Sensible driving needs adequate care, patience and sensitivity towards the safety of the passengers and pedestrians. Driving sensibly, that is giving heed to the traffic rules and regulations can lower the accident rates. But unfortunately, the present societal demands put the drivers through unnecessary stress and anxiety compromising their driving etiquette. Short temper, violation of traffic rules, rash driving, etc. are increasingly common in school bus drivers.
Isn’t it essential for you to ensure your passengers a safer ride? Also, there are no requisites to show your driving abilities to fellow drivers on the road.
Here are ten tips to create a safe trip for your children:
1. Avoid rash driving
Don’t lose your sense of positive driving habits at any instances. Rash driving can never be a safer way to reach your destination. Moreover, it instils fear in the minds of young children in your bus. Such experiences can be traumatic and create a negative impact on their life. school bus safety concerned drivers never resort to rash driving.
If you are a school bus driver, then the lives of those little school children are in your hands. Don’t curse your stars when some fellow drivers overtake you rashly. Just forgive such actions and continue what you are doing, the safe driving.
2. Strictly avoid tailgating
Tailgating or driving close to the vehicle in front can bring you unexpected mishaps. It is always better to take precautionary measures than regretting later. Sensible drivers avoid tailgating vehicles at all times. If any other vehicle tailgates, it is wise to switch the lanes and allow the other vehicle to pass over.
3. Give proper indications
Do not forget to put indications, especially when you intend to stop the school bus. Put the brake lights on, in case you are intending to slow down at the bus stop. Also, wait until the last child has entered and properly seated in the bus before moving forward. Drivers can also guide children with proper indications while they cross the road.
4. Avoid frequent lane switching
Obey the lane rules of the country, where you are driving. Some countries follow a right-hand traffic rule and others follow the left-hand traffic. The best school bus drivers do not involve in unnecessary and frequent lane switching. They resort to it only when there is an absolute necessity.
5. Observe the traffic signs
Give a little heed to the traffic signs and signals. Check your rear view and side mirrors for any oncoming vehicle. Don’t miss on the blind spots. Be sure to switch on the lights in case of poor lighting conditions, especially at dawn and at nights.
6. Avoid common distractions
Simple distractions can translate to major disasters. Many accidents are due to those moments of carelessness. Staying safe means staying away from distractions while behind the wheel.
7. Install GPS vehicle tracker and promote RFID cards
GPS vehicle tracking devices are not mere identity markers. They provide you the safety. You can estimate the time to cover the scheduled distance. RFID tagged ID cards are being issued to students, which will ease your job of monitoring whether and when a student has boarded/ alighted from the bus.
8. Monitor the vehicle condition properly
Fleet management systems regularly updates your vehicle condition and alert you when it needs a garage visit. They also reduce the cost of maintenance and save fuel. Safe driving can contribute towards a cleaner environment. Check the tire pressures, engine condition, brakes and alignment regularly.
9. Do not keep the engine on for long hours
Frequent starting of the vehicle releases abundant pollutants into the atmosphere and can affect the children. If the vehicle is to be parked longer than a minute, safe school bus drivers keep the engine off.
10. Adhere to speed limits
Always keep the speed limits. Sudden braking can be dangerous for the children as they are not prepared for it. Avoid such instances to reduce wear and tear too. Vehicle air-conditioning must be used with care.
