Novice and experienced school bus drivers can benefit from the opportunity to get together to review procedures and exchange ideas. The following provides some suggestions for organizing such a forum.

What ... is a School Bus Driver Orientation Day?

The School Bus Driver Orientation Day is an education and awareness event for new drivers as well as a refresher for experienced drivers designed to provide information to assist them in carrying out their duties more effectively.

Some of the information which can be covered includes:

* Passenger management techniques

* Safe procedures for loading and unloading

* Safe driving techniques

* School bus safety inspection: circle check

* Legal requirements for school bus stops

* Passenger health concerns

* Proper placement and adjustment of mirrors for optimum field of view

* Winter and inclement driving

Who ... is it for?

The School Bus Driver Orientation Day provides information for school bus drivers. It is an orientation for new drivers and a refresher for experienced drivers.

How ... Does it Work?

The School Bus Driver Orientation Day can be organized in a number of ways. Larger operators may provide the information for their drivers on a rotational basis, or operators may choose one day that is convenient for as many drivers as possible. A "Welcome Back" session in late August is one option. District School Board Transportation officials may determine an appropriate schedule. The event can also be organized by the drivers themselves, by parent advisory council members with the assistance of qualified volunteers, police, etc.

When ... Does it happen?

The program can be scheduled for any time. It might be most useful prior to the beginning of the school year when bus drivers are looking forward to resuming their duties, but may have time available to benefit from an orientation day without the pressures associated with daily school bus driving.

Where ... does it take place?

The program can take place at a school, bus bay or other location which can accommodate school buses and has seating and possible audio-visual facilities available.

Why?

The benefits of a School Bus Driver Orientation Day are that it provides drivers with the opportunity to share and exchange information in an informal way. It can provide new drivers with some effective tools to assist them in carrying out their duties, and is a refresher course for experienced drivers. It provides a forum for drivers to exchange information, tips and best practices in a "support group" environment. It provides opportunities to review procedures and to provide information on the reasons and benefits of these procedures.

For assistance in organizing a School Bus Driver Orientation ...contact local school bus operators, the District School Board, or the Regional Planners of the Ministry of Transportation's Road Safety Marketing Office:

Central Region 416-235-5486

Southwest Region John Warkentin (519) 873-4420

Eastern Region Paul Allore (613) 545-4608

Northern Region Jeff Griffith (705) 497-5453

Northwest Region Tom Marinis (807) 473-2198