driver should COUNT the students and move the
school or designated stop. bus ONLY after ALL students are safely on the
3. Stops should be visible at least 500 feet in side of the road on which they live or in their
both directions. seats. Be alert for students’ apparel or carry-on
4. Stops should be at least 100 feet from railroad items being caught on the bus handrail, door,
tracks and intersections. door handle, etc.
5. Stops on interstate highways are prohibited. 8. All students who live on the left side of the
6. Students should NOT cross a median or road should exit first and cross in single file.
divided highway.
7. Students should wait on the side of the road on RAILROAD CROSSINGS
which they live.
8. Students should cross the street 10 feet in 1. Check traffic in front and behind the bus.
FRONT of the bus - NEVER behind the bus. 2. Activate hazard lights (500 feet is a good “rule
9. STOPS should always be in the RIGHT, of thumb”) before the crossing or at the railroad
OUTSIDE LANE, NEVER in the left lane warning sign.
(NEVER in a TURN LANE and NEVER 3. Have students trained to be quiet and still.
WITH A TURN LANE TO THE RIGHT OF Turn off heaters, defrosters, fans, radio, and open
THE BUS). the window.
10. Normally, students are safer ON the bus 4. Stop no closer than 15 feet nor farther than 50
when the bus is backing. feet from the nearest track.
5. Open door and APPLY parking brake. Look
DRIVER PROCEDURE and listen. (If train is approaching, close door
until it passes.)
1. Check traffic, weather and road conditions to 6. When clear, release parking brake and close
determine a safe distance needed to warn traffic door. (Never move with the door open.)
of an upcoming stop. 7. Cross the tracks as quickly and safely as
2. Activate yellow warning lights a safe distance possible.
(at least 300 feet in rural areas and 100 feet in 8. Turn off hazard lights after crossing tracks and
urban areas). resuming normal speed.
3. Stop 6-10 feet before loading or unloading
area: BACKING PROCEDURE
a. Crack door immediately to activate red
flashing lights and stop sign. 1. Helper seated in back seat of bus.
b. Apply parking brake. 2. Hazard lights.
c. Open door and load or unload students when 3. Horn.
safe. 4. Check all mirrors constantly and over both
4. Students should load in an orderly fashion shoulders.
after the bus stops, all traffic stops and the bus 5. Back slowly and no farther than necessary.
driver signals them to load.
5. Students should be seated before the bus Always back with students on the bus. Load and
moves. then back – back and then unload. Be certain to
6. Before moving the bus, the driver must: visually inspect the area behind the bus
BEFORE BACKING!
Loading/Unloading/Railroad Crossings/Backing Procedures
Form developed September, 2006 (Transportation Department)