School buses are one of the safest forms of transportation on the roads today, but even the heartiest of fleets can face danger in severe weather. Ensuring that each driver in your fleet is prepared for tricky weather is a necessity for keeping students safe. Proper preparation and training minimizes the risk of accidents.
Dangerous weather can happen anywhere, but some areas are prone to different conditions. Rain, snow, ice, sleet, high winds, fog, and smoke from wildfires are just some of the weather anomalies that keep drivers from operating vehicles safely.
Chances are, your school bus transportation department has a plan to prepare for seasonal weather conditions. Installing snow chains or inspecting climate control systems before high temperatures hit are important preparedness tasks, but it’s also important to plan for conditions that occur less frequently.
In many parts of the country, winter means cold, slick driving conditions. Many school districts give their drivers the opportunity to practice their skills by setting up training courses where drivers can practice skills like braking techniques. School districts may also have update their routes to avoid unplowed areas and roads that are known for being difficult to navigate during the winter months.
Rainstorms can happen during any time of year, but some areas of the country experience this weather more frequently during certain months. Regular tire inspections, changing out wipers, and ensuring that routes do not include areas that are prone to flash flooding are all measures that will protect your fleet and its riders.
School buses should always be equipped to handle the elements. During cold weather, defogging and deicing chemicals keep windows clear and tire chains can prevent slippage. Just as important, buses that are well-maintained are easier to control when weather conditions get dicey. Inspecting school bus components including tires, brakes, lights, wipers, and climate control systems on a regular basis helps keep buses safe.
Ongoing education for drivers gives them the tools they need to manage a bus during inclement weather. During strong winds, steering a school bus becomes difficult and vehicles can be pushed off the road or even flipped over. Training can teach school bus drivers to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, slow down and avoid areas like bridges and overpasses during strong wind gusts. Knowing when to pull over or contact a supervisor can save lives.
A combination of classroom and road training is particularly beneficial for preparing drivers for bad weather. Training should include information for handling buses during any type of dangerous weather they may encounter. Training for supervisors can also help them to determine when buses should be taken off the road.
Today’s transportation technology allows school bus transportation leaders to plan the safest routes for buses, track their whereabouts via GPS, and respond quickly when a bus deviates from its route. Utilizing tracking software to track student ridership can also help administrators to keep a close eye on student whereabouts during unsafe weather and ease the minds of parents and school officials.
Planning is key, so be sure to have school bus routing software to prepare alternative routes should any type of emergency occur. From road closings to school evacuations, ensure the safety of your students and your drivers.
To learn more about school bus transportation software that can keep your students safe during bad weather, contact the team at BusBoss. Our transportation specialists will set up your free demo and provide you with the information that your transportation department needs to get started.
How does your school district transportation department prepare for bad weather? What weather conditions do your drivers face? How about implementing a service that alerts you when bad weather is headed your way? We appreciate your feedback.
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