EEAC - School Bus Safety Program

The contracting agency will ensure instruction for students in school bus safety and emergency evacuation procedures is provided.  Drivers shall assist in the instruction. 

Students who are regularly transported by the district shall receive the following instruction within the first six weeks of each half of each school year:

1.  Safe school bus riding procedures, including but not limited to loading, unloading and crossing;
2.  Use of emergency exits; and
3.  Planned and orderly evacuation of the school bus in case of emergency, including participation in actual evacuation drills.

Students who are not regularly transported by the district will be given the following instruction at least once in the first half of each school year:

1.  Safe school bus riding procedures, including but not limited to loading, unloading and crossing; and 
2.  Use of emergency exits.

The district will document and maintain records of the content and dates of instruction.

Buses will not exceed vehicle design capacity for seating at any time unless an unforeseen or unusual circumstance arises. Passengers will be provided a seat that fully supports them and meets the minimum standards and specifications of law will be provided at all times. A person who weighs 40 pounds or less must be properly secured with a child safety system that meets the minimum standards and specifications established by the Oregon Department of Transportation under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 815.055. A person over 40 pounds or who has reached the upper weight limit for the forward-facing car seat must use a booster seat until he/she is four feet nine inches tall or age eight and the adult belt properly fits.[1] A person who is taller than four feet nine inches or eight years of age or older must be properly secured with a safety belt or harness that meets the requirements under ORS 815.055. In accordance with ORS 811.210 and 811.215, vehicles used for student transportation in excess of 10,000 pounds are exempt from this requirement unless they have been equipped with lap belts. Vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds that have been equipped with lap belts must meet child car seat requirements as set forth in law.

During adverse weather conditions, the superintendent may alter bus schedules or temporarily suspend bus services. The superintendent or designee will advise local radio stations and other media of any changes in bus schedules or services.

In the case of emergency or disaster, evacuation of students will be carried out according to the district’s emergency plan.

An accident review board will study accidents involving district buses and will make recommendations to avoid similar accidents.

END OF POLICY

1 “Proper fit” means the lap belt of the safety belt or safety harness is positioned low across the thighs and the shoulder belt is positioned over the collarbone and away from the neck.

Legal Reference(s)