Blue Bird Vision 2021, Руководство водителя

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5-2
D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K
Routine Operation
In terms of vehicle controls, driving an electric bus is not radically different from driving a passenger car, truck, or van. Features like power
assisted brakes and steering, and modern suspensions have removed much of the fatiguing aspects and “big truck” feel.
However, the differences which do exist are extremely important and the diligent pupil transportation driver must be ever mindful to
avoid being lulled into a mental state of complacency. Despite the ease of operation, modern school buses are still very large vehicles; and
the cargo they carry is the most precious of all.
This chapter describes some of the general differences which a driver new to school bus operation may experience, and specific feature
and equipment differences of the
VISION
in particular with which the driver will interact every day.
Maneuvering Safety
School buses are operated in a wide variety of conditions ranging from Southwestern desert roads to tight inner-city alleyways. Refer to the
dimensions chart in the
General Specifications
chapter to understand some of the considerations imposed by the physical size and geometry
of the bus which may come into play in your school route environment. The proportionally long wheelbase means that the height of rises
and humps which the bus can traverse without contacting the underskirt is dependent not just upon their height, but on their length or
duration of the hump.
The rear overhang of school buses is longer than other vehicles. This must be borne in mind in situations such as nearing curbs or em-
bankments on sharply-rising grades, as well as in tight turns as the body overhang “swings around” behind the rear wheels.
The driver is responsible for determining that the loading area is clear before stopping to load passengers, and must ensure that all
unloaded passengers are clear before moving the bus.
States and other regional school bus administration organizations sometimes conduct training or practice seminars such as school bus
“rodeos.” Blue Bird encourages participation in any program designed to increase the skill and safety of our nation’s school bus force.