To:      Transportation Employees

Date:   November 7, 2022

RE:      Safe Driving Reminder

 

This morning, we had another accident where a bus driver hit the car in front of them. It’s a good reminder to keep appropriate distance between you and the car in front of you, so you have time to stop if necessary. These types of accidents are preventable. We have been very lucky that there have not been any injuries this year, and we want to take every opportunity to ensure student safety is a priority.   

 

Per the Employee Handbook, “Maintain at least a four second following distance. Be a defensive driver so you remain accident free.”

 

If you have trouble figuring out the “four second following distance,” then please use this tip from the employee handbook as a guide:

 

“As the vehicle in front passes alongside a fixed point of reference - a sign pole, lane divider marking, or shadow, the bus driver begins counting: one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four. The bus should not reach the point of reference until the driver has said four. If the bus reaches the reference point before the count of four the driver is following too closely!

Stopping behind another vehicle at a stop sign or signal light: the driver should always stop far enough behind the other vehicle to see its rear wheels touching the ground.  Stopping at this distance allows the bus driver space to pull around the other vehicle without having to back the bus if the other vehicle stalls or is unable to move. Additionally, the bus driver should wait to see the other vehicle's tires begin to move before releasing the foot brake and beginning to accelerate.  Doing so automatically gives the bus driver a "cushion" distance that will allow him to stop, without hitting the vehicle in front, should it stall or stop for any reason.”

When in doubt, increase the following distance to the vehicle in front of you. Our business is delivering students safely to school and home; we do not need to speed/rush to get this done. Safety is paramount.

 

Drive smart out there and follow the vehicle in front of you at an appropriate distance.

 

Thanks,

 

Transportation Communications

Transportation@dpsk12.org