News
Insurance is a vital tool for student transporters to protect their student riders as well as their investments from the foreseable as well as unimaginable, such as a tornado as pictured to the left. But even more important are trusted procedures and driver training.
There’s Nothing Accidental About Proper Risk Management
WRITTEN BY BARB FASING W
hen a school bus acci- dent occurs, it’s often just that—an unexpect- ed and unintentional
course of events leading to some kind of road collision. Other times they are not so accidental, as the crashes are a direct result of risky behavior on the part of one or more motorists. Or possibly inclement weather contributed to the crash. Perhaps a bus maintenance issue is to blame. Regardless of the type of event, school bus operators rely on risk management and insurance policies to prepare for school bus damage that runs the gamut of “everyday” to “unthinkable.” Take the April 2014 school bus crash in Anaheim, California with 11 students on board. Five of the children were seriously injured after the bus driver suffered a medical emergency, with the out-of-control vehicle climbing an embankment and crashing into a tree. Tankfully there were no fatalities, due in large part to the presence of lap-shoulder seat belts as mandated by state law. Orange Unified School District had its risk management procedures in place, but Transportation Director Pam McDonald said she still never expected an accident of this magnitude to occur.
22 School Transportation News • APRIL 2017
“Te drivers are all trained properly, they pass health exams and background checks, but in this instance the driver passed out at the wheel,” she explained. Risk management and insurance kicked in immediately. Te NTSB took careful consideration of the mat- ter since the bus was a newer model with no mechanical issues and included three-point seat belts as well as onboard video equipment that aided in the crash investigation. School attorneys promptly became
involved in the investigation by viewing all video footage available. Six months later the first claim was filed. Each family followed suit to receive reimbursement for their children’s injuries. Ten, on Jan. 23 of this year, the district settled with the families for a total of $10 million, with money paid through the school district’s insurance provider. One lesson to be learned by student transporters everywhere is to be prepared for unforeseen occurrences by choosing the best risk management services available and having the recommended minimum in- surance coverage. Local districts may have the freedom to even implement specific insurance requirements that exceed state re- quirements. But another lesson is that it is paramount to be proactive with emergency plans prior to and following events.
“Insurance is used more as a safety
liaison,” said Bill Raab, director of risk control for Glatfelter Public Practice. “Emergency planning before any accident occurs is most important.” Each state has varying regulations outlin- ing the amount of liability coverage required for a school bus. Raab said school districts and contractors must be proactive and preventive in protecting buses and students in case of emergency, such as a policy for moving buses indoors when possible during severe weather conditions, moving to higher elevations during heavy rains or floods, and having contingency plans for any type of imagined crash. Tis includes a procedure for contacting parents as well as documenting all students who are on board at the time. Raab added that there are often gaps in
procedures. Information must be shared from school to school as, “Certainty doesn’t exist.” Proactive risk management includes ensuring driver applicants are properly background checked and that their driving records are carefully inspected, especially noting any DUI convictions or speeding tickets. School bus operators must ensure none of their drivers are included in sexual predator lists. Physicals and health exams are required, but depending on the state, it may not be possible
CELEBRATING25YEARS
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