Page 31 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Driving on an Interstate (I-95 for example)

When driving on the I-95 expressway, drive in the right lanes. Use of the left lane is prohibited.
Use center lanes to overtake slow moving vehicles or when defensive driving conditions warrant
it.

Driving on Multi-Lane Streets

Use the right or center lanes. Use of the left lane is prohibited, except when preparing to make a
left turn by getting into the left lane or left turn lane.

Intersections/Bus Spacing

When executing turns at major intersections with dashes, stay between the dashes; turn into the
lane you are turning from. When there are multiple turn lanes, make the left turn from the outside
turn lane. Right turns should be made from the farthest left turn lane.

 Before entering all major intersections:
 Take your foot off the accelerator
 Cover the brake pedal
 Slow down
 Perform a visual safety scan of the intersection before entering it
 Look left
 Look right
 Look left again
 Resume speed after clearing the intersection.

Never enter an intersection if you cannot clear the intersection.

Bus Driver must separate his/her bus from other school buses when in motion and at intersections.
Bus Drivers must not tailgate, or travel in packs or convoys (Note: Convoys are permitted during
emergency evacuations).

 At intersections, the Operator behind a stopped bus or vehicle shall be able to see the rear
wheels of that bus or vehicle meet the pavement. It the rear wheels cannot be seen, the bus is
too close.
 At intersections, if you approach a bus with students aboard either bus, the approaching bus shall
stop behind the stopped bus according to Rule 8a. (Florida State Statutes), or stop in a parallel
lane at a distance not less than 10 feet from the rear bumper of the stopped bus
 When in motion, Operators shall separate their bus from the rear bumper of the bus or vehicle
immediately in front of them by using the 4-second following distance rule. Following distances
should be increased beyond the 4-second rule at dawn or dusk, and in darkness or bad weather
 On school grounds, school buses in motion should maintain a minimum of 100 feet vehicle
separation between buses (recommended by the state Department of Education).

Page 31 of 149
Defensive Driving Procedures