SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER FIELD AND ACTIVITY TRIPS

1
UNIT XII

• SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER FIELD AND ACTIVITY TRIPS

2
Topics to be discussed

• Prior planning can prevent unexpected problems
• Route Planning
• Emergency Preparations
• Extra Risks
• Responsibilities
• Problem Causing Situations

3
Route planning

• Plan routes in sufficient detail so that travel
  times can be reasonably estimated.
• Plan stops for food, fuel, and comfort.
• Be familiar with the route. Know where bridges
  and tunnels are located. Provide maps.
• Consider tolls and who will pay them.
• Know where bus parking is located.
• Discuss final considerations or
  special instructions.

4
Emergency Preparation

• Emergency phone numbers
• Insurance information
• Vehicle registration
• Extra clothing in case of inclement weather
• Radio or cellular phone
• Medical information on students
• Evacuation procedures

5
Extra Risks

• Field and activity trips can pose a greater risk
  to student safety than routine travel between
  home and school for several reasons, including

• Drivers are often unfamiliar with the route.
• Driving speeds are usually higher.
• Trips often take place at night.
• There is greater potential for fatigue.
• Students are often not regular bus riders and may
  be unfamiliar with safety rules.
• Students and chaperons can be distracted by the
  excitement of the event or competition they are
  attending.

6
Responsibilities

• Typical groups and group leaders
• Team/Coach
• Class/Teacher
• Group/Chaperon

Responsibility is shared by the operator and
group leader.

• Operator responsibilities
• Obeying all safety regulations
• Reviewing bus rules
• Controlling emergency situations
• Reviewing emergency evacuation plan with all
  passengers before each trip
• Maintaining safe vehicle condition

• Group leader responsibilities
• Relaying trip plans
• Providing passenger information
• Supervising at food stops
• Field trip activity
• Head counts/Assembly of students
• Passenger instructions
• Assisting with emergency evacuations and
  instructions

7
Responsibilities

• Joint Responsibilities of Group Leaders and
  Operators
• Select rest, food, and fuel stops
• Maintain passenger control
• Ensure that all aisles are clear and items
  secured
• Aisles must never be blocked with coolers and
  equipment (Rule 6A-3.0171, FAC)

• Student Responsibilities
• To conduct themselves in the same manner as they
  conduct themselves in the classroom

8
Problem-Causing Situations

• Plan sufficient rest stops
• Expect the passengers to be excited
• Discuss rules and expectations with group leaders
  before departing on trip

9
Fatigue

• Operators should plan to have sufficient rest and
  comfort stops.
• There should be no more than 90 minutes of
  driving between stops.

10
Excitability

• Operators should recognize that this will occur
  because of the nature of the trip.
• An opportunity should be provided for students to
  vent some of this excitement before it becomes a
  problem.
• The group leader or chaperon should handle
  problems arising from this situation.

11
Depression

• Operators should recognize that this condition
  could occur and call it to the attention of the
  group leader or chaperon.
• The group leader or chaperon should be alert for
  this condition and deal with it on a one-to-one
  basis with the affected student.

12
Discomfort

• The operator should be alert to conditions that
  could lead to student discomfort.
• The temperature of the bus should be closely
  monitored and sufficient fresh air should be
  provided.
• The operator should be aware of the students who
  have specific medical conditions requiring
  climate control (heat or air conditioning).

13
Misunderstanding Guidelines

• Operators should discuss with the group leader or
  the chaperon the guidelines to be followed during
  the field trip.
• The group leader or chaperon should discuss
  guidelines with the students before the trip
  begins.

14
Summary

• Route planning
• Emergency preparations
• Extra risks
• Responsibilities
• Problem-causing situations