HOW TO AVOID HAZARDS WHILE GETTING YOUR CHILD TO AND FROM SCHOOL?

When kids come to your school or child care program every day, do you think about how they arrived or how they will go back home safely? Whether a child is elated in a vehicle, carpool, bus, or walks to school, there are safety issues to keep in mind. Let's look at some basic transportation safety rules you can share with your children, their parents, and your own generation. Driver Qualificationsrnall drivers in a nursery teachers training institute should have a present license to drive a precise type of vehicle; for instance bus drivers should have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). In addition, all drivers should have a good driving record; a criminal background performed, and attends regular vehicle and driving training. Drivers should not use alcohol within 12 hours prior to transporting children or use prescription drugs that could weaken their ability to drive. Use of prohibited drugs should be firmly prohibited. rnAccording to distance learning ecce since safe transportation of children is a driver's top priority, potential distractions should be avoided. When you transport children: •Know where you are going. Don't try to read a map or instructions once the vehicle is in motion. •Avoid cellular phone use. •Avoid loud or distracting music or other noises. Not only can these be distracting, they can prevent you from hearing rnoutside sounds such as approaching emergency vehicles or train whistles. •Do not eat or drink. •Always check both ways at railroad crossings, even those with flashers and safety gates. •Keep the vehicle clean and store items securely. •Do not allow pets in the vehicle. •Teach children safe riding practices. They should stay buckled in their seats, keep conversation to a moderate level, and know not to hit others or throw objects. rnThe VehiclernAll vehicles should be equipped with seat-belts (this requirement will soon include busses), inspected on a yearly basis, and have regular maintenance checks that include an oil change, tire inspection, and brake service. Drivers should be trained to perform pre-drive, daily inspections and to report any problems or 'funny noises' with the vehicle. Vehicles should have working heat and air conditioning and should be heated or cooled before any children are loaded. rnLoading and UnloadingrnDuring loading and unloading, the vehicle should be in park, with the brake set, and the motor off. Park where children can go to and from the vehicle without crossing traffic areas or parking lots, and be sure there is someone on the ground to assist children during loading and unloading.For daily transport of children, designate safe pick up and drop off points and inform the parents. The parent or other responsible adult should stay with the child until the child boards, and be there again to meet the child after school.rnCount Headsrnbefore beginning any trip, count children to be sure you didn't leave anyone behind or on the vehicle. When transporting for field trips, count children as they leave the school, in the vehicle, as they exit vehicle, and inside the designated building or area. Walk through and check all seats to be sure a child isn't 'hiding' from you, or sleeping in a back seat. rnRoutingrnTransportation routes should minimize children's travel time; no more than one hour per one- way trip. When planning trips, avoid routes that require the vehicle to make a 'U' turn or back up. Plan stops to minimize traffic disruptions, give the driver a good field of view, and eliminate the need for children to cross a street or highway.rnIn Case of EmergencyrnBefore transporting children, drivers or attendants should have with them a file containing all essential information on each child, as well as authorizations and contact information. All drivers should know and keep in the vehicle the quickest route to the nearest hospital from any point on their route. Vehicle emergency equipment includes a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and seat belt cutter.