School Transportation Safety Training Topics
Bullying Advanced - 3 hrs.
Includes a 2-hour documentary highlighting bullying incidents in an Iowa school district, with an emphasis on school bus incidents, followed by a transportation-specific PowerPoint presentation that provides strategies for identifying and managing bullying situations. Ideal for in-service days or extended safety meetings.
Bullying Basics - 1 hr.
A transportation-specific PowerPoint presentation that discusses bullying on the school bus and offers practical strategies for addressing and managing it.
Complacency - Do You Have Time For It? - 1 hr.
This program examines how complacency and routine can negatively affect driver performance. It explains how complacency develops, how to recognize it, and ways transportation personnel can avoid dangerous habits behind the wheel.
Customer Service - 45 min.
This program explores how transportation staff interact with students, parents, and school personnel as customers. It focuses on communication techniques and highlights statements and behaviors that can unintentionally create student behavior issues and stress for transportation employees. [
Hijacked School Bus - 1 hr.
This program begins with the TSA's "School Transportation Security Awareness" video, which depicts a school bus hijacking. It is followed by a discussion and tips on keeping drivers and students safe during transportation, and it briefly addresses active shooter situations.
Human Trafficking - 45 min.
This program reviews the warning signs of human trafficking, discusses what drivers should watch for when transporting students, and explains appropriate reporting procedures when concerns arise. This program does not meet CDL certification requirements. (Tip: January is human trafficking awareness month.)
Iowa School Bus Fire - What Can and Did Go Wrong - 1 hr.
This program reviews the NTSB investigation into the December 12, 2017 school bus fire in Oakland, Iowa, that resulted in the deaths of both the driver and a student passenger. The presentation examines contributing factors and lessons learned from the tragedy. (Mitch Mellick or Keith Dreiling present this)
Kahoot - Back by Popular Demand - Test Your School Bus Knowledge - 45 min.
Participants use their cellphones to answer school transportation safety questions in an interactive competition. The program tracks scores from the top three participants in each district throughout the school year, with a statewide champion receiving a trophy.
Kansas School Bus Driver Basics - 1 hr.
This program reviews Kansas laws, regulations, and driver responsibilities related to student transportation. It helps ensure drivers understand their legal obligations and the requirements necessary for safe school transportation.
Medical Self-Certification- Understanding Category 1 and 2 - 30-45 min.
This program explains medical self-certification requirements, helps drivers determine the correct certification category, and discusses how proper self-certification can prevent CDL issues or suspensions. Drivers may also verify their certification status during the session.
Moving Safely Around the School Bus - 30 min.
Designed for all school staff, this program explains how school employees can support student transportation safety. It reviews state laws, best practices, and common mistakes that can place students at risk around school buses and loading areas.
Power Struggles - To Win or Not To Win - 1 hr.
This program explains how drivers can avoid and respond effectively to power struggles with students. It provides practical behavior-management techniques and strategies to reduce disciplinary issues on the school bus.
Pre-Trip Inspection - 1 hr.
This PowerPoint presentation uses photographs and detailed explanations to review the components of a proper pre-trip inspection and what drivers should be looking for when inspecting their school bus.
Railroad Crossing Tips - 45 min.
This refresher program reviews federal and state railroad-crossing requirements for school bus drivers and highlights best practices for approaching and crossing railroad grades.
Safe Loading & Unloading - Do You Practice It? - 1 hr.
This program discusses proper techniques for drivers and students when loading and unloading the school bus. It also reviews nationwide danger zone fatality statistics and emphasizes the importance of following proper loading and unloading procedures.
Smoke Bus - Planning for Emergencies - Advanced - 2 hrs.
This program is an in-depth PowerPoint covering a variety of emergency situations school bus drivers may encounter, including inclement weather. It includes a smoke bus simulation and requires a school bus parked near an electrical source. Students cannot participate in the smoke simulation.
Smoke Bus - Planning for Emergencies - Basic - 1.5 hrs.
This program focuses primarily on school bus fires and includes a smoke bus simulation. It begins with a supporting PowerPoint presentation and concludes with the hands-on simulation. A school bus parked near an electrical source is required. Students cannot participate in the smoke simulation.
