- roadways without guardrails that are next to rivers, lakes, etc.
- dirt or gravel roads that could affect braking
- Rock quarry or open pits
- Areas with problems related to right-turn-on-red laws
- Areas with visibility problems due to air quality/industrial smoke/etc.
- Areas where emergency equipment operate on a regular basis
- fire stations
- hospitals
Result #2 -- Development of a "Model" School Bus Route Hazard Identification System
During the course of this project, a "model" school route hazards identification system was outlined. It was recognized that such a system would consist of three major components:- A list of potential driving hazards;
- A specified procedure/schedule for conducting on-site reviews of school bus routes; and
- An efficient and effective means of informing school bus drivers of the presence of potential driving route hazards.
Of the three components, the first was determined to be the most critical, since without a definition of what constitutes a school bus route driving hazard, the other components would have little utility. Additionally, developing a procedure and schedule for reviewing school bus routes and an information dissemination plan were viewed as administrative policy decisions that were independent of the technical issues related to identifying potential school bus route driving hazards. Accordingly, the focus of the effort was placed on identifying and listing potential school bus route driving hazards.
An initial list of potential hazards was prepared during a Working Session of state directors during the 1997 annual conference of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. The results of that session were summarized and provided for review to all state directors of pupil transportation. The final results of that effort are discussed in the previous section of this report, "Result #1 - Definition of a School Bus Route Driving Hazard."
Result #3 -- Review of Existing Materials/Information
A review of existing school bus route hazard identification systems was made to see if any system assessed all of the potential driving hazards developed during the Working Session at the 1997 annual conference. Not one was found. However, this effort identified additional potential hazards that were not previously considered, but were ultimately included in the final list of school bus route driving hazards as defined in Result #1 above.
Result #4 -- Defining a Route Hazard Identification System
The major goal of this project was to develop a system that a state or a local school district could use to:
- Identify any fixed locations/situations that constitute a potential school bus driving hazard; and
- Inform school bus drivers and substitute drivers of each identified potential route hazard on the school bus route(s) they drive.
Identification
The first component of such a system would consist of an established, systematic process to evaluate all school bus routes to determine whether any potential fixed driving hazards exist. An annual review of each school bus route by a person trained to identify potential route driving hazards would provide the basis for identifying any potential hazards. In addition, school bus drivers should be trained in how to recognize a potential school bus route driving hazard, and to report any new potential hazardous conditions to the appropriate school transportation officials. In effect, this would provide for continual monitoring and review of school bus routes so school bus drivers are aware of all potential fixed driving hazards on their routes. As stated by Connecticut, "constant communication between school bus drivers and route planners is critical to safety." Hazards can and do change, even on a daily basis. As such, "daily updates of critical route hazards should be foremost in the minds of dispatchers and drivers."A checklist format based on the above list of potential school bus driving route hazards (Result #1 -- Table 1) would provide for a consistent means of ensuring that such items were considered during the review of each school bus route. An example of such a checklist for the items identified in Result #1 appears as Appendix A to this report, and is based on a format utilized in Oklahoma. It is important to remember that a state or a local school district should ensure that any potential hazards that may be unique to their area, or any potential hazards that they believe were missing, are added to the checklist.
In addition to regular school bus routes, there also can be potential driving hazards along routes taken for field trips or extra-curricular activities. In such cases, drivers may be able to identify potential route driving hazards based on their personal knowledge of the route or on a previous trip to the same location.
Information
The second component of a school bus route driving hazard identification system consists of a means of informing all regular and substitute school bus drivers of the potential driving hazards on their school bus route(s). New Jersey stressed the importance of "the need for drivers and driver trainers to make clear notes of these hazards for all substitute drivers."In addition to the drivers, school bus route planners/schedulers/dispatchers/etc., should be made aware of all information about potential driving hazards on the school bus routes. This information would allow them to make changes or adjustments to the routes, when reasonable and practicable, so as to minimize or eliminate the exposure of school buses to these route driving hazards.
Informing the necessary people about potential school bus route driving hazards can be accomplished in a number of ways. The most practical, and possibly most easily understandable, appears to be through the use of a map that is visually annotated to identify potential route hazards. The same map could obviously be used for other purposes, including designating the actual school bus route and student pickup/drop off locations. Additionally, as the states of Ohio and Virginia noted in their comments to this project, information on the location of police/fire/rescue stations, hospitals, and other emergency care facilities, and "possible 'safe stops' where a school bus may pull off the road and await aid in the event of an emergency" could be added to the map.
A number of local school districts currently use mapping techniques to document the streets in their district, the location of the students' homes, the school bus stops, and the routes traveled by school buses. Inexpensive color printers allow school districts to print color maps of their bus routes, and computer software allows route planners to incorporate custom information, such as route hazards, on the map.
Whatever means is chosen, it is important that school bus drivers be provided with route hazard information in a standardized, consistent manner. Also, the route hazard information should be available to the school bus driver every day, no matter which school bus is driven on that day.
Training
While not a specific part of this project, the importance of training school transportation providers about school bus route driving hazards can not be understated. In their comments, Ohio noted that the contents of a route hazard identification system are "only good if utilized." In other words, if drivers are not made aware of the potential driving hazards and trained on how to deal with such potential hazards, then no benefits will accrue from efforts to identify potential route hazards. Mississippi commented that its training in route hazards constantly works "to instill in each driver the concept of Expect the Unexpected."
However, training alone does not guarantee success. As Connecticut stated, "Route hazards is an area in which some training can be afforded, but common sense and networking among drivers, local officials, and school district personnel is paramount to a safe and successful route hazard notification program."
Result #5 -- Dissemination Approaches
Based on the belief that the ultimate success of a school bus route driving hazard identification system is dependent on the awareness and use of the system by school transportation providers, it is strongly suggested that the results of this project be provided to all state directors of pupil transportation, the appropriate student transportation officials in each school district, and organizations affiliated with private/parochial schools. The dissemination to state directors and public school districts could be made by use of direct mailings. The dissemination to private/parochial schools could be made through national associations that represent such schools.
As a supplement to direct mailings, the report on this project should be made available on the NHTSA and various school transportation web sites in a form that can be downloaded. In addition, the results of this project should be publicized through the various media that deal with pupil transportation.
Non-Fixed School Bus Route Hazards:
As mentioned earlier, this project only dealt with school bus route driving hazards that are "fixed." However, it is recognized that other driving hazards can occur without advanced warning. These often result from inclement/adverse weather conditions or poor visibility conditions. It is important for school bus drivers to be aware of such possibilities and be trained on how to deal with such sudden potential hazards. As an example of some non-fixed driving hazards, Iowas includes in its School Bus Driver's Handbook procedures to follow should a school bus encounter a tornado or Agri-Chemical clouding along school bus routes. Also, Delaware provides drivers with information in its School Bus Driver's Handbook to prepare them for the following:
Adverse weather conditions
- Extreme cold
- Extreme heat
- Wind
- Rain
- Fog
- Snow/ice
Conditions affecting visibility
- Sun glare
- Darkness
- Fog/rain/snow
- Curves and hills
Wild animals are another example of a non-fixed school bus route driving hazard. In many rural and suburban areas, animals such as deer and live stock can be a danger to motorists. School bus drivers should be made aware of such situations and learn how to deal with them.
Conclusions:
Recognizing the importance of identifying school bus route driving hazards, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services has conducted this study for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Verbal and written information from members of the Association was consolidated to focus on the key issues and the best approach for addressing the problem of driving hazards on school bus routes. The following conclusions were reached during the study:
- Driving hazards can and do exist on school bus routes.
- Driving hazards on school bus routes that are of a "fixed" nature can be identified.
- School transportation officials should establish a program to routinely and systematically evaluate all school bus routes for potential driving hazards.
- A list of potential fixed school bus route driving hazards has been developed for use in evaluating school bus routes.
- Information on potential school bus route driving hazards should be provided to all regular and substitute school bus drivers, route planners, dispatchers, and other appropriate personnel.
- School bus drivers should be trained on how to effectively deal with potential school bus route driving hazards, of both a fixed or sudden nature.
- The results of this project should receive wide dissemination.
The National Association of State Pupil Transportation Services encourages states, local school districts, and private/parochial schools to review this report in conjunction with their school transportation operations and take whatever actions are necessary to ensure that school bus route driving hazards are identified and made known to all appropriate school bus drivers and school transportation personnel.
Appendix A
Identifying Potential School Bus Route
Railroad Grade Crossings
Railroad Grade Crossing Identification Number _____________________________________
How many tracks are present? __________________________________________________
What are the times of the scheduled trains? _________________________________________
What types of trains use the track? Passenger ______ Freight ______ Commuter _________
What are the travel speeds of the scheduled trains? ___________________________________
Yes No
Are the regulatory signs (crossbucks) clearly visible? ____ _____Are there regulatory devices (lights/gates/bells) present? ____ _____
Are there any unique characteristics to the operation of the
crossing controls? ____ _____What are they? ___________________________________________
When stopped approximately 15 feet from the nearest
railroad track, is there an unobstructed sight distance
of approximately 1,000 feet in both directions? ____ _____Is there at least enough room on the other side of the
furthest railroad track for the largest school bus to stop
without encroaching on the train's right-of-way? ____ _____Are there any roadway design features that could affect
the safe operation of a school bus at the railroad crossing? ____ _____What are they? _______________________________________
Dangerous Intersections and Roadways
Yes No
Is this a high-frequence crash location? ______ ______Are traffic control devices present? ______ ______
Are there visibility obstructions? ______ ______
What are they? ______________________________________________________
Are there areas with no shoulders? ______ ______
Are there peculiar roadway features? ______ ______
What are they? ____________________________________________________
Bridges, Tunnels/Underpasses and Overpasses
Yes No
Is the weight capacity of the bridge/overpass sufficient for a
fully-loaded school bus? _____ _____Is the height of the tunnel/underpass adequate for the tallest
school bus, including open roof hatches? _____ _____
Is the lane width of the bridge, tunnel/underpass, or overpass
adequate for the widest school bus, including the mirrors? _____ _____Queuing/Storage Areas
Yes No
Is there sufficient area for the largest school bus in the
acceleration/deceleration lane? _____ _____Is there sufficient area for the largest school bus in the
median area between a multi-lane road? _____ _____Is there sufficient area for the largest school bus in the
turning lane? _____ ______Industrial Intersection and Construction Zones
Yes No
Do heavy vehicles enter/exit/cross the roadway frequently? _____ _____Are there highway signs alerting drivers of the
industrial/construction traffic? _____ _____Are there traffic controls in the area? _____ _____
Steep Downgrades
Yes No
Are there highway signs alerting drivers to the downgrade? _____ _____Are there signs alerting drivers to "Check Brakes?" _____ _____
Are there areas marked and designated for vehicles to safely
leave the road (run-off areas)? _____ _____Areas of Significant Speed Differential Between Vehicles
Yes No
Is there sufficient space to accelerate/decelerate a school bus
when entering/exiting a high-speed road? ____ ____Does slow-moving farm equipment operate on the road? ____ ____
Do non-motorized vehicles, e.g., horse-drawn carriages,
operate on the road? ____ ____Are there roadway conditions, e.g., mountainous terrain, that
result in vehicles operating at high speeds and low speeds? ____ ____What are they? ______________________________________________________
Pedestrian Areas
Yes No
Are there difficulties seeing pedestrians at school bus stops? _____ _____Are there narrow streets with parked vehicles where children may
run into the street? _____ _____Are there areas of heavy pedestrian congestion, e.g.,
shopping and business areas? _____ _____
Other Conditions Identified in Local AreaYes No
Are there unique roadway conditions? _____ ____Roads without guardrails that pose a danger, e.g., next to
rivers, lakes, quarries? _____ _____Dirt or gravel roads that could affect braking? _____ _____
Others? _____ _____
What are they? ________________________________________________________
Are there roadway conditions that make it difficult to make a
"right turn on red?" _____ _____What are they? ________________________________________________________
Are there areas with visibility problems due to industrial smoke,
fog, air quality, etc.? _____ _____Are there areas where emergency equipment
operate on a regular basis, e.g., fire stations or hospitals? _____ _____