Passenger safety and ADA
This device must be deployed to help a wheelchair-using passenger board or exit the bus.
What is a ramp or lift?
This is the first thing a transit driver should adjust once school traffic picks up in the fall, even though they're not driving a school bus.
What is speed near schools?
Besides the front door, this exit is used to evacuate a bus quickly.
What is the rear emergency door or window?
This device is the most common source of driving distraction today and is typically prohibited while operating a bus.
What is a cell phone?
This area should be checked for spills or debris before passengers board.
What is the aisle, steps, or entryway?
This federal law requires public transit to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
This term describes the surge in child and teen pedestrians near stops and crosswalks once school starts back up.
What is increased pedestrian traffic?
This is the first action a driver takes before starting an evacuation.
What is stopping the bus safely and setting the parking brake?
This state, caused by lack of sleep, can slow reaction time as much as alcohol impairment.
What is fatigue (drowsy driving)?
This practice should always be used when climbing in or out of the driver's seat or bus steps.
What is three points of contact?
This should be made before every stop to assist riders who are blind or have low vision.
What is a stop announcement?
This common student habit, walking while looking at a phone, means drivers should expect the unexpected near crosswalks and stops.
What is distracted walking?
This tool is used to cut a seatbelt during an emergency evacuation.
What is a seatbelt cutter?
This term describes taking your eyes off the road, even briefly, to look at something else.
What is visual distraction?
This footwear feature helps prevent slipping on wet bus floors or steps.
What are slip-resistant soles?
This term describes strapping down a wheelchair so it can't move during the trip.
What is wheelchair securement?
This is the safest habit for a driver to build when a stop is crowded with students boarding or exiting at once.
What is waiting until everyone is clear of the bus before pulling away?
This is the term for the practice run transit agencies conduct to prepare staff for a real evacuation.
What is an evacuation drill?
This type of distraction happens when your mind wanders even though your eyes stay on the road.
What is mental distraction?
This condition calls for extra caution at bus stops and stairs due to ice buildup.
What is winter weather (icy conditions)?
Under ADA rules, this is essentially the only valid reason to deny a wheelchair user boarding.
What is the lift or ramp being unable to safely accommodate the device's size or weight?
This seasonal change affects route timing and requires extra buffer in a driver's schedule due to added congestion near schools.
What is back-to-school traffic?
During an evacuation, these passengers should generally be assisted first or last according to their position and mobility needs.
What are passengers with disabilities or mobility limitations?
This is the recommended action if you feel too fatigued to safely continue your route.
What is pulling over and notifying dispatch or your supervisor?
This is the single most common location for a slip-and-fall injury on a bus.
What are the steps or entryway?