ROUTINE OPERATION
81
Routine Operation
In terms of vehicle controls, driving a modern school bus like the VISION is not radi-
cally different from driving a passenger car, truck, or van. Features like power assist-
ed brakes and steering, and modern suspensions and transmissions have removed
much of the fatiguing aspects and “big truck” feeling of school buses in earlier de-
cades. Therefore, becoming comfortable with operating the VISION will be easy.
However, the differences which do exist are extremely important and the dil-
ligent pupil transportation Driver must be ever mindful to avoid being lulled into a
mental state of complacency. Despite the ease of operation, modern school buses
are still very large vehicles; and the cargo they carry is the most precious of all.
This chapter describes some of the general differences which a Driver new to
school bus operation may experience, and specific feature and equipment differ-
ences of the VISION in particular with which the Driver will interact every day.
Maneuvering Safety
School buses are operated in a wide variety of conditions ranging from Southwestern
desert roads to tight inner-city alleyways. Refer to the dimensions chart in the Gen-
eral Specifications chapter to understand some of the considerations imposed by the
physical size and geometry of the bus which may come into play in your school route
environment. The proportionally long wheelbase means that the height of rises and
humps which the bus can traverse without contacting the underskirt is dependent
not just upon their height, but on their length or duration of the hump.
The rear overhang of school buses is longer than other vehicles. This must be
borne in mind in situtations such as nearing curbs or embankments on sharply-ris-
ing grades, as well as in tight turns as the body overhang “swings around” behind
the rear wheels.
The Driver is responsible for determining that the loading area is clear before
stopping to load passengers, and must ensure that all unloaded passengers are clear
before moving the bus.
States and other regional school bus adminstration organizations sometimes
conduct training or practice seminars such as school bus “rodeos.” Blue Bird encour-
ages participation in any program designed to increase the skill and safety of our
nation’s school bus force.
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