EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

SECTION 4

SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (This section is in compliance with the current collective bargaining agreement.)

All drivers must comply with all safety procedures in accordance with the California Administrative Code, Titles Five and Thirteen, the California Education Code, the California Vehicle Code, and Agency Policy. Within the first week of school, drivers will give oral instruction to students on the procedure for loading and unloading the bus including the procedure for safely crossing streets and roads. The instruction will be repeated during the first week of school in the spring semester. A review of bus rules must be included in the instruction. A. LOADING AND UNLOADING 1. Seating chart of assigned seats for all students shall be completed and turned into the Transportation Security Supervisor by August 30 th . 2. Students shall wait to board the bus in an orderly manner at least twelve (12) feet away from the bus and/or traffic. Except when escorting pupils, drivers are to remain on the bus when students are on board or when loading or unloading. 3. In buses equipped with seatbelts, the driver must ensure that all students and aides are properly seat belted prior to putting the bus in motion. 4. Travel shall be restricted to a maximum of five (5) mph when in a school loading zone or ten (10) mph in the Agency yard. When moving, allow at least one (1) bus length of space between your bus and the one ahead. 5. Backing of buses shall be eliminated whenever possible . If a bus must be backed at a designated stop, and it is not on the route sheet, call Dispatch for permission. Passengers shall always board the bus prior to backing. When unloading passengers, backing shall be completed before unloading passengers. 6. In school zones, drivers shall avoid pulling around other buses which are loading or unloading. Should it be necessary to do so due to the delay of a bus ahead, it must be done slowly and with extreme caution, and permission must be given by Dispatch. 7. Buses shall never be backed in a loading/unloading zone, unless pre approved. 8. Allow at least ten (10) minutes for students to board the bus on PM runs. 9. Speed bumps are safety devices often placed in parking areas to slow down vehicles. Driving over them at a fast rate of speed could damage the bus suspensions and could cause injury to students. Roadway dips and driveway approaches can also create dangerous situations and damage the bus, so they should be navigated with caution. 10.When unloading, students are to remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver indicates it is safe to stand. The driver is to dismiss students row by row. 11.If approached by a parent at a bus stop with a question about a student or route while loading or unloading, the driver should always remain polite and calm. The driver should give them their first name, route number, and card containing Agency contacts. They should be advised to call and speak with a Supervisor. The driver should inform them that due to the route schedule and time restrictions, a

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Revised 8/14/2024