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Busrepair2
New Member
USA
9 Posts |
 Posted - 02/25/2005 : 1:13:09 PM
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We had a driver that was issued a speeding ticket this morning. The citation is for 50 mph. in a 35 mph. zone. We also had a driver warned (by a police officer) yesterday of driving over the speed limit (41 mph in a 25 mph zone).
Okay the question -- In your opinion -- Should school bus drivers be treated any differently than the normal vehicle driver? |
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Jim
Top Member
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 1:44:31 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Busrepair2
Okay the question -- In your opinion -- Should school bus drivers be treated any differently than the normal vehicle driver?
No, why should they? If they were speeding, they should suffer the same consequences as anyone else. |
Jim |
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buslady-582
Advanced Member
USA
334 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 3:49:35 PM
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YES! They should be penalized more! That bus should be a shining example of safe driving to EVERYONE. I firmly believe that, regardless of the penalty. It REALLY IRKS me to see school bus drivers speeding or other unsafe practices. I cannot imagine what they are thinking. THEY ARE A SCHOOL BUS! Besides our reputation they are tarnishing they are endangering lives. What parent is going to want their child to ride that, or any school bus? It's no wonder some of them worry and complain alot....I've seen what they must have seen...it's scarey.
When I drove city bus in Vegas fines in a school zone were tripled if you were in the bus. Doubled if you were in your car but had a CDL. Atleast that's what the trainer told us. |
Bus Nut
see my " Buster" #582
1994 BB TC2000 http://home.new.rr.com/buslady582/mybus.JPG
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Bus11
Senior Member
United States
170 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 6:36:09 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by buslady-582
YES! They should be penalized more!
YEAH! What she said!!!!!!!!!!!
And - you should probably have a "bit" of time off if they catch you doing something this inane!
C'mon people..............THINK!
MD |
Wandering around the mountains in a 95 Thomas/Ford -
Wishing for a C2 !! |
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IC-RE
Top Member
USA
4117 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 7:33:41 PM
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Absolutley, think about it, that bus is much larger and heavier than any other vehicle around besides 18 wheelers, and if it were necessary for the bus to stop abruptly it would need more time, and possible cause fatal crashes!!!! They need to be suspended |
 bus 1980, a 2008 IC RE 300 for Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, Virginia. |
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Jim
Top Member
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 7:57:53 PM
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| Don't get me wrong, I agree with what you guys said also. I guess I was thinking about the question the wrong way, as in should the bus driver be given "special" treatment just because they are driving a school bus. |
Jim |
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Salaskie
Advanced Member
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2005 : 10:34:53 AM
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| They are treated differently. A speeding ticket in a commercial vehicle carries far worse consequences than in your personal vehicle. |
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CountGirl
Top Member
USA
823 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2005 : 12:45:17 PM
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I agree with buslady and Salaskie. You SHOULD be penalized MORE if you are in a school bus, and I would be inclined as a transportation base manager to slide a suspension without pay your direction for speeding - especially if you had children on that bus. I will settle for a formal warning if it is your first time and you had no children on board, but if you had children on board, I would give you a suspension. You should also be nailed for reckless endangerment if you have students on board, because parents trusted you with their children's LIVES and you endangered them!
Countgirl
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Give me a yellow object. Yes. Right now. I need my yellow chocolate, for goodness sake! |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2005 : 2:11:50 PM
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I'm not gonna buy into the reckless endangerment case, since most likely the buses were still driving safe, minus the speed issue. It would be reckless endangerment if someone got hurt though, due to the speed.
I think the best rule of thumb for a bus is 5 over at the most, depending on conbditions. |
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IC-RE
Top Member
USA
4117 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2005 : 8:47:15 PM
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| one of my drivers received a speeding ticket last year, and now he always goes 7 miles under the speend limit, it could take hours to get home LOL |
bus 1980, a 2008 IC RE 300 for Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, Virginia. |
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rswboe
Top Member
USA
675 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2005 : 11:43:02 AM
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| Ditto Buslady. School & transit buses should be held to a higher standard. |
Live each like it's going to be your last, one day you'll be right! |
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brian.whitta
Senior Member
USA
55 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2005 : 05:19:23 AM
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It's interesting that you asked this question because when I worked in a school district, the police department actually called me and asked if I would object to them issuing a citation to a bus driver. I was quite surprised to have even been asked the question -- of course I said I did not mind - I encouraged it!
There is NO reason for leniency when it comes to someone operating such a large vehicle that transports something so important. I am sure that in many cases, bus drivers are overlooked by law enforcement when speeding, but it really should not happen.
Brian J. Whitta
Office of Pupil Transportation
Ohio Department of Education
quote:
Originally posted by Busrepair2
We had a driver that was issued a speeding ticket this morning. The citation is for 50 mph. in a 35 mph. zone. We also had a driver warned (by a police officer) yesterday of driving over the speed limit (41 mph in a 25 mph zone).
Okay the question -- In your opinion -- Should school bus drivers be treated any differently than the normal vehicle driver?
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Edited by - brian.whitta on 05/11/2005 4:35:51 PM |
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ModMech
Top Member
USA
948 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2005 : 09:43:44 AM
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| If you are operating a SCHOOL BUS in excess of the posted limit (or the safe limit in inclimate weather) you not only SHOULD be tickited, but FIRED. The same goes for other "professional" drivers as well. |
If you want customer service, you NEED an International! |
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Peter
Top Member
USA
1057 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2005 : 2:54:54 PM
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If you are operating a SCHOOL BUS in excess of the posted limit... you not only SHOULD be tickited, but FIRED.
Even on the freeway? I-94 through north Minneapolis at 55 mph? {shiver, shudder} |
Spicer is nicer. |
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JK
Top Member
USA
7307 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2005 : 4:31:04 PM
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| I try to stay a little under the speed limit, especially on routes. Buys a little more time. The number one cause of school bus crashes determined the bus driver's fault are due to distractions caused by misbehaving students. Bus drivers are dealing with more than the usual distractions and need to slow their buses down. (jk) |
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JK
Top Member
USA
7307 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2005 : 4:44:30 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Rich Solano
I'm not gonna buy into the reckless endangerment case, since most likely the buses were still driving safe, minus the speed issue. It would be reckless endangerment if someone got hurt though, due to the speed.
I think the best rule of thumb for a bus is 5 over at the most, depending on conditions.
I agree with Rich Solano, except for ..."best rule of thumb for a bus is 5 over at the most." Getting into a crash while speeding with a school bus, even an accurate 5 miles over, can bring significant consequences, especially when kids are on the bus. The buses need to slow down to at least a little under the speed limit. Some drivers shift down in 30 mph or less speed zones to keep the bus from exceeding the speed limit. Otherwise, it's too easy, especially with the newer buses to exceed the speed limit. There are some kids and a few parents always looking for something to blame on the bus driver - seems dumb to provide ammunition. (jk) |
Edited by - JK on 03/23/2005 4:48:04 PM |
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BlueBird44
Top Member
USA
1639 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2005 : 06:16:26 AM
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I think five miles over the speed limit is okay if the bus is empty.
We have two buses warned latley that cops have reported to us one was going 66 in a 45.
And I forget the speed of the other one but it ended up cutting people off and a concerned citizen called in and complained. Each instance those drivers have gotten warnings about there driving. |
IC-The Golden Shield of School Transportation |
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bustroy
Senior Member
USA
151 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2005 : 06:43:54 AM
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| The laws state. SPEED LIMIT!!! (Follow posted speed) Bottom line.For all vehicles.No matter who you are. |
Driver Trainer |
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bosslady
Advanced Member
USA
336 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2005 : 12:20:02 PM
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On all of our routes, there is no need to speed. There is enough time built in to each routes to be safe and still get in on time. We schedule the routes so that there is time allowed for bad weather, etc. You can "speed" on your route without actually breaking the speed limit. Our roads are mostly rural, which means gravel with a lot of mud in rainy weather and ruts and "washboard" conditions when it dries up. I had a couple of drivers that was driving too fast for the conditions of the roads. I felt that they were also not taking enough time at stops. That"s when loading and unloading accidents happen and accidents that the intersections out in the country which are not marked and many are blind intersections.
This past July, Kansas law raised our speed limit for buses to the posted speed limit. I really had mixed emotions about this. I think this may be a good thing on some interstates to be able to drive a little faster, but the majority of the time, I feel 55 was fast enough.
Everyone watches a bus driver's driving. We MUST be good, safe drivers. We are transporting everyones children. Think how you would feel if someone were not being as careful as they possibly could be with your children or grandchildren. I know my family is my life. I love my children and grandchildren more than anything in this world and I can't imagine losing one of them. If a bus driver is speeding or not driving in a safe manner, then they should be reported by someone. If they are stopped by the law, they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2005 : 12:32:48 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by bosslady
On all of our routes, there is no need to speed. There is enough time built in to each routes to be safe and still get in on time. We schedule the routes so that there is time allowed for bad weather, etc. You can "speed" on your route without actually breaking the speed limit. Our roads are mostly rural, which means gravel with a lot of mud in rainy weather and ruts and "washboard" conditions when it dries up. I had a couple of drivers that was driving too fast for the conditions of the roads. I felt that they were also not taking enough time at stops. That"s when loading and unloading accidents happen and accidents that the intersections out in the country which are not marked and many are blind intersections.
This past July, Kansas law raised our speed limit for buses to the posted speed limit. I really had mixed emotions about this. I think this may be a good thing on some interstates to be able to drive a little faster, but the majority of the time, I feel 55 was fast enough.
Everyone watches a bus driver's driving. We MUST be good, safe drivers. We are transporting everyones children. Think how you would feel if someone were not being as careful as they possibly could be with your children or grandchildren. I know my family is my life. I love my children and grandchildren more than anything in this world and I can't imagine losing one of them. If a bus driver is speeding or not driving in a safe manner, then they should be reported by someone. If they are stopped by the law, they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
On freeways/expressways where regular vehicle traffic is posted to be traveling at 70mph I personally think it is better for a bus to be going around 65 instead of 55 (under normal driving conditions of course). When you are going 55 and the rest of the cars are going 70-75+ you in a way become a road hazard because they are flying up behind you and if traffic is in the other lane they are braking and switching lanes, many times in ways that are very hazardous. The thing that needs to be rememebered when traveling at those speeds in a bus is to keep a large enough following distrance to safely stop the bus, I sometimes have to remind myself to give myself a little extra room. |
If you have an International, you NEED customer service. |
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tess
Senior Member
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2005 : 4:34:37 PM
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| Our mechanic has our buses set for 57 mph top speed. All he does is hook the computer up to it and it sets it. I wish some districts around us would use this. I've been doing 65 mph in my car and have had buses pass me! |
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Peter
Top Member
USA
1057 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2005 : 8:26:13 PM
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| Yes, but what's the speed limit? If the speed limit is 70, a bus doing 57 mph is a serious hazard, endangering its passengers as well as every other motorist on that stretch of road. |
Spicer is nicer. |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2005 : 8:32:19 PM
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| If you think 57 is ridiculous, just look at North Carolina. Their regular school buses are governed at 45. And they still go on Interstates with speed limits WAY higher than that. They have to use their hazard lights. THAT is a serious danger, North Carolina needs to up their governors! |
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tess
Senior Member
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2005 : 10:31:59 AM
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Highway speed for schoolbuses & trucks in Ohio is 55. For cars, 65.
I've seen the buses on NC highways. I think I would find another way around. |
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Nell65
Senior Member
USA
74 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2005 : 10:32:19 AM
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The district my kids go to is notorious about speeding. Yet, no one ever tickets them. Who knows why. We have a posted speed limit of 25mph and the buses fly through our 800 foot long road. There is NO reason to speed so fast when you hit the brake for a stop the bus nose dives in the front. Forget about complaining-it falls on deaf ears-the secretary at the office has no people skills and no messages ever get to the supervisor. This same district has been known to have drivers that have problems with the law too.
Now the district I drove for, they were very strict about it. If you got a ticket, you had to report it immediately and face a suspension or be fired depending on the amount of points you recieved. The police regularly followed buses and the tach sheets turned in were always looked at. If ONE parent called to complain about a driver speeding, they'd pull out the records to verify it. And they'd give you a earful if they saw that you were. No excuses.
Nell |
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bus92dvr
Active Member
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2005 : 09:09:01 AM
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| Absolutely not!!! We are supposed to be models on the road. We are carrying very special cargo, how are we supposed to be treated differently. There are many accidents involving school buses, and some of them are not nice. I believe they should be fined and depending on the offense, terminated. There should be a "zero-tolerance" rule in effect in every city, town, county, or district. |
I may not be driving a school bus in West Virginia, but my heart is driving one in Virginia Beach. |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2005 : 09:30:50 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by bus92dvr
Absolutely not!!! We are supposed to be models on the road. We are carrying very special cargo, how are we supposed to be treated differently. There are many accidents involving school buses, and some of them are not nice. I believe they should be fined and depending on the offense, terminated. There should be a "zero-tolerance" rule in effect in every city, town, county, or district.
We are transporting Children not "special cargo" lots of cargo can be considered special depening on who it's being delivered to. Not trying to attack you for saying that just something you might want to consider. While I don't always agree with everything JK says I think he's right on this one, we're not truckers. |
If you have an International, you NEED customer service. |
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80-RE4
Top Member
USA
5700 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2005 : 7:03:24 PM
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I'm sorry to admit this guys, but I've been guilty of speeding, I can't tell a lie. (I've never been stopped or warned) I've gone about 10 MPH over the limit a few times but that's as far as I'll go. 90 % of the time I stick to the speed limit, give or take 5.
The police around here usually don't stop anyone until you've OVER 10, more like 11-15. |
Edited by - 80-RE4 on 04/22/2005 7:05:09 PM |
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IC-RE
Top Member
USA
4117 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2005 : 7:50:16 PM
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| while I don;t agree with that Amtran RE # 4, I do think it is important for the driver to pace traffic so long as it is not an outrageous speed. |
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Sam
Advanced Member
United States
390 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2005 : 7:38:46 PM
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| You guys have buses that go that fast? :) Yes, I think all drivers, regardless of what they are driving, should be held to the same standard. It has always been "suggested" to me that while driving a bus to go under the speed limit. (I'm sure that endears me to everyone who has ever been stuck behind a bus, eh?) |
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YardBird
Advanced Member
USA
427 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2005 : 2:09:40 PM
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Yes, they are treated differently in most places.
School bus drivers are usually held to a higher standard than automobile operators, just by the nature of their job.
At my terminal-you get caught speeding in a bus and you don't drive here anymore. |
Sure! I'll pick your kid up closer to the house... Widen your front door!
"I LOOOOOVE MY UNION!" |
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vaoverland
Advanced Member
USA
225 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2005 : 8:56:56 PM
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In Virginia, the speed limit for school buses was raised to 55 on Interstate Highways where the speed limit had been raised back up to 65 a few years ago. On other highways, where max speed is generally 55, it is still 45 for school buses. We have added roof-mounted strobe lights to improve visibility to other motorists. All of this is an attempt to not have a great difference in speeds, but still keep school buses a little slower than maximum speed traffic. We also have four tailights on public school buses, rather than only two common in some other states.
Also, in Virginia, no one with 2 moving violations in the past year (speeding or other violations) is supposed to be allowed to drive a school bus. This makes more sense than only considering speeding offenses, since disregarding a red light or stop sign, for example, can be just as hazardous, or even more so. |
Wayne's Lifeguard in 1973 was a safety design and building concept ahead of its time and regulation. I am proud to have helped bring over 2,000 of them into Virginia during my career. I know they saved some lives.
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/WayneBusEnthusiasts/
Mark Fisher, semi-retired school bus driver, pupil transportation supervisor, contractor, and school bus body dealer, Williamsburg, VA |
Edited by - vaoverland on 05/01/2005 8:58:00 PM |
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brian.whitta
Senior Member
USA
55 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2005 : 4:38:21 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by tess
Highway speed for schoolbuses & trucks in Ohio is 55. For cars, 65.
I've seen the buses on NC highways. I think I would find another way around.
This is correct, Tess, but on the turnpike, school buses CAN travel at 65MPH. The speed limit on the Ohio Turnpike is set by the Turnpike Commission and because of this, school buses can travel at 65 ONLY on the Ohio turnpike.
Brian Whitta
Ohio Dept of Education |
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Topic |
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Speeding buses
