Crash and Emergency Procedures

Procedures - If you are involved in an accident

1 CCR 301-26

4.5 School districts, charter schools and service providers shall have written emergency procedures and/or contingency plans to be followed in the event of a traffic accident, vehicle breakdown, unexpected school closing, unforeseen route change, or relocation of a student stop in an emergency.

9.1  Each school transportation vehicle shall have a daily pre-trip and post-trip inspection performed and documented by the school transportation vehicle operator or other transportation employee authorized by the school district, charter school, or service provider. A daily pre-trip inspection shall be completed prior to a vehicle being placed in service. A daily post-trip inspection shall be completed at the end of daily operation of each vehicle.

Emergency Triangles 

Each school transportation vehicle is equipped with three emergency reflective triangles. In case of a breakdown, accident or other emergency, the driver, paraprofessional, or qualified individual will place the triangles, as the law requires.

1 CCR 301-25, 2251-R-20.06

20.06(a) - Three (3) emergency triangle reflectors in a securely mounted case.

20.06(b) - One 24 unit first aid kit as found in 20.02.

20.06(c) - One securely mounted 2½ pound, dry chemical fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 1A10BC.

20.06(d) - One durable webbing cutter having a full width handgrip and a protected blade. The cutter shall be mounted in a location accessible to the seated driver.

20.06(e) - One basic body fluid clean-up kit as found in 20.04.

Optional Emergency Equipment may include:

• Blankets

• 2-way radio, cellular phone

• Emergency information forms

• Accident check list

• Student list

• Flashlight

• Disposable mask

• Bag of salt, kitty litter, or sand

Despite good design, engineering, and preventative maintenance programs, there may be mechanical failures. The driver should do the following in case of a vehicle breakdown:

Planning for emergencies and knowing what to do at the time of an emergency will prevent panic and confusion. When a large number of passengers are moving rapidly to evacuate a bus, there is always the possibility of panic and injury. The safety of the students is your first priority. In the majority of emergency situations, the bus is the safest place for the passengers unless extenuating circumstances warrant evacuation from the bus.

The following are examples of serious types of emergencies that may require emergency evacuation. In most cases, the front door evacuation is the safest.