Section 10: School Buses

Because state and local laws and regulations regulate so much of school transporta­tion and school bus operations, many of the procedures in this section may differ from state to state. You should be thoroughly familiar with the laws and regulations in your state and local school district.

The danger zones, long description is under the heading "Long descriptions" at the end of this document
Figure 10.1: The danger zones

10.1 Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors

10.1.1 Danger Zones

The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit, either by another vehicle or their own bus. The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper with the first 10 feet being the most dangerous, 10 feet from the left and right sides of the bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus. In addition, the area to the left of the bus is always considered dangerous because of passing cars. Figure 10.1 illustrates these danger zones.

10.1.2 Correct Mirror Adjustment

Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to the safe operation of the school bus in order to observe the danger zone around the bus and look for students, traffic, and other objects in this area. You should always check each mirror before operating the school bus to obtain maximum viewing area. If necessary, have the mirrors adjusted.

Left and right side flat mirrors, blind spot can be 50 to 150 feet across about 200 feet from the cab of the school bus
Figure 10.2: Left and right side flat mirrors

10.1.3 Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors

These mirrors are mounted at the left and right front comers of the bus at the side or front of the windshield. They are used to monitor traffic, check clearances and students on the sides and to the rear of the bus. There is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper. The blind spot behind the bus extends 50 to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet depending on the length and width of the bus.

Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:

  • 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
  • Along the sides of the bus.
  • The rear tires touching the ground.

Figure 10.2 shows how both the outside left and right side flat mirrors should be adjusted.

Left and right side convex mirrors create a blind spot of 12 feet each side of the bus about 32 feet behind the cab
Figure 10.3: Left and right convex mirrors

10.1.4 Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors

The convex mirrors are located be-low the outside flat mirrors. They are used to monitor the left and right sides at a wide angle.

They provide a view of traffic, clearances, and students at the side of the bus. These mirrors present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus.

You should position these mirrors to see:

  • The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts.
  • Front of the rear tires touching the ground.
  •  At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.

Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and right side convex mirrors should be adjusted.

Left and right side crossover mirrors, long description in text
Figure 10.4: Left and right side crossover mirrors

10.1.5 Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors

These mirrors are mounted on both left and right front corners of the bus. They are used to see the front bumper "danger zone" area directly in front of the bus that is not visible by direct vi­sion, and to view the "danger zone" area to the left side and right side of the bus, including the service door and front wheel area. The mirror presents a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus. The driver must ensure that these mirrors are properly adjusted.

Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:

  • The entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision is possible. Direct vision and mirror view vision should overlap.
  • The right and left front tires touching the ground
  • The area from the front of the bus to the ser­vice door.
  • These mirrors, along with the convex and flat mirrors, should be viewed in a logical se­quence to ensure that a child or object is not in any of the danger zones.

Figure 10.4 illustrates how the left and right side crossover mirrors should be adjusted.

10.1.6 Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror

This mirror is mounted directly above the windshield on the driver's side area of the bus. This mirror is used to monitor passenger activ­ity inside the bus. It may provide limited visibility directly in back of the bus if the bus is equipped with a glass-bottomed rear emergency door. There is a blind spot area directly behind the driver's seat as well as a large blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. You must use the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic that approaches and enters this area.

You should position the mirror to see:

  • The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror.
  • All of the students, including the heads of the students right behind you.