Image Source: CBC News
The vast majority of America woke up to a bone-chilling drop in temperature as a cold snap fell overnight. The low temperature can be rough to get through, but it is also harsh on school buses and it is important to prepare vehicles for the weather before they get on the road.
For the sake of safety and passenger health, there are several important steps every fleet should take. Throughout winter, it is important to warm up buses before leaving to pick up students in the morning. Visibility can also be a problem in winter, so many fleets also treat their windshields with chemicals intended to prevent fogging or icing up.
According to Deborah Schander, eastern region Pennsylvania safety supervisor for Student Transportation of America, Drivers can even position additional fans to assist regular fans during the defrosting period.
“When positioned just right, they will help keep the windshield and door windows clear for longer periods of time,” Schander says. As a last resort, drivers can always pull off to the side of the road to clear windshields and wipers.
In the worst situations, drivers can use chains, but the majority of schools close if weather and road conditions are bad enough to require chains.
Pickup locations can also be a problem in slick roads, so it is important to plan ahead before stopping. If there are stops on hills where a bus may get stuck, drivers should go beyond the hill where it is safe to stop. If possible, try to warn students who might be affected by this issue.
Of course, the best way to prevent problems once on the road is with a thorough pre-trip inspection. Before you ever get started driving, check to ensure you have plenty windshield washer solvent, as well as inspecting the defroster heat and fans.
