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Commercial driver's guide to operation, safety and licensing

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Remember, even with a <strong>guide</strong>, you<br />

are still responsible for all movements<br />

of the bus.<br />

When required <strong>to</strong> reverse, other than<br />

on school property, make sure the area<br />

is clear of obstructions <strong>and</strong> use both side<br />

mirrors.<br />

Turnarounds<br />

Some bus routes may require a driver<br />

<strong>to</strong> do a turnaround. The only time a<br />

turnaround should ever be done on a<br />

two-lane highway is if it cannot be done<br />

on private property. Turnarounds are<br />

done by backing in<strong>to</strong> a road on the right<br />

of the main roadway. Never back on<strong>to</strong><br />

or across a highway. When a turnaround<br />

must be done, the following procedure is<br />

recommended:<br />

• Start slowing down well in advance of<br />

the turnaround.<br />

• S<strong>to</strong>p the bus in the proper position on<br />

the main roadway. It should be about<br />

one bus length ahead of the road that<br />

you will be reversing in<strong>to</strong>. Check traffic<br />

in all directions <strong>to</strong> ensure that there is<br />

enough time <strong>and</strong> space in the traffic <strong>to</strong><br />

allow the turnaround. Wait for traffic <strong>to</strong><br />

pass around you.<br />

• Back in<strong>to</strong> the road on the right when it<br />

is clear, using your mirrors <strong>and</strong> shoulder<br />

checking <strong>to</strong> the right.<br />

• Re-enter the main roadway when it is<br />

clear <strong>and</strong> safe <strong>to</strong> do so.<br />

Remember, never back on<strong>to</strong> or across<br />

a highway.<br />

If required <strong>to</strong> load or unload passengers at<br />

the turnaround point, do the following:<br />

• Load the passengers before the<br />

turnaround (see 1 <strong>and</strong> 2 on the diagram).<br />

• Unload the passengers after backing<br />

(see 3 <strong>and</strong> 4 on the diagram).<br />

4<br />

1 2<br />

A U-turn can be done on a four-lane<br />

divided highway if the length of the bus<br />

is less than the width of the median<br />

separating the flow of traffic.<br />

The bus must be brought <strong>to</strong> a full s<strong>to</strong>p<br />

on the crossroad. The front <strong>and</strong> back of<br />

the bus must be clear of all traffic lanes.<br />

SCHOOL BUS<br />

MEDIAN<br />

Passenger loading <strong>and</strong><br />

unloading<br />

School bus opera<strong>to</strong>rs should follow<br />

these procedures:<br />

• The law requires that the alternately<br />

flashing red lights <strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p arm only<br />

be used when loading <strong>and</strong> unloading<br />

passengers. The driver must know when<br />

the alternately flashing lights must be<br />

used. Local authorities may prohibit<br />

3<br />

56 A <strong>Commercial</strong> Driver’s Guide <strong>to</strong> Operation, Safety <strong>and</strong> Licensing

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