Driving Under Adverse Weather Conditions

1. Driving Under Adverse Weather Conditions NHTSA School Bus Driver In-Service Safety Series

2. Module Purpose • To review the process for making decisions in an adverse weather situations. • To learn when to anticipate particular kinds of weather.

3. Five Conditions • Slippery roads • Limited visibility • Vehicle control problems • Extreme temperatures • Catastrophic conditions

4. For Each Condition • What causes it • What you should know about it • How you should handle it

5. Before You Head Out • Conduct a CDL pre-trip inspection • Check road and weather conditions • Plan for the unexpected • Remember that you are not in a car • Always have an emergency plan

6. On Your Route Slow Down This is the most important thing to remember when driving in adverse weather conditions.

7. Good Things to Know • What equipment do I have that might help and how do I use it? • What is the right clothing? • What is the correct way to slow down? • How do I listen to the weather report to get the most information from it?

8. Equipment • Strobe lights • Automatic chains • Chains, blocks, and tighteners • Sand release device

9. Clothing • Layers, nothing bulky • Hat with visor • Sunglasses • Gloves with leather palms • Insulated socks • Proper footwear

10. Slowing the Bus • ABS versus non-ABS • Avoid brake fade • Gear down • Use the retarder • Use the brakes • Check tire tread

11. Slippery Roads – Mud • Non-paved wet road • Paved road with excessive mud

12. Slippery Roads – Rain Sprinkles Heavy Downpour

13. Slippery Roads – Ice • Kinds of ice • Icing conditions

14. Slippery Roads – Snow • Types of snow • Snowy conditions

15. Limited Visibility Slight So bad you can see nothing

16. Vehicle Control Problems Handling the school bus in windy situations

17. Extreme Temperatures • Heat • Cold

18. Catastrophic Conditions • Occur without much warning • Require a particular and immediate response from the school bus driver