Page 46 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Drug and Alcohol Testing after an Accident

In accordance with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, school bus drivers
must immediately submit to a drug and alcohol testing under the following circumstances:

 The accident involved a fatality
 The school bus drive received a citation
 At least one injured person had to leave the scene of the accident to receive medical attention
 The bus driver received a citation and at least one of the vehicles involved in the accident had to
be towed.**Refer to School Board Policies 3.96 and 3.961**

A Team Leader, Sr. Coordinator or Coordinator must accompany the driver to the drug testing.

School bus drivers shall not drive again until results of the drug and alcohol tests are received by
the Transportation Department should testing occur under DOT regulations. See drug testing tree
in appendix

Complete Vehicle Accident/Incident Report

Accident/Incident Form: Complete and electronically file PBSD #2074 upon return to the assigned
transportation facility. A coordinator will assist the bus driver and bus attendant (if aboard the
bus) to complete the form.

The Investigation/Vehicle Accident Review Board

The Transportation Facility Coordinator will immediately contact the proper law enforcement
agency, and request emergency assistance. Drivers must cooperate with the coordinator, law
enforcement and emergency personnel during the investigation. The bus driver and attendant are
expected to be able to identify by name the students on board during the time of the accident.

Each accident is reviewed by the Vehicle Accident Review Committee (VARC) and is deemed
“preventable” or “non-preventable”. “Preventable” accidents may result in the bus driver’s
removal from driving the bus (taken off the road), and a recommendation for disciplinary action
up to and including termination of employment. Bus Operators will also be assessed points for
preventable accidents in accordance with the Safe Driver Plan.

Accidents Involving Animals

Since the safety and well-being of students and other motorists must come first, the school bus
driver should never make a hard panic stop or swerve to avoid hitting a small animal. If an animal
is killed or injured while transporting students, the bus driver should not stop. The incident is to
be reported immediately to his/her coordinator. If a situation arises in which the bus driver is
uncertain, the coordinator should be called for instructions.

Page 46 of 149
Accident and Other Reporting Procedures