ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 3543

It is the intent of the Board of Education to provide procedures by which problems shall be addressed when atmospheric conditions are severe. In addition, these procedures will give drivers discretionary authority to discontinue driving, if reduced visibility or adverse driving circumstances exist that create hazardous driving conditions.

Hazardous Atmospheric Conditions
(including but not limited to: fog, mist, rain, ice, mud, snow, smoke, dust, and wind)

The procedures to be followed in safe operation of school buses, if severe atmospheric conditions exist shall be as follows:

The driver shall reduce speed and if needed turn on the windshield wipers.

If reduced visibility of 200 feet or less makes it impossible to safely continue driving the vehicle, the driver shall find a safe place to completely exit the roadway and park.

The driver shall communicate with dispatch by radio, informing them of location and conditions. The vehicle shall remain at the location until the conditions allow the driver to again safely drive.

The driver shall tune in the radio to a local all news radio station to assist in determining severity and length of current atmospheric conditions.

If radio communication is unavailable, the driver shall determine the degree of hazardous driving conditions and make the decision to proceed or discontinue driving based on a combination of available information, experience and common sense.

At all times pupil safety shall be the highest priority in any decision made by transportation staff.

March 2, 1993