42-4-1901 (1)

(a), C.R.S. Except as provided in paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section, passengers of any school bus being used on mountainous terrain by any school district of the state shall not occupy the front row of seats and any seats located next to the emergency doors of such school bus during the period of such use.

(b)   For purposes of this section, mountainous terrain shall include, but shall not be limited to, any road or street which the department of transportation has designated as being located on mountainous terrain.

For Commercial School Transportation Operators

Per 1 CCR 301-26

5.01(h) The operator shall receive pre-service training on the type of vehicle(s) to be driven, the type of duties they may be required to perform, mountain and adverse weather training pursuant to C.R.S. 42-4-1902, and student confidentiality requirements prior to transporting students.

For Non-Commercial Small Vehicle Route and Activity School Transportation Operators

5.02(i) The operator shall receive pre-service training on the type of vehicle(s) to be driven, the type of duties they may be required to perform, mountain and adverse weather training pursuant to C.R.S. 42-4-1902, and student confidentiality requirements prior to transporting students.

5.03(g) The operator shall receive pre-service training on the type of vehicle(s) to be driven, the type of duties they may be required to perform, mountain and adverse weather training pursuant to C.R.S 42-4-1902, and student confidentiality requirements prior to transporting students.

Mountain driving presents unique situations that require greater attention to the same driving skills and expertise expected of all school transportation vehicle operators. Steep grades, winding roads, blind curves, falling rocks, wildlife, sightseeing motorists, bicyclists, and unpredictable weather can present additional risks and consequences. There is a reduced margin for error and minor mistakes can develop into major problems. Mountain driving requires an elevated level of concentration and respect for the terrain.

This unit focuses on maintaining control, transmission and retarder usage, braking, pitch and grade, chains, and other skills for safe school bus operation in the mountains. CDE recommends frequent skill refresher training for mountain drivers.

Target Speed

Target speed is the speed a driver determines is safe for a driving condition. When the bus speed increases above the target speed, the driver slows to 5 mph below the target speed and allows the bus speed to increase naturally back to the target speed. Repeat this process as needed. If this process is happening often, the driver has not shifted down to a gear that will provide the engine compression to hold the vehicle at or below the target speed.

Maintaining Control

To maintain control of a school bus on steep mountainous terrain, follow the steps below for safe control:

1.             Engine Compression/Transmission

2.             Retarder Use (if equipped)

3.             Service Brake Use

A driver is in control when the school bus is kept at a safe road and engine speed. A safe school bus speed is either at or below the posted limit. The bus manufacturer determines safe engine speed (revolutions per minute/rpms).

Engine Compression/Transmission

Engine compression is the first source of braking power, even if the bus is equipped with a retarder. When coming down a long steep grade, descend in a gear that is low enough to climb that same grade. On steeper grades and/or with a loaded bus, use at least one gear lower. Be aware that if the engine reaches maximum rpms, automatic transmissions can up-shift, even when manually locked in gear.

Select the proper gear for the grade before starting to descend and keep the bus in that gear to the bottom of the grade. Avoid the possibility of not being able to shift into the next lower gear, if needed. This is especially important with a standard transmission. Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended rpm range for the gear selected to avoid over-revving or lugging, which may damage the engine.

 Discuss recommended rpm ranges for all types of buses in the fleet with your technicians

Service Brakes

In mountain driving, the force of gravity plays a key role. Gravity will make the bus speed up when going down steep grades. The heavier the load, the faster the bus will gain speed. Go slowly enough to avoid the use of the service brakes to maintain a safe speed. Prolonged use of the service brake causes brake “fade” (less stopping power). Brake fade occurs when heat build-up causes the brake lining to glaze or deteriorate at high temperatures. This decreases or eliminates the effectiveness of the brakes, and in extreme cases, can cause a fire. Never exceed a safe controlled speed. For long downhill grades, maintain safe speed by effectively using engine compression and the retarder (if so equipped). This helps ensure minimal use of the service brakes. Use the service brakes intermittently, with enough time between applications to keep the linings, drums, and/or rotors cool.

Pass Checks

Pass checks are a frequent practice in mountainous states. They are not required by any law, however, as a precautionary measure, incredibly wise.

Pull over at a safe location prior to beginning a descent. As you enter the parking area, apply firm pressure on the brakes checking for proper stopping and that the bus does not pull. Do a walk around to ensure all lights are working. Stop at each wheel and feel the hub for signs of heat. Look at the slack adjusters to ensure they are all indicating proper adjustment. Look at all tires for damage and proper inflation. Place the bus in the proper gear to descend the downgrade.

When approaching a downgrade where a full check of the vehicle is not possible, prior to reaching the apex of the hill, firmly apply the brakes to feel for proper brake response and no pulling in either direction. Shift down to the proper gear prior to the apex of the hill.

Pullouts

Use pullouts to allow traffic backed up behind the bus to pass safely. If a pull-out is large enough, maneuver the front of the bus so that you can look over your shoulder for oncoming traffic before reentering the roadway. Do not rely solely on the mirror if the opportunity to square off and look exists.

Pitch and Grade

One of the hardest techniques to learn may be reading terrain. Maintain a safe scanning distance and scan the entire area for changes in grade, upcoming curves, wildlife, and traffic. When possible, look through the trees beyond the curve before entering.

Tips for Reading Terrain

Ø  Whitewater – indicates a steep grade

Ø  Objects that seem to change size rapidly – indicate a steep grade

Ø  Canyon walls that appear to close in ahead of the bus – indicate a possible narrow road ahead

Ø  Do not blindly follow the traffic ahead of you – other drivers may misinterpret terrain.

One of the hardest techniques to learn may be reading terrain. Maintain a safe scanning distance and scan the entire area for changes in grade, upcoming curves, wildlife, and traffic. When possible, look through the trees beyond the curve before entering.

Curves

Pitch and Grade

Pitch and grade affect how mountain drivers maneuver through curves. Long, wide curves in the mountains may remain slippery for continuous periods, due to the pitch of the road or position of the sun. During a downhill curve, the bus may accelerate on its own. Do not brake in a turn, especially during adverse conditions. Apply the retarder or service brake (depending on conditions) well in advance of the curve and allow the speed of the bus to decrease gradually. Once the bus has reached the apex of the turn, gradually accelerate. This helps the bus track correctly through the lane. Braking through a turn may cause the bus to skid and make control difficult.

When approaching curves, notice how the road pitches from side to side in relation to the curve and the grade. Often, the operator can drive at a higher speed if the curve maintains a pitch that follows the direction of the turn (on-camber) than if the curve is flat or off-camber. The amount of acceleration out of the curve will depend on the degree of pitch. A skid can occur by accelerating too early when negotiating curves with a relatively flat pitch.

Speed

Slow to a safe speed before entering any curve. Braking in a curve is dangerous because it is easier to lock the wheels and cause a skid. Do not exceed the posted speed limit for the curve. Since the posted speed limit is for small vehicles, the bus speed should be 5-10 mph below the posted limit. To help maintain control, be in a gear that will allow slight acceleration through the curve. When entering a curve while going downhill, allow gravity to provide slight acceleration.

Lane Position

Watching the lane position will help avoid head-on collisions. On tight curves, especially switchbacks, watch the tail swing. Stay centered in the lane to keep a safe clearance on all sides of the bus. Hugging the outside of a curve increases the chance of dropping a tire off the paved portion of the road onto a soft shoulder. Hugging the inside of a curve places your mirrors into the space of other motorists. If possible, adjust the speed and space to avoid driving alongside another vehicle in a curve on a multilane highway. On a right-hand curve, move as far to the outside of the lane as possible. It is essential to pay attention to where the right rear tires are in relation to the pavement. On-coming traffic tends to take their half out of the middle when negotiating a left-hand curve.

Overhead

Be aware of rocks that overhang the road. Off-tracking brings the center of the bus closer to the overhanging objects. When entering a tunnel, be aware of the curve of the edges and top. The vehicle height may fit through the middle, but not on the outer edges.

Chains

Chaining is crucial to mountain driving in adverse weather. The Department of Transportation requires the use of chains on commercial motor vehicles on many mountain passes. The two most common types of chains are automatic and conventional. There are several methods for installation. Below are some commonly used methods and tips for safely chaining a bus.

Automatic Chains

These chains permanently fasten to the rear suspension of the bus. They activate from a dashboard switch that opens an electric over air solenoid mounted on the frame rail. Air pressure from the buses on board air brake system or an auxiliary air source flows to two air cylinders that lower two chain wheels down until they contact the tire sidewall. The friction between the tire and the chain wheel causes the chain wheel to rotate. Each chain wheel has lengths of chain attached to it. The centrifugal force created causes the chains to flail out and pass between the tire and road surface to enhance traction in snow and ice. The additional traction also reduces stopping distance in these same slippery conditions. When in the “off” position, the solenoid exhausts the air in the cylinder, and the spring in the cylinder returns the chains to the retracted position.

Advantages:

Ø  Increased safety as the bus is always equipped and has quick access on short notice. The typical engagement time is two seconds.

Ø  Automatic chains dramatically reduce the time spent installing conventional chains, increasing the productivity of the operator. More importantly, routes can remain on schedule.

Ø  Automatic chains can eliminate body damage caused by broken conventional chains, which at times can be a mission-disabling failure.

Ø  Advantages in hauling force, acceleration, and stopping distance are dramatic.

Disadvantages:

Ø  The operator must realize that this system is not a “fix-all” (avoid a false sense of security).

Ø  Operator activation is required.

Ø  The system, per design, is limited to ice and a maximum of up to four inches of snow. The operator may have to install conventional chains in deep snow conditions.

Ø  The operator may lower or raise automatic chains at any time during speeds less than 30 mph. To avoid damage, do not raise the chains if the bus is not in motion. If the chains are raised when not in motion, damage can occur to the chains, arm mechanism, and air system.

Conventional Chains

The operator must install and remove conventional chains. Always plan ahead when chaining is a possibility. If there is any doubt about traction, it is best to chain up to avoid safety issues.

When determining locations to install and remove conventional chains, always find a safe location that is out of the way of traffic. If passengers are on-board, they should remain inside of the bus. Make sure the engine is off and the brake is set so the bus will not move.

Chaining Steps:

Operator Preparation - Stretch muscles before lifting chains.

Lay chains out on the ground to confirm that the chains are lying correctly with each side parallel. If not, straighten them to assure that all reinforcement bars will face the road surface instead of gouging into tire.

Choose the proper chaining method to use.

Drape over the tire (Recommended in most circumstances).

Ø  Hooks on inside, clasps on outside, cross-links be perpendicular to the tire, and all reinforcement bars on cross-links facing away from the tire.

Ø  Roll the bus over chains. Determine the optimal direction to roll (forward or backward) by assessing which direction has the most room. Avoid rolling over the hook and clasp end of the chain, if possible. If on a slope, always make sure the operator is on the upward side of the tire when fastening chains.

Ø  Place a mark at one side of the front passenger door and drive the bus with the front wheels straight until the opposite side of the entry door is lined up with the mark.

Ø  Fasten the chains. The inside hooks should be fastened first. Do not hook on the end link. The identical number of links on the inner hook and outside clasp is ideal to fasten the chains. Attach the stretchers/tighteners on the outside of the tire. Drive forward 50- 100 yards, remove the stretchers, tighten the chains, and reattach the tighteners.


In-place chaining (usually done if the bus is unable to move).

Ø  Drape the chains over the tire so that the cross-links at the bottom do not hinder the effort to fasten the inside hook to the chain link.

Ø  Use a chain tightener or coat hanger to guide the link between the dual tires to fasten the chain link with the inside hook.

Ø  Pull the chains as tight as possible. A good tip is to use your knee against the tire to spare using only your back. Fasten the chains with the outside clasp and attach the tighteners. When the bus is moving and out of danger, remove the tighteners, readjust the chains, fasten both the inside hook and outside clasp, and reattach the tighteners.

Ø  Remember that when the bus is empty, chain traction is limited. Never drive over 30 mph when chains are installed on the tires.

Removal Steps:

Remove conventional chains only when the road surface provides safe traction without the use of chains.

Ø  Find a safe area away from traffic and keep the students on the bus.

Ø  Remove the tightener.

Ø  Loosen the outer clasp.

Ø  Unhook the inner hook first to prevent the chains from dropping between freezing wheels.

Ø  Drive over the chains in a manner that prevents the tires from running over clasps or hooks.

Ø  Stretch the chains out to check for broken or badly worn links. Bundle chains for storage.

Ø  Place the tightener perpendicular to the cross-links and pull each individual link over the tightener while inspecting the condition of each link.

Ø  Fasten the tightener at the ends and place in the desired storage area.

If there are any doubts about the condition of any part of the chains, take them to a mechanic or other repairperson for inspections and/or replacement.

Additional Tips:

Ø  Carry additional tighteners in case of breakage.

Ø  Inspect and install all chains in the fall to ensure the proper condition and fit.

Ø  Every element of a chain is a moving part. Check for broken chain links and verify the hooks and clasps are in good operating condition.

Ø  Label all chains with paint to confirm they are the proper ones for that particular bus and add this check to the daily pre-trip inspection.

Ø  If the installation of new tires occurs on the bus, always check the chains for the proper size.


CDOT Fact Sheet —Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law Traction Law (Code 15)

  https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/assets/cdot_ww_factsheet

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have EITHER:

Ø  4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth

Ø  Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth

Ø  Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth

Ø  Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth

Ø  Chains or an approved alternative traction device

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16) — Chain Up or Stay Off

During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law. This is the final safety measure before the highway is closed.

When the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device.

Fines

Ø  Motorists driving with inadequate equipment when a Traction Law or Chain Law is in effect could be fined more than $130.

Ø  If a motorist blocks the roadway because they have inadequate equipment when a Traction Law or Chain Law is in effect, he/she could be fined more than $650.

Test Your Tread

Find out if your tires are safe for winter driving by doing the Quarter Test:

Ø  Insert a quarter upside down into your tire tread, with Washington’s head going in first.

Ø  If the top of the head is covered by the tread, you are good to go.

Ø  If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire (test multiple points), you cannot drive when a Traction Law is called — you also likely need new tires.

Traffic Facts

Ø  At 60 MPH on snowy pavement, winter tires require 310 ft. to stop. All- season tires require more than double that (668 ft.).

Ø  In 2014, one of the worst traffic delays on the I-70 Mountain Corridor was caused by unprepared motorists. Severe delays were caused by 22 vehicles spinning out and causing crashes — 19 of those vehicles had worn tires.

Ø  Traffic crashes — not volume — account for as much as 60 percent of all traffic delays.

Ø  A crash that only takes 10 minutes to clear can delay traffic for an hour.

Other Considerations

Motorists/Bicycles

Sightseeing motorists and/or tourists may drift to either side of the roadway. Many motorists are also uncomfortable driving on mountain roads. They may fear driving toward the outside of the lane and crowd the center of the road. Pay attention to other vehicles’ tire to ground contact, which indicates their exact position in their lane. Be aware that motorists may park on mountain shoulders, around curves, and walk on the roadway.

More people are riding bicycles in the mountains. In most cases, they ride in the traffic lane. Bicycles, especially when ridden by children can be unpredictable. Give them plenty of room when passing.

Ø  42-4-1008.5, C.R.S. – Crowding or threatening bicyclist. The driver of a motor vehicle shall not, in a careless and imprudent manner, drive the vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist.

Ø  Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits careless driving as described in 42-4-1402, C.R.S.

Ø  Never outdrive your ability to stop in the distance you can see.

Passenger Well-Being

When planning a mountain trip and driving in the mountains, think about your passengers. When was the last break for them to stretch their legs? Take stretch breaks, as needed, in safe pullout areas.

Remember that many passengers suffer from motion or carsickness. Have these passengers sit up front with one or more windows open for fresh air. If known ahead of time, discuss other remedies with parents/guardians. Slowing down more in curves may help these individuals. The driver may feel comfortable with the speed on winding roads; however, they should watch the passengers in the rear of the bus to determine if they are comfortable as well.

Anyone can suffer from altitude sickness. Make sure they drink fluids and remain quiet (sitting or lying down) and get them to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Driver Care

When driving long distances, note that operators may experience fatigue or minor aches and pains. Be sure before leaving to position the bus seat so the back is completely against the seat back with feet flat on the floor. Consider using a lumbar roll or rolled-up towel between the lower back and seat back. Adjust the seat up or down, so the hips are slightly higher than the knees. The back of the knees should not rest on the edge of the seat. Adjust the seat forward or back, so the knees are at a slight bend when fully pushing the pedals. Arms should comfortably reach the steering wheel and controls with minimal leaning or twisting.

Remember to adjust the mirrors to avoid twisting or placing the body in an uncomfortable or awkward position. To combat fatigue, perform stretches before and after driving.


Last modified: Sunday, 7 May 2023, 4:34 PM