Page 45 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Accident and Other Reporting Procedures

There are a number of forms and reporting procedures in which drivers must become familiar.
Paperwork should be completed in a timely manner. See a coordinator for assistance if needed
when completing forms.

Vehicular Accidents

When a vehicular accident has occurred the bus driver must do the following:

 Stop the bus immediately
 Activate the four-way emergency flashers
 Put the bus in “N” (Neutral)
 Apply the emergency (parking brake)
 Turn off the ignition
 Account for all students on the bus and do not dismiss students to parents without verification
(by school administrator, supervisor or school police)

Do not give statements to anyone but the law enforcement person responding to the accident,
and the Transportation Department representative. Choose your words carefully!

Location of the Bus after the Accident

 If the bus is in a hazardous location, move it to a safe location. If the bus cannot be moved from
the roadway, the bus driver must display the three emergency reflectors in accordance with state
law and evacuate the bus immediately if students are aboard.
 If the bus is not in a hazardous location, do not move the bus unless directed by your supervisor
or the Police.

Do not leave the scene of an accident until the Police and dispatch have cleared you to do so.

Reporting of Accidents

Report each accident to the area Transportation Facility office immediately via two-way radio. Give
the coordinator the following information:

 Bus code and exact location of the school bus
 Other vehicles involved and their license plate
 Injuries to the bus driver, bus attendant, students, and other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians
 Fatalities
 Extent of damage of the bus, other vehicles, and other property
 If the bus can be safely operated
 If the bus had to be evacuated

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Accident and Other Reporting Procedures