Have you ever thought how weather can affect school buses?
Hi. Before I became a student delivery specialist, I never gave a single thought about buses on bad days or sunny days.
Weight varies for different types of large, heavy vehicles.. The weight of most standard school buses; 23,000–29,000 lbs (Type C), or up to 36,000 lbs for larger vehicles Type D transit-style buses. That’s a lot of weight. A bus of these sizes can not stop on a dime. The Kansas CDL handbook is available for anyone to read.
This explains the amount of time to stop on good weather and road conditions. Imagine a foggy morning like the featured image above. The houses, barns and farm animals can not be seen. Thankfully on this particular morning no one was in front of me or behind. Snow and ice everyone knows is a hazard for all drivers. However, gravel roads can cause sliding even taking the vehicle into a ditch. Mud is another driving hazard. Some gravel roads are nothing but sloppy mud.
What about beautiful, sunny weather?
Let’s talk about the sunny, beautiful days. It’s fun zipping around town with the windows down music playing loud. Did you ever have a day like that? Any one of those times was there a semi on the same road? When you and the semi approach a yellow stop light, have you ever switched lanes right in front of that semi? Let me tell you, if you have done this, you are a hazard to the semi. The semi would win if you do not give it time to stop. Reference the heavy vehicle formula above. Please remember not to cut in front of a heavy vehicle. Give them plenty of space when you pass.
Driving a bus has its advantages. Young mothers can take their child/ren while the route is run. At the district I work for, I spend two hours in the morning. That consists of starting the bus, picking up students and dropping them off at school. For the afternoon route, it takes right at an hour. When kids are school aged, you have the same school/work schedule. Now for the seniors, it’s wonderful. PTO does not have to be used for doctor appointments. Just putting this out there. Seems everywhere bus drivers are needed.
Take care and best wishes.
Debra Ellen
This is a great post with useful information! We’ve had a few foggy days, and you’re completely right—visibility was extremely poor. I can usually see the cows on the hill we drive past, but during the fog, we couldn’t see them at all. You’re also absolutely correct about the dangers of changing lanes and stopping in front of a semi at a traffic light. I witnessed a close call when someone did just that! Thank you for sharing this post with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
You are most welcome, Steph. I never thought about the length of a bus or semi, let alone about the weight of vehicles. They can’t stop on a dime!
It was nice seeing you here. Stop by anytime!
Have a fun week.
All the best.