Passenger safety and emergency procedures

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check emergency equipment and exits before a trip.
• You can keep aisles, exits and the standee line clear.
• You can set out warning devices correctly after a breakdown.
• You can decide whether to evacuate and carry out an evacuation calmly.
• You can handle a disruptive or unwell passenger without losing control of the bus.

What you need to know and understand

• Standing passengers must stay behind the standee line, so the driver's view and controls stay clear.
• Baggage and freight must be stowed so that every passenger can reach every exit and nothing can fall on anyone.
• When a commercial vehicle stops on the road or shoulder, turn on the hazard flashers at once.
• Warning devices must be placed within 10 minutes; on a typical two-way road, one about 10 feet behind on the traffic side and one about 100 feet behind and ahead.
• If you stop within 500 feet of a curve or hill crest, the warning device on that side goes 100 to 500 feet back so drivers see it in time.
• Most CDL manuals say drivers should not refuel a bus with passengers on board in a closed building, and should never talk to passengers or do other tasks that distract from driving.

Before passengers board

• Emergency exits: windows, roof hatches and doors open and close properly and are marked.
• Fire extinguisher and warning triangles: present, charged and secured.
• Seats, handrails and floor: secure, with no trip hazards.
• Signs and lights inside the bus: working, including exit lighting.
• Mirrors: set so you can see along both sides and, on a school bus, the danger zones around the bus.

Managing people and baggage

Greet passengers and watch as they board. Keep the aisle and the area around the doors clear of bags, strollers and packages. Ask standing passengers to stay behind the standee line and hold on. If a passenger becomes disruptive, stay calm, pull over safely if needed and follow your company's procedure, which may include contacting dispatch or police. Never try to deal with a problem while the bus is moving.

Many manuals also limit what can be carried on a bus, especially hazardous materials. Learn your company's list of forbidden items and politely refuse them.

When something goes wrong

1. Stop in the safest place you can reach, as far off the road as possible, and set the parking brake.
2. Turn on the hazard flashers immediately.
3. Decide quickly: stay on board, or evacuate? Evacuate if there is fire, a fuel leak, a risk of being hit, or the bus is on or near railroad tracks.
4. If evacuating, tell passengers clearly which exit to use, send them to a safe spot well away from the bus and traffic, and keep them together.
5. Check the bus is empty, then call for help and give your location.
6. Place warning devices within 10 minutes in the right positions for the road type.

Common mistakes

• Letting bags pile up in the aisle on a busy run. Clear them before you move off.
• Allowing standees forward of the standee line because the bus is full. Wait for the next bus or ask passengers to move back.
• Placing warning triangles too close to the bus, or forgetting the one near a curve or hill.
• Evacuating onto the traffic side of the bus. Use the exit away from traffic where possible.

Test yourself: Passenger safety and emergency procedures

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.