Defensive Driving Program

Objective:   

This exercise is designed to develop the driver’s sense of vehicle control. It helps the driver time his/her steering properly and judge the relationship of fixed objects with respect to the vehicle. 

Procedure: 
After the driver has assumed the proper position in the seat, with hands at 9 and 3 on the steering wheel, they will run the exercise as follows:

1. Enter the course at a speed selected by the instructor, usually 10 mph to start.
2. Drive through the course several times until a smooth rhythmic pattern is achieved. Increase speed slightly with each run and pass as close to the cones as possible.
3. Upon reaching the end of the course, turn around and repeat the exercise from the other direction.

Objective:

The objective of the Evasive Maneuver is to show that the distance required to steer a school bus around an obstacle is often less than the distance needed to bring the bus to a stop. The exercise is also intended to decrease the driver’s tendency toward panic braking. 

Procedure:
Assure the driver that you will coach them through the first run of the maneuver. After the driver has assumed the proper position in the seat, with their hands at 9 and 3 on the steering wheel, they will run the exercise as follows:

1. Accelerate down the approach lane at a speed determined by the instructor, usually 25 mph.
2. At the double cones, the driver will attempt to evade the barrier without braking and with their foot off the accelerator. The direction and initiation of the evasive maneuver will be determined by the instructor, using a verbal command of “right” or “left.” 
3. After evading the barriers, the driver will brake to a stop, turn around and proceed to the beginning of the course. Speeds are increased with each successful run of 35 mph.

Objective:   

This exercise is designed to develop their skill of stopping a school bus quickly and smoothly, so as not to injure the passengers. It is important to learn how the bus reacts to the application of the brakes.

Procedure: 
The exercise should be conducted as follows: 

1. Accelerate to a speed selected by the instructor (25 mph).
2. When the front bumper reaches the cue cones, the instructor cues the driver to start braking. The cue may be given slightly early or late to account for small variations from the desired speed. 
3. Stop the bus as quickly and smoothly as possible. 
4. Repeat, increasing the speed 2-3 mph following each stop. Do this until the driver can brake quickly and smoothly at 35 mph. 

Objective:   

The exercise is designed to teach school bus drivers the proper method for getting back on the roadway quickly when conditions will not allow slowing down and returning at the driver's discretion. 

Procedure: 
The exercise should be run as follows:

1. Accelerate down the cone-marked lane at a speed determined by the instructor.
2. At the beginning of the curb, drop the right wheels off the edge, while maintaining speed, or straddle the curb as it is approached.
3. Position the vehicle over the curb, so the wheel has room to turn.
4. Halfway down the curb, turn the steering wheel approximately 90 degrees left, depending on the vehicle and speed.
5. As soon as the right front wheel hits the curb, immediately steer back to the right to maintain lane position.
6. At the end of the course, turn around and run the exercise the other way, dropping the left wheels off the edge; the procedure is the same as described above, except the steering directions are reversed.

Objective:   

This exercise is designed to instruct the driver in the proper techniques to control skids. The exercise will also help the driver develop a feel for the behavior of the bus on slippery roads.

Procedure: 
Emphasize that application of the brake or throttle is not used to correct a skid.

1. The driver enters the skid pad on a curved path at a speed of 15-25 mph.
2. With the vehicle in the curve, the instructor of the driver will initiate a skid.
3. The driver should immediately back off the throttle and steer in the direction the rear of the bus is moving.
4. As soon as the vehicle responds to the skid correction, the driver must counter-steer in the opposite direction.