Winter driving can be hazardous, especially for bus drivers. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, causing the roads to become slippery, icy, and snow-covered. As a bus driver, you need to know how to drive safely in winter conditions, follow various other bus safety procedures, and consider products designed to make driving safer by using the following tips.
Preparing Buses for the Winter Season
Before the arrival of winter weather, you must ensure your buses are appropriately equipped and everything is in working order.
- Seat belts: All your bus seats should have functional seat belts to protect your passengers. You may not be able to remove all the hazards from the road, but you can keep people protected with seats featuring three-point non-retractable shoulder or lap belts.
- Wiper motors: Windshield wipers are very important safety products. Each wiper is controlled by a windshield wiper motor, which can require replacement if the wipers aren’t working. It helps to have extra wiper motors on hand in case you need to replace one.
- Wiper blades: Bad wiper blades make removing rain and snow from the windshield difficult. Change wiper blades if you notice streaking or the rubber part of the blades has become detached from the wiper arm.
- Heated seats: Your bus drivers need to remain alert and cautious during bad weather. Heated seats help keep them warm and comfortable, so they keep their eyes focused on the road. They can also help with pain relief, so your drivers will not be distracted by pain.
- First-aid kit: All your buses should have a first-aid kit onboard at all times, not just in winter.
- Road flares and warning markers: You drivers need to be able to make others aware of their location if their bus breaks down or gets stuck in the snow. Ensure they have plenty of road flares and warning markers they can set on the road to alert other drivers.
- Road watch sensors: You can equip your bus fleet with Road Watch Sensors that alert your drivers to changing road conditions.
Best Bus Driving Habits for Winter
When preparing to drive in the winter, ensure that you use the following safety tips:
- Allow yourself extra space between vehicles, in case a vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly. Slippery snow and ice-covered roads take longer to stop.
- Remember to pump your brakes to help slow down, and use ABS brakes to assist in stopping.
- Never use cruise control on wet, icy, or snowy roads.
- Reduce speed when driving over bridges and overpasses since water will freeze sooner than other parts of the road.
- Allow for extra travel time in between bus stops, as you may not be able to drive the speed limit.
- Be aware of alternate routes you can take in the event of accidents, blocked roads, or closed roads.
- Remove all snow and ice from windows and mirrors before starting your route.
- Conduct a pre-trip inspection to ensure tires are inflated properly, the heater is working, and there are no mechanical problems.
- Check the forecast when there are winter storm watches and warnings in effect.
- School bus drivers should ensure all children have cleared the road and are a safe distance away before turning off the “Stop” sign.
School districts and public bus transportation authorities should also require their bus drivers to complete a defensive driving course that focuses on driving in inclement weather.
Equipping Your Buses for Winter
It is easy to find new replacement bus seats, windshield wiper motors, seat belts, Road Watch Sensors, and other safety equipment for your buses at Suburban Seating & Safety. Shop online or call us at 844-727-7328 today.
