Bus Drivers State of Mind
Back to the Basics
Student Management
Smith System
Bus Accidents/Safety
100

Having a bad one of these can have a big impact on your school bus environment.  

What is attitude ? 

100

Ensuring your bus is safe , is the 1st thing the professional driver does in the Morning. Mirrors, lights and brakes are a part of this daily routine. 

What is a Pre-trip

100

If you spoke to the student, moved the student, spoke to the parent, but did not document it. 

It did not happen

100

As you move into traffic you are constantly entering new areas and new situations.

What is Get the Big Picture?

100

Student List, Seating Chart, License, Insurance, Registration

 What documentation is needed at the accident scene?

200

Knowing routes, laws, and having a good attitude are what makes advance drivers a non-amateur. 

What is a professional.

200

This is the most dangerous time for students during their travels back and forth to school.

What is loading and unloading the bus. 

200

The safe thing  to do if there is a disruption on the bus where safety is a concern.  

Pull the bus over. 

200

Strive for a Space Cushion

What is Leave yourself an Out?

200

Moving the seat , foot pedals , mirrors, and visors are things to be done by the school bus driver for each one of these. 

What is a school bus.    Too easy...

300

Technology, social circumstances, and entitlements, have significant impacts on the mindset on these scholastic members.   

Who is our students   

300

Walking through the bus and around the outside of the bus   

What is a Post-Trip? 

300

Leaving a seat open in the front of the bus is a good option to use for this situation. 

What is move a misbehaving student to a another seat where you can view and conversate.  

300

Look near, look far, check inside mirrors, check outside mirrors, repeat.

What is Keep Your Eyes Moving?

300

These could be possible signs. That would indication concerns related to this.   

Smells, Smoke, vibrations, noises. 


What are signs of a Mechanical problem

400

Freedom from risk

What is safety? 

400

Check check, check, after we are done to make sure any daughters or son or anyone is not left behind.   

What is the Post Trip. 

400

With todays students to get respect you have to give this 1st. 

What is respect ? 

400

Repeated glances well ahead to the center of the intended path.  "Look where you want to go?"

What is Aim High in Steering?

400

ABC Rated

What type of fire extinguisher is on my bus?

500

For every tragic or fatal accident, there will be minor accidents, and unsafe behaviors

What 300:29:1 - The Heinrick Formula

500

Accidents happen this is understood but as drivers we can help prevent them using and ensuring these 7 Items on the bus are good. Most accidents happen by what is not seen.  

What is properly adjusting your mirrors.

500

Learn your students name and be clear with expectations.

What are some student management tips?

500

Communicate with all other highway users

What is Make Sure They See You?

500

Check for injuries, check conditions and don't leave students unattended.

What do you do to ensure student safety after an accident?