31. Issues and
Emergencies
Discuss specific issues and
emergencies with Walking
School Bus Coordinator.
32. Local Policies
Late starts
Cancellations (snow/ice days)
Sick days
No shows
Emergencies
Severe or adverse weather conditions (thunder/lightning,
tornado, blizzard)
Violations of rules and regulations
33. Iowa Safe Routes to
School Program
For more information contact:
Nick Sobocinski
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
P.O. Box 5562
913 2nd Street
Coralville, IA 52241
Phone: 515-309-2867
Email: nick@iowabicyclecoalition.org
Notas del editor
Welcome to the Walking School Bus Driver Training presented by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The objectives are to: Training walking school bus drivers in roles they will be filling Learn the hazards faced by children and why children see things differently Review the safety tips for Walking School Bus operations Review the procedures for a walking school bus
Define a Walking School Bus (WSB) A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults. That may sound simple, and that is part of the appeal. It can be as informal as two families taking turns walking their children to school or as structured as a planned route with meeting points, a timetable and a schedule of trained volunteers. A variation on the walking school bus is a bicycle train where a group of children and adult leaders ride together to school.
Children have a narrower field of vision than that of an adult. They are also lower to the ground. Children have difficulty localizing origin of sounds. Children do not have traffic experience and may not have traffic safety taught in school.
There are several common pedestrian crash types. It is important to be aware of crash types so you are aware and can help prevent conflicts between students and vehicles.
The pedestrian is crossing an marked or unmarked crosswalk at an unsignalized location. The car proceeds through the intersection and does not yield the right of way to the pedestrian.
The motor vehicle proceeds through a signalized intersection and fails to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.
A vehicle is turning right or left onto an adjacent street or driveway and fails to yield to the pedestrian. This is commonly known as a left hook or right hook.
The pedestrian Darts Out between parked cars and is often not visible to the motorist until the pedestrian is in the travel lane. The pedestrian Dashes Out from the curb without parked cars obstructing the view of the pedestrian or motorist.
Non roadway collisions occur in area like parking lots and driveways. This type of collision could also include a trail crossing.
10 great tips to make the Walking School Bus Driver safer for the student experience.
At all times, the safety of the students are paramount. Every decision should be made with the safety of the students in mind.
Keeping the route running on a schedule will help minimize problems and miscommuniciation. Later stops depend on the bus running on time.
At each intersection and driveway use the left-right-left scanning technique to watch out for oncoming traffic. Intersections with turning traffic may require the pedestrian to look over their shoulder. Each intersection is a teaching moment that can reinforce safe pedestrian skills for the students.
Do not cross at an unsignalized intersection if a vehicle is within 150 feet of the crossing. Vehicles will take approximately 150 feet to come to a complete stop. In days prior to the walking school bus, inspect intersections and not landmarks that are 150 feet from the crossing.
There never seems like enough time to cross during the pedestrian crossing phase. Starting in the middle of the phase may shave off needed seconds to safely cross. When in doubt, allow the walk signal to return to DON'T WALK and cross during the next WALK phase.
Walking together as a group increases the safety of the walking school bus. It is better to be two or three students wide rather than making the school bus more spread out in a single-file line.
Emergencies or unusual situation can and do occur. Stick to your walking school bus plan unless the safety of the students is in jeopardy. Use your best judgment and report the situation to the walking school bus coordinator.
The sidewalks are public and open to all students. Often you will have students not registered with the walking school bus wanting to join their friends. If a student wishes to join the walking school bus, be sure they are registered to do so and have the proper parent permission forms on file. If the student is not registered, contact the walking school bus coordinator.
Review the local cancellation procedure and severe weather policy.
The walking school bus program is meant to be fun for the students and the drivers. Keep fun in mind when working with the students.
Review the procedure for the morning walking school bus route.