SPECIAL REPORT
few different brands this year, and we finally found one that worked really well.” And, similar to Johnson at Horseheads CSD, Kalispell
also acquired several gasoline-powered buses. “We deal with diesel fuel jelling up in colder temperatures, [so we] use a product called 911 that melts the wax in diesel. You can also buy diesel with less paraffin,” Doolan recom- mended.
Doolan explained that “We did purchase two gas buses
when we started having trouble with diesel buses in the winter, and it’s true, gas buses start much easier and warm up much faster.” The district, which has 24 total buses, is also inves-
tigating the pros and cons of a propane-fueled bus. Doolan said the school board will make a final decision on if it moves away from traditional gasoline. When it comes to the final word on weather-related
communication strategies, Johnson said he believes the best approach includes reaching beyond internal staff and visiting other districts to see how they prepare for weather. “Everybody does things a little bit differently. And you
kind of find what works for you,” Johnson acknowl- edged. “I’m an advocate of always learning,” he stressed. Then there is the issue of what can become a staid sta-
tus quo in your department. Johnson and Doolan agreed that it is important to combat potential complacency that comes with predictable weather cycles. “You could have the same weather three or four years
in a row and be right. Then you just have a whopper of a winter or heat wave that has never happened before. You just have to be prepared for anything,” Johnson said. “There’s a reason why school buses are safer than any motor transportation; it’s because we’re always striving to be safer.”
Doolan said she strives to keep training sessions
fresh and informative for even long-time drivers. “I try to make it new to hold everyone’s attention,” she com- mented. She also urged peers across the country to remember the simplest advice when it comes to bad weather. “What works best for our drivers is just a reminder to
slow down. It’s really basic, I know. But a lot of people are relying on drivers to be on time, and the drivers worry about kids waiting outside in the winter and getting them to school on time,” she concluded. “So, we just remind everyone to slow down,” she cau-
tioned. “If it’s a bad day and you’re a little bit late, that’s OK. Everyone’s fine with it, as long as you arrive safely to school and home.” ●
Buck’s Since 1951
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment “We are the school bus parts specialists”
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment is your #1 source for School Bus Parts. Buck’s Wheel supplies all your major bus parts including Switches, Lights, Seats, Seat Covers, Bluebird, Tomas and also International parts. Please contact your sales representative for any further details and shipping.
Service Dept. • Collision Center • Parts Dept. • Spring Shop Serving the Industry for Over 65 Years.
5101 North Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76179
www.buckswheel.com
18 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2019
Bucks_0718_HH.indd 1
Phone: 817-332-1228 Toll Free: 800-792-1011
6/6/18 11:08 AM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
