WORK LESSON PLAN
Driver Instructor
TITLE OF LESSON:
MANAGING YOUR SPACE THROUGH
REFERENCE POINT DRIVING
OBJECTIVES OF LESSON: The student will be able to:
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5.
Define and identify reference points.
Identify the turning points of different buses.
Explain pivot points.
Describe the backing process.
Describe what tail swing is and how the swing could affect your
turns.
6. Describe the importance of tracking with mirrors.
7. What is the most important tool the driver has available to them?
EQUIPMENT FOR LESSON:
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Computer and projector
Overhead projector
Transparencies
Bus
Cones
When you load the Reference Point folder on your desktop, do not remove any of the files
from the folder. Do not rename any of the files. Simply open the ppt .from the folder and
proceed.
1. INTRODUCTION:
Title Slide 1
We utilize reference point driving every day in our own private cars. Some examples of using
reference points would be: parallel parking, right or left hand turns and lane travel. Perhaps the
reference points in your private vehicle have not been verbalized, however, you are utilizing
them or you would not be able to negotiate in today’s traffic.
Managing your space is a relatively simple concept until you try to maneuver a thirty five (35) to
forty (40) foot school bus around a ninety (90) degree turn. We need to realize what we do with
the front of the bus will greatly affect the rear of the bus and is a little more complex then just
turning a corner.
Reference point driving is a skill and technique for successfully maneuvering any size vehicle in
and out of traffic situations.
Slide 2
We will be covering how reference points impact the success or failure of turning a forty (40)
foot vehicle. We will also be discussing preparation for a turn, negotiating a turn, and reentering the traffic pattern smoothly and safely. In addition, we will look at successfully backing
into a stall and backing to a line, as well as aligning up to a curb. We will discuss how the bus
will pivot, and how and why managing tail swing of your bus is so important. Lastly, the proper
adjustment and utilization of the most important tools on your bus, the mirrors. These skills,
once acquired, should be maintained and improved with daily practice.
1. PRESENTATION:
Washington State Statistics:
Slide 3
These statistics are compiled by the Washington State Patrol on an annual basis. The following
reflects the most common school bus related, driver at fault collisions for the 2004 school year.
1. Failure to yield: this is comprised of pulling out into traffic and tail swing collisions.
2. Inattention: these stats are of bus drivers that are distracted or simply not paying
attention to what is going on around them.
Helpful Hint
Slide 4
Trainer Tool Kit
When doing behind the wheel training some of the tools to have on hand could be:
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Dry erase marker (bright color); the marker is useful to number your mirrors, draw
diagrams on the window or mark an inside reference point for the driver. Note: make
sure not to use a permanent marker.
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Brightly colored yarn or colored construction ribbon: Use this as a visual line of sight to
help establish the reference point. Example: Driver mirror to the ground behind the back
bumper.
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Bright colored clothes pins: Useful to mark the reference point on the black rubber wheel
well molding.
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Dry erase board (small): To draw a diagram giving the trainee another visual.
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Tape measure: Useful for marking out the serpentine, back-in stall and/or showing the
trainee the wheel base measurements of the buses they will be driving and also measuring
the tail swing.
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Flashlight: To specifically point out lines and reference point locations to the driver.
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Bag: This will help keep you organized and is always ready when you train behind the
wheel.
Proper Seat Adjustment and Posture:
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Slide 5
Adjust the driver seat so the height of the seat allows the thighs to be horizontal and the
feet flat on the floor.
The driver’s seat placement has a back incline of about twenty degrees, which is further
then the vertical that has previously been in commercial vehicles.
Adjust the backrest so it supports the curvature of the spine.
Seat cushions should be firm and not soft.
Try to modify your seat with such things as lumbar pillows to provide support for your
lower back.
The head should be straight and balanced over the spine while looking forward.
Elbows should be bent at ninety degrees when the hands are on the steering wheel.
Reference Points:
Slide 6
Reference points are points on the bus which are in the direct line of sight (LOS) between the
driver’s eye and a point located outside the bus. Many factors go into establishing a
reference point. Reference points vary from vehicle to vehicle and are as individual as the
driver.
Slide 7,8,9
Factors that enter into establishing reference points:
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seat position
driver height
speed of the vehicle
vehicle type
vehicle turning radius
wheelbase
speed at which the steering wheel is turned
Buses with a longer wheelbase take more time and distance to turn than those with a shorter
wheelbase. Also, transit style buses have their front wheels behind the driver while conventional
buses have their wheels forward of the driver.
As you can see with the variations we have briefly outlined, behind the wheel practice is
essential in order to set the correct reference points for the individual driver in the different style
buses they will be driving.
Turning Point
Slide 10
The turning point occurs once the reference point inside the bus and target point outside the bus
are in the line of sight (LOS) for the driver. At that point the steering wheel is rapidly turned
100% to the left or right depending on the direction of the turn.
Each vehicle has turning points. It is essential that drivers be familiar with the turning points of
the bus they are driving. The exact turning point is as individual as the driver and the type and
style of bus they are driving. Mastering this skill will allow the driver the ability to turn and
maneuver the bus through any type of situation that develops.
Steering and Turning
Slide 11
The push-pull or hand-over-hand methods of steering is encouraged for this maneuver, no
palming. Hand position should be 10 – 2 or 9 – 3; whatever is the most comfortable for the
driver. Hands should be placed on the rim of the steering wheel, not on the cross bar. Be sure
your thumbs are on top of the steering wheel and not hooked around the wheel. If you hit the
curb or pothole, the steering wheel could pull away from your hands unless you have a good
solid grip.
Mirror Tracking
Slide 12 & 13
Anyone can maneuver the front axle of a bus around a turn, but it takes a professional to bring
the rear axle around the turn safely. Proper utilization and adjustment of the mirror system is
vital; you have to know how to adjust the mirrors properly and when and where to look. Having
the mirror system in the correct adjustment allows the driver the optimum visibility set forth in
FMVSS 111 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards). The driver should be able to sit in the
seat and quickly evaluate what adjustments, if any, need to made. It is also important for the
driver to be able to distinguish the difference between direct vision and indirect vision.
Example: When making a turn, the driver’s primary focus is on the direction the front of the bus
is going-this is direct vision. The driver needs to be trained to continually glance at the rear axle
and bumper on both sides of the bus; this would be indirect vision, tracking the complete turning
process utilizing the mirror system. Statistics show the greatest number of collisions occurs in
turning because of improper mirror use, distractions, poor judgment, and not tracking the bus
through the complete turning process.
With every maneuver there is a primary and secondary mirror the driver will need to focus on.
Example: Right hand turn, mirror #5 will be the primary mirror for tracking the right rear axel of
the bus. Periodic glances at mirrors #1 and #2, checking for tail swing, will become the
secondary mirrors for the driver during this maneuver. For the left hand turn, mirror #2 would
be the primary mirror and mirrors #4 and #5 would become the secondary mirrors.
Mirrors themselves can create blind spots and can block your view. The last two school bus
related fatalities in our state were directly associated with the view obstruction caused by the
mirrors themselves. Teach your drivers to rock and roll and look behind the obstruction.
Helpful Hint
Numbering the mirrors with a dry erase marker will allow you to specifically direct your trainee
to look where you want them to focus during the maneuvering process.
Pivot Points
Slides 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
The pivot point is the point where the rear axle will pivot or starts to turn during a right or left
hand turn. When the bus is rolling forward, the pivot point will be just in front of the rear axle.
When the bus is moving backwards or in reverse, the pivot point will be just behind the rear axle.
When making a turn, the rear wheels will not follow the same path as the front wheels. This is
called tracking. Tracking is where the rear wheels are cutting across the arc of the front wheels.
When traveling at slow speeds the rear wheels will track inside the front wheels while turning.
When traveling at a high rate of speed the rear wheels will track outside the front tires. The latter
is critical as this is the point where the bus has exceeded the critical speed of the turn.
When displaying video, you can use the mouse to stop the video in various places to accent
the tail swing display. One click will stop it and then one click will restart it. Do not use the
space bar as this will advance the slide and not stop the video.
Tail Swing
Slides 19 through 26
When you turn the bus hard in one direction, an opposite reaction takes place at the rear end of
your bus. The length of the bus body behind the rear axle determines the tail swing. The greater
the distance from the rear axle to the back bumper the greater the tail swings. This is an area that
is most neglected during the turning process. This is because the primary focus while making a
turn is placed on the direction the bus is turning rather than the back end of the bus. This is why
tail swing collisions occur, the bus’ rear end encroaches into the adjacent lane of travel and is
hitting parked cars, stop signs, light poles, etc.
WAC 392-145-025 (7)
Slide 27
All ninety (90) degree turns are to be made at ten (10) miles per hour or less.
Right & Left Turns
The approach and set up for making a right or left hand ninety (90) degree turn is absolutely
critical and one of the primary factors determining the success of the turn. Turns need to be
approached as if the bus would continue straight through the intersection. Do not angle the bus
in the direction you want to turn. Align the bus three (3) to five (5) feet parallel to the curb or
leading edge of the road, head straight until the reference point on the bus and the target point on
the road intersect, at that point turn 100% to the right or left. Another reference for the driver to
use to set up for a turn could be to align the bus parallel six (6) inches away from the center line
of the roadway. This set up would be for transit style buses. If driving a conventional bus you
would have to be conscious of the potential for tail swing.
Right Reference Points
Slides 28 - 38
Imagine an extension of the line of sight where the curb line intersects with the right side of the
bus. Reference points on the bus could be around the corner window molding, door window
molding, dash area, or windshield post. To help establish a reference point, start with the service
door area and work toward the dash to locate your reference point for the type of bus you are
driving. If the bus you are driving is quick to turn, the starting place in locating a reference point
would be the service door area. For the longer turning buses, the reference point would be on the
dash area or the corner window molding. To help the driver establish their references, practice
and master this process several times before moving on. Once again for the right hand turn,
mirror #5 will be the priomary mirror for tracking the right rear axel of the bus. Periodic glances
at mirrors #1 and #2; by checking for tail swing would become the secondary mirrors for the
driver during this maneuver
Left Reference Points
Slides 39,40 & 41
Travel straight until the front bumper is even with the center of the lane prior to the lane you
want to turn into. For a shorter turning bus, the front bumper will appear to be lining up with the
line prior to the lane you wish to turn into. Another example for slower turning buses would be
to look for the center of the lane prior to the lane you are turning into. Once again for the left
hand turn, mirror #2 would be the primary mirror and mirrors #4 and #5 would become the
secondary mirrors.
Serpentine
Slides 42, 43
The focus of this exercise is to train the driver to utilize the entire mirror system while backing
the bus. It will help the driver establish the reference points for the center of the rear axle on
both sides of the bus while giving the driver the feel for the dimensions of the vehicle. Depth
perception plays a very important role in this exercise as the trainer will quickly be able to
identify any discrepancies and make recommendations to the driver. Examples of where the
driver needs to be looking will be the bulge of the rear duals at ground level, or the top center of
the wheel well molding. They may also spot a rivet that gives them this reference to help them
identify the center of the axle. You may demonstrate this by setting cones on either side of the
duals and allow the driver to pull forward and back up to the reference several times on both
sides. This will be significantly more difficult on the passenger side of the vehicle. Once
placing the cones out for the driver to maneuver through, the driver can sight in on the cone and
drive directly to it keeping the duals approximately two (2) inches from the base. Mirror usage
for this exercise will be #1, #2 #3and #4, #5 and #6 depending on the direction you are backing.
Backing
Slides 44,45,46 & 47
The importance of this objective is two fold:
1. Establish the dimensions of the vehicle
2. Maneuver the vehicle into a parking space or park the bus within a foot from
an obstacle with out hitting it.
Establishing a reference point for the rear bumper of your bus is not as difficult as it may sound,
however mirror usage is critical. Once again this is where depth perception plays a significant
role.
Example: While sitting in the driver seat in a normal driving position have a helper back the bus
so the rear bumper appears to be sitting on top of the leading edge of the parking line. You will
be looking for a reference point on the driver’s side of the bus. Example, 2/3 of the way up the
forward edge of the rear wheel well molding. Another reference point could be the bottom stop
paddle light point which appears to be sitting on the leading edge of the parking line. Another
reference could be a rivet on the side of the bus or on the stop paddle bracket.
Curb Alignment
Slides 48,49,50 & 51
Often as bus drivers we find we need to pull the bus up to a curb for loading or off loading
students. Given the fact we do this multiple times daily, this procedure can take a toll on the
tires while being unsafe for our students if we don’t position the bus correctly. We will learn
how to avoid hitting the curb while bringing the bus close enough to the curb so children can
easily step from the bus to the sidewalk. The goal is to keep the bus four (4) inches away from
the curb.
Example: To sight this reference point in, start with the center of the hood on a conventional
bus. For transit styled buses, sight in along the dash area, center post, just to the left of the wiper
blade or defroster fan. The latter two examples will be different from bus to bus. A couple of
other examples of reference points would be; the front wheel well molding or the fender skirt.
These will appear to be riding on the leading edge of the curb. If there is no molding, use the lug
nut - they too will appear to ride the leading edge of the curb. While moving forward slowly,
double check your cross over mirrors and focus back onto your reference point.
SUMMARY:
Reference point driving is an acquired skill and technique that should be learned and perfected
by our school bus driver trainers and drivers for turning the bus. Going from an average size
vehicle to a school bus of thirty five (35) to forty (40) feet requires much attention to negotiate
through daily obstacles. The driver must learn to prepare for the turn, negotiate the turn, and reenter the traffic pattern smoothly and safely. Steering the front of the bus is not difficult,
however this seems to be where the primary focus of turning is. We need to realize that what we
do with the front of the bus will greatly affect the rear of the bus. Bus drivers and trainers should
be well versed and skilled in reference point driving skills and techniques. These skills, once
acquired, should be maintained and improve with daily practice. Today we have thoroughly
covered the following maneuvers:
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1V.
Reference Point’s
Steering & Turning
Turning Point’s
Pivot Point’s
Tail Swing
Tracking with Mirrors
Right Hand Turns
Backing to a Line
Left Hand Turns
Curb Alignment
Serpentine Backing
Backing into a Stall
Mirror Adjustment
EVALUATION:
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7.
Define and identify reference points.
Describe possible turning points of different styles of buses.
Give the definition of pivot points.
Describe the process for backing to a line.
Describe what tail swing is and how the swing could affect turning.
Give the definition of mirror tracking.
What is the most useful tool for successfully managing your space?
Answers:
1. Right hand turn references could be the dash area, corner window molding or the service
door area and are as individual as the driver.
2. This would depend on the wheel base of the bus. A short wheel base bus would turn
earlier than a long wheel base bus.
3. This is where the rear axle walks around a corner, if you are going forward the pivot
point would be just before the rear axle, in reverse the pivot would be just behind the rear
axle.
4. Backing to a line, the back bumper reference, could be 2/3 of the way up the rear wheel
well molding or the bottom light of the stop paddle. These should both appear to be
sitting on the leading edge of the backing line.
5. For every action in turning a bus there is a reaction. The shorter wheel base buses have
a greater tail swing than the longer wheel base buses.
6. Numbering the mirrors is helpful when training with a new driver. When properly
adjusted, the mirrors are the best tools a driver can have, however, they can be obstacles
too. The driver needs to be familiar and comfortable with the entire mirror system and
know the difference between direct and indirect vision.
7. Mirrors.
Mh 7/2004