Whether you own and operate a commercial company or work in private or public school transportation, the goal for your fleet is to have a perfect record. However, anyone who has been in the industry long enough understands that sooner or later, something is going to happen to cause a commercial or school bus breakdown. For the safety of your passengers, the quality of your service, and the reputation of your company, it’s critical your drivers are informed on appropriate bus breakdown procedures!
With all that being said, here are some crucial tips to prepare bus drivers for the rare chance of an unexpected breakdown:
The moment you realize you’re going to have to stop your bus, you should start slowing down by gently braking and begin steering carefully to avoid making any sharp turns. Turn on your hazard lights to let other motorists know you are experiencing a bus breakdown and start scanning the road ahead for the best place to park. The ideal place to pull off would be a flat, paved surface away from traffic as far as possible and with enough room, so you’re sure you’ll be able to pull back out.
A situation such as a bus breakdown can send your mind racing in a million directions. As doubt, anger, and even fear sets in, it can cause even the most experienced driver to lose their cool. However, remaining composed will set the tone for a more relaxed experience and controlled environment. Screaming and yelling will only scare your passengers and cause more problems. Instead, you should be calmly beginning the process of communicating what’s going on and evaluating the situation.
Checking on the safety of your passengers is among the most crucial safety tips for bus breakdowns. This type of experience can be a traumatic, especially for children or a group of senior citizens. You need to know if anybody is experiencing a medical emergency or health situation that calls for an immediate response. At the same time, you should begin to relay necessary information, such as to stay seated or evacuate to the nearest exit if you suspect it is unsafe for everyone to stay inside. You may also need to provide ventilation by opening windows or move passengers to the front of the bus if there is any danger of being rear-ended.
Quickly and carefully exit the vehicle, if possible, to see what’s going on with the bus. You need to make sure nothing is leaking, smoking, or on fire. If you’re near to traffic, control the area by keeping the hazards on as well as the sidelights, putting up your warning triangle, cones, or road flares.
The sooner you’re able to alert the appropriate people, the better position you’ll be in for a fast response. The idea is to get back on the road or have a backup bus en route to complete the passengers’ journey. Once everything is safe and secure, and help is on the way, you can turn your attention to seeing what’s in proximity to your location such as bathrooms, restaurants, or a service center if it’s going to be a long wait.
For more information on bus breakdown safety as well as details on maintenance and repair services, contact us today!
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