Winter Weather Driving

1
Winter Weather Driving

• 2007-2008
• School Bus Driver Inservice

2
Winter Weather Conditions

• What common winter weather conditions do school
  bus drivers encounter on the road?

3
Preparing for Winter Weather

• School district policies procedures
• Alternate routes
• Time changes
• Weather announcement systems

4
Driver Preparation

• Winterize your personal vehicle
• Weather forecasts
• Dressing Appropriately
• Sunglasses
• Supplies

5
School Bus Maintenance

• Daily pre-trip
• Windows lights
• Wiper blades
• Heater defrosters
• Hoses belts
• Tires
• Fuel
• Defect process

6
Basic Seasonal Driving Tips

• Slow down
• Accelerate gently, steer smoothly
• Test brakes steering
• Allow extra time and distance margins
• Curves corners
• Hills
• Passing
• Cruise control

7
Flooding

• Slow down
• Depth
• Evacuation
• Night driving

8
Fog

• Slow down
• Headlights
• Turn signals
• Visibility

9
Sleet/Snow

• Pre-trip
• Start slowly
• Sudden maneuvers
• Conventional brakes
• Anti-lock brakes
• Time for movement
• Shoulder driving

10
Threshold Braking

• Use the heel toe method
• Firm, steady, pressure

11
Chaining Up

• Link chains
• Cable chains
• Automatic chains
• Sanders

12
Rain

• Slow down
• Increase your following distance
• Road Maneuvers

13
Hydroplaning

• Slow down
• Dont brake
• Release accelerator

14
Wind

• Slow down
• Grip the steering wheel
• Be alert

15
Loading Unloading

• Stop six (6) feet prior to stop
• Keep steps clear
• Instruct students where to stand
• Avoid snagging issues