I’m coming from. I know this is a contest atmosphere and, while there are many impressive drivers witnessed, let’s just say there’s room for improvement. Many times I hear from the drivers, “Well, I do it this way” or “We were taught that way.” Te TSA’s Highway Passenger Secu-
rity School Bus brochure available at
www.stnonline.com/go/793 includes a section on the pre-trip and should be made available to each driver. Tese are common-sense suggestions that must be incorporated in today’s world with an emphasis on being vigilant. I also sug- gest we all refer to this task in print as “Pre/Post and Security Inspection.” Some items of note are:
Air Brake Check (2-3-60-45) 2: PSI of air loss in one minute with
parking brake off (wheels need to be chocked, full air, engine off) 3: PSI of air loss in one minute with
parking brake off (brake pedal depressed, full air, engine off) 60: PSI of air — warning light/buzzer
when reached (brake pedal depressed on and off, engine off and key in accessory position) 45 Seconds: max time PSI build up
from 85 to 100 PSI (at a slightly higher idle 1,500 to 1,800 RPMs; do not max out the throttle) Tese of course are just some of the
numbers, checks and instructions, but they provide a simplified starting point. Power Steering: With the engine run-
ning, check for excessive play by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed 10 degrees (or about two inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves. Sug- gest also vigorously rocking the steering wheel left and right (15 percent) and use the feel method to detect play at the center point. What I have also found to be effective is, under a controlled environment maintenance staff, creat- ing a steering defect (worn linkage) and having the drivers perform these tests hands on. Time: I have performed and videoed
myself performing a pre-trip and complet- ed it in 8 1/2 minutes (Type C air brake). Time will increase if the bus is wheelchair-
www.stnonline.com 27
equipped and depending on the driver’s physical condition. Post-Trip: A simple review of the driv-
er’s account of how the vehicle performed and MOST importantly a simple walk through for any passenger(s) left behind. Supervision: Without a doubt this is
the most important key to a successful program — management should routine-
ly observe and act upon results. Driver reports should also be reviewed for accu- racies (most important in accidents). Regardless of how safe and good a driv-
er you may be, if your bus is unsafe, your driving will be unsafe. ■
Scesny is a retired lead inspector with the New York State Department of Transportation.
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