Florida CDL Handbook 2011

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10. School Bus

• 10.1. Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
• 10.2. Loading and Unloading
• 10.3. Emergency Exit and Evacuation
• 10.4. Railroad-highway Crossings
• 10.5. Student Management
• 10.6. Antilock Braking Systems
• 10.7. Special Safety Considerations

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10.5.1 - Don't Deal with On-bus Problems When Loading and Unloading

In order to get students to and from school safely and on time, you need to be able to concentrate on the driving task.

Loading and unloading requires all your concentration. Don't take your eyes off what is happening outside the bus.

If there is a behavior problem on the bus, wait until the students unloading are safely off the bus and have moved away. If necessary, pull the bus over to handle the problem.

10.5.2 - Handling Serious Problems

Tips on handling serious problems:

• Follow your school's procedures for discipline or refusal of rights to ride the bus.
• Stop the bus. Park in a safe location off the road, perhaps a parking lot or a driveway.
• Secure the bus. Take the ignition key with you if you leave your seat.
• Stand up and speak respectfully to the offender or offenders. Speak in a courteous manner with a firm voice. Remind the offender of the expected behavior. Do not show anger, but do show that you mean business.
• If a change of seating is needed, request that the student move to a seat near you.
• Never put a student off the bus except at school or at his or her designated school bus stop. If you feel that the offense is serious enough that you cannot safely drive the bus, call for a school administrator or the police to come and remove the student. Always follow you state or local procedures for requesting assistance.

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