TRANSPORTATION NEWS
Stephen W. Puchta
Director of Transportation
Safety First!
As the new school year begins, it is time for the world of AW school bus transportation to return to full swing. Welcome back all parents and school bus riders! We request that you be patient with the Transportation Department as we incorporate changes that will benefit everyone. As we incorporate these changes, it is our goal to provide a consistent, safe, economical and efficient pupil transportation system. The changes are described below.
Ohio Pupil Transportation and Safety Rules
Chapter 3301-83 of the Administrative Code contains operation and safety rules regulating pupil transportation and governs all pupil transportation in Ohio. These rules pertain to both safety and administrative procedures for pupil transportation. Compliance with these rules is mandated under Ohio Revised Code 4511.76. The purpose of Chapter 3301.83 of the Administrative Code is to reduce and prevent, to the greatest extent possible, death or injury to pupils and to ensure uniform, economical and efficient pupil transportation operations.
Pupil Instruction
Safety instruction was provided to all regularly transported pupils in grades K-3 within two (2) weeks after the start of classes. This instruction was completed by the Director, the On Board Instruction Team and a group of bus drivers, with the assistance of principals and teachers at Monclova, Waterville and Whitehouse Elementary Schools. The program was completed using hands-on learning that included:
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Safe walking practices to and from the bus stop.
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Wearing of light-colored or reflective clothing when going to and from the bus stop in darkness.
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How and where to wait safely for the bus, including how to avoid personal risks involving strangers.
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What to do if the bus is late or does not arrive.
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How to enter and leave the bus safely. This included the potential hazards regarding the snagging of clothing, backpacks, or other items, as well as items which may be dropped around or under the bus.
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Safe riding practices.
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Safely crossing the highway before boarding and after leaving the bus.
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Respect for the rights and privileges of others.
Designated Place of Safety
Each pupil will be assigned a driver-designated residence side place of safety for students who are loading and unloading from school buses. The driver must account for each pupil at the designated place of safety before leaving. Pupils are not to proceed to their residence until the school bus has departed. Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop. The following principles guide drivers as reflective of “best practice.” 1.) The place of safety should be at least 20 or more steps away from the bus stop. (Drivers are instructed to teach steps instead of feet so that the distance will be readily understood by all ages of students being transported.); 2.) The place of safety should be far enough away from the bus so that the bus can proceed without any chance of the student running back into the path of the school bus as it leaves the designated stop; 3.) When possible, the driver should choose a stationary and recognizable object, such as a flagpole, tree, garage door, or sign post; 4.) The place of safety should be such that a driver can account for the location of the child before moving the bus. At stops with multiple students, a place of safety should be identified where each student can be seen; 5.) School bus drivers who do not believe a place of safety can be determined at a given stop should communicate with the Director and ask for assistance; and, 6.) Drivers should always count their students 2x before leaving the school bus stop.
Emergency and Evacuation Procedures (ORC 3301-83-15)
The Director of Transportation will organize and conduct three (3) emergency exit drills for all students who ride school buses to and from school. Each of the following three (3) emergency procedures will be conducted annually: 1.) Everyone exits through the front entrance door; 2.) Everyone exits through the rear emergency door; and, 3.) Front half exits through the front door and rear half exits through the rear door.
These drills will be conducted during National School Bus Safety Week, October 20-24, 2008, during the afternoon bus routes. Children may be late in arriving home on any one of these days during this week!
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and assistance in helping the Transportation Department to become consistent in the enforcement and delivery of pupil transportation services. We are anticipating a great year in transportation and look forward to teaming with all riders and parents. We are here to assist in any way we can and do our best to deliver excellent services.
Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact the Transportation Department at 419-877-0451.
Have a Great Year and . . . Go Generals!
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