VEHICLE SAFETY PROGRAM
Prepared by:
SCOTT PARTRIDGE
Transportation Manager
Version:
20.5.14
Effective Date:
20 MAY, 2014
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE NATIONAL SAFETY CODE (NSC) ............................................................................................... 5
STAFF AUTHORIZED TO OPERATE DISTRICT VEHICLES ......................................................... 5
SAFE USE AND OPERATION OF VEHICLES..................................................................................... 5
General ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Driver’s Package ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Speed Limits ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Seat Belt Use ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use............................................................................................................. 6
Defensive Driving .................................................................................................................................... 6
Accidents .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Loading & Unloading of Commercial (yellow/white) Buses ............................................................... 7
Field Trips................................................................................................................................................ 8
Backing Up .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Vehicle Breakdowns................................................................................................................................ 8
Demerits ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Discipline of Students and Problem Solving ......................................................................................... 9
Cellular Telephones .............................................................................................................................. 10
Blood Donations .................................................................................................................................... 10
Load Security ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Idling of Vehicles ................................................................................................................................... 11
Fueling.................................................................................................................................................... 12
Transportation of Goods on School Buses .......................................................................................... 12
Railroad Crossing - Commercial Buses .............................................................................................. 13
PROPER RECORD COMPLETION ..................................................................................................... 14
Daily Time Records & Daily Driver’s Log Sheets.............................................................................. 14
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Daily Time Record (Staying within 160km radius and not overnight)
Daily Log Sheet (Outside 160km radius or staying overnight)
Annex A-1 ......................... 15
Annex A-2 ...................................... 15
Pre-Trip Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 15
COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW......................................................................................................... 16
Following Distance ................................................................................................................................ 17
USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................ 17
Use of Warning Devices ........................................................................................................................ 17
Warning Triangles ................................................................................................................................ 17
Use of Fire Extinguisher ....................................................................................................................... 18
Use of First Aid Kits ............................................................................................................................. 18
DRIVER CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE .............................................................................................. 18
Orientation............................................................................................................................................. 18
Conduct .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Disciplinary Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 19
Ongoing Monitoring ............................................................................................................................. 20
DRIVER RECORDS AND RECORD RETENTION ........................................................................... 20
Driver Records ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Driver Record Retention ...................................................................................................................... 20
DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS................................................................................................................. 20
Application to Drive & Training ......................................................................................................... 20
Driver Qualification .............................................................................................................................. 21
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NOTICE TO READERS
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate
at the time of preparation. However this document is intended to serve only as a guide and
cannot replace first-hand information such as specific legislation.
This document has been prepared by the Business Services Department of Red Deer Public
Schools (RDPSD). It is intended to represent a basic safety program for the operation of RDPSD
National Safety Council (NSC) commercial school buses (yellow buses with the words “School
Bus” removed) and non NSC vehicles transporting RDPSD employees and/or passengers within
the province of Alberta.
Corrections, comments and suggestions can be submitted to RDPSD Central Services, at any
time by contacting Transportation Services at 403.342.3724 or by email to
[email protected].
For more information on Regulatory Requirements please consult the following legislation:

Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulation (AR 314/2002);

Commercial Bus Equipment and Safety Regulation (AR 121/2009);

Bus Safety Regulation (AR 212/2006); and

Traffic Safety Act.
Alberta Regulations are available from the Queens Printer at 780.427.4952 or on their website:
http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca.
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THE NATIONAL SAFETY CODE (NSC)
National Safety Code (NSC) Vehicles are commercial vehicles with a designated seating
capacity of 11 or more persons including the driver. School owned and operated yellow buses
have had the words “School Bus” removed from their exterior and are therefore classified as
“Commercial” buses. All other District owned and operated vehicles are deemed as Non
Commercial vehicles and are not required by law to conform to National Safety Code legislation.
STAFF AUTHORIZED TO OPERATE DISTRICT VEHICLES
Authorized Drivers:
All staff authorized by the Red Deer Public School District No. 104 to operate District vehicles
are required to comply with the safety program policies and procedures. This includes:

part-time or occasional drivers;

supervisors who drive; and

anyone else authorized to operate an RDPSD vehicle.
Refer to pages 19-21 of this manual for information regarding the documentation and/or training
required prior to any person being authorized to drive an RDPSD vehicle.
SAFE USE AND OPERATION OF VEHICLES
General







No one shall operate or permit another person to operate a commercial vehicle if the
vehicle or its equipment is in condition that is likely to cause danger to person or
property
Only District employees shall be permitted to operate District owned vehicles unless
the Superintendent or designate provides prior written approval.
Passengers are permitted to ride with District employees only if they are conducting
District business or participating in an approved school activity unless the
Superintendent or designate provides written approval and advises the district’s
insurer of such circumstances.
Anyone operating a District owned vehicle must have a valid operator’s license for
that type of a vehicle as specified by provincial legislation. In the situations where an
employee of the district is transporting students, then the employee is required to
hold a Class 4 operator’s license when operating that vehicle.
Vehicles, including school buses, are to be locked at all times whenever they are not
in use. Keys are never to be left in the ignition when the vehicle is unattended.
District owned vehicles are to be stored overnight in their respective compounds or
allocated parking site with the following exceptions:
 Maintenance personnel, as determined by the Superintendent or designate,
who frequently respond to emergencies, or who may be expected to be “on
call”.
District owned vehicles shall not be rented or loaned to outside agencies or
individuals.
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Driver’s Package
The “Driver’s Package” should to be carried in all RDPSD vehicles where applicable and is
comprised of the following documents:

Vehicle Registration;

Insurance (pink) Card;

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certificate – CVIP (Commercial Buses);

Intra-Provincial Operating Authority Certificate (Commercial Buses);

Driver Accident Protocol;

Accident Contact Information Sheet; and

Vehicle Accident Report. (Annex D)
The vehicle registration and the (pink) insurance card are required by law to be kept in a motor
vehicle while the remainders of the items are required by law to be kept in a Commercial vehicle.
Speed Limits
Obey all posted speed limits and reduce speed according to road, weather, visibility and vehicle
type.
Seat Belt Use
Everyone, while operating RDPSD vehicles, shall use their seat belt(s) (it’s the law) at all times.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Strictly prohibited are the possession and/or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or the misuse
of prescription drugs while operating vehicles and other equipment. Smoking in (District)
vehicles is also prohibited at all times, whether there are passengers on board or not. Operating a
(District) vehicle/bus while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants is strictly
prohibited. (RDPSD Policy & Regulation 6.02.11 Use of Alcohol and Drugs and 6.02.10
Tobacco Use provides more information).
Defensive Driving
Be a professional and courteous driver by driving in a defensive manner. Be prepared to avoid
accident producing situations by practicing and promoting safe defensive driving skills.
Note: For example, be aware of surroundings and look ahead. Leave a safe distance between
vehicles, keep the vehicle under control at all times and be prepared for changes in road, weather
and traffic conditions.
Accidents
The District’s Vehicle accident protocol is included in the Driver’s Package and has previously
been distributed to all departments and schools that operate RDPSD vehicles. The Accident
Report form is attached as Annex D to this document. The following procedures shall be
followed in the event of a District operated vehicle accident:
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The Driver Shall:
 Report to the police any accident in which the total damages to the vehicle appear
to be over $2000.00 and/or if there are any injuries. (If there are any injuries, all
accidents must be reported to Police regardless of the monetary amount of vehicle
damage.) This report is to be made immediately after protecting passengers and
taking whatever action is possible to secure the scene of the accident (e.g. set out
warning triangles etc.) in order to prevent further injury. If the driver is unable to
contact the Police themselves, then the driver shall request a passing motorist etc.
to notify the Police.
 If injuries are evident, notify local emergency services giving them an indication
of the nature and number of injuries. (If it’s not possible for the driver to notify
emergency services, the driver shall request another capable and responsible
person to notify them).
 Report all accidents to your school Principal as soon as possible after the accident.
Serious accidents, including bodily harm and/or extensive vehicle damage, shall
be reported immediately by the supervisor to the Superintendent of Schools.
Potentially dangerous situations are to be reported to the School District’s OH&S
Specialist (403-342-3705) and to the District Transportation Coordinator’s office
(403-342-3724) as soon as possible. Refer to the Driver Accident Protocol for
on-scene accident instructions and the Accident Contact Information for who to
contact (listed by priority). Both documents are located in the Driver’s Package,
held in the vehicle.
 If possible, obtain license number, name, insurance company and description of
the other party involved (if applicable) at the accident scene.
 An Accident Report Form shall be completed as soon as possible after the
accident. The Accident Report Form shall be carried in each vehicle operated by
Red Deer Public Schools. The completed form shall be given to the Red Deer
Public School District’s Transportation Coordinator as soon as possible after the
accident. This document is attached as Annex D to this document
 No admission of liability or similar statements to anyone, implying that the
board’s insurance company will pay for damages, shall be made at the time of the
accident.
 Upon experiencing any kind of an accident with a District operated vehicle,
regardless of how minor, the driver shall, upon returning to the Maintenance shop
or school, immediately notify their department supervisor/Principal whom will
initiate a safety check of the unit prior to it returning to service.
Loading & Unloading of Commercial (yellow/white) Buses
This is the time of greatest danger, not only to the students but also for others on the roadway.
The Operator of a yellow commercial bus shall load or unload passengers onto or from a bus
only when and at a place that it is safe to do so. When the driver unloads passengers from the
bus, that driver must, before he moves the bus and after the unloading, ensure that the passengers
have reached a place that is safe from the traffic. The driver of the bus shall:
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
pull as far to the right as possible (on a street or road) prior to stopping but choose a
location that allows passengers a safe footing;

before loading or unloading, ensure that the transmission is in neutral, the park brake
is applied and firm pressure is maintained on the brake pedal;

before moving off, check all mirrors including the crossover mirror to ensure that no
passengers are lingering near the bus;

ensure that passengers follow the driver’s direction before moving to enter or exit the
bus;

ensure passengers do not enter or exit the bus while it is in motion;

ensure that all passengers are seated while the bus is in motion;

driver must be aware of the manufacturer’s rated capacity of the bus they are
operating. At no time shall the number of passengers exceed the manufacturer’s
rated capacity. It is against the law to operate an overloaded vehicle.
Field Trips
Drivers of all RDPSD (yellow) commercial buses used for field trip transportation shall be in
possession of a class 2 license. Refer to Annex B for a detailed description. (RDPSD Policy &
Regulation 3.03.05 Field Trips)
Backing Up
Commercial Bus: No person shall operate a yellow (commercial) bus in reverse where the bus
is:

On a school ground; or

At a location, adjacent to a school ground at which the bus is loaded or unloaded
unless there is a responsible person located outside, at the rear of the yellow bus,
giving directions as to the operating of the bus in reverse.
Vehicle Breakdowns
In spite of walk-arounds and strict maintenance schedules, vehicles unexpectedly break down.
Should this occur, the following procedure shall be followed:

Stop the vehicle in a safe location, away from the roadway if possible.

Assess the situation. If the location of the vehicle presents a danger to passengers,
evacuate them to a safe place. If no danger is present, they will usually be safest if
they remain in the vehicle.

Place flares or reflectors in accordance with legal requirements; approximately 30
metres (90 feet) in front of the vehicle and at a distance of approximately 30 metres
(90 feet) to the rear of the vehicle. If the problem cannot be corrected quickly and
phone contact for assistance cannot be made, the driver shall remain with the vehicle.
If possible, a responsible passenger should be sent for assistance. Be sure to write
down the information they will need. If the distance or weather makes it dangerous
to send a passenger, have everyone remain with the vehicle and attempt to flag down
a passing motorist or wait until help arrives.
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
Contact your departmental supervisor who will notify you of further instructions. All
District employees who work alone have been issued District cell phones.
Demerits
Demerits on a driver’s license are cause for concern and the District’s policy (RDPSD Policy &
Regulation 6.03.02 Student Transportation in Non-Commercial Vehicles for School Sponsored
Activities) dictates that if a driver’s record shows seven (7) or more demerits, the driver shall be
contacted (by the Transportation Coordinator’s office) and warned of the seriousness of the
situation and encouraged to take steps to clear demerits from his driving record. At (7) demerits,
the driver’s District vehicle operating privileges shall be immediately revoked. It is the
responsibility of the driver to notify supervisory personnel when an infraction has occurred and
results in demerit points. All drivers are responsible for the safe operation of the District vehicle
and must drive defensively and follow the rules of the road, such as speed limits, etc. All
complaints, regardless of whether or not demerits are involved, will be investigated by the
District Transportation Coordinator. Disciplinary action, should it be required, will be
administered by District Senior Administration and will depend on the severity of the situation.
Discipline of Students and Problem Solving
As a driver of a yellow commercial bus, you are not only responsible for the safety of your
passengers, but also their conduct while being transported. This is not to say that you cannot get
help in this regard, but many discipline problems are also safety problems and should be handled
quickly and efficiently. Keep the following in mind:

Establish rules early and maintain them throughout the school year;

Treat everyone fairly and equally;

Stay calm – shouting at or arguing with students is likely to escalate the situation;

Recognize and act on problems early – overlooking a small problem can lead to
serious problems later;

Whenever possible, discipline individuals in private – attempts at public
humiliation can, and often does, backfire;

Don’t make idle threats – know what you can and cannot do (familiarize yourself
with school Administrative procedures in this regard). You will find yourself with
serious discipline problems if you threaten to do something but don’t follow-up;

Never attempt to discipline and drive – just perform one thing at a time. If you
must deal with a problem, pull over and stop in a safe location first. Often, the act
of stopping the vehicle aids in improving the situation;

Don’t keep problems to yourself – if you are having an ongoing problem with one
or more of your passengers, inform the school principal immediately;

Familiarize yourself with RDPSD Policy & Regulation 4.02.02 Student Conduct
and Discipline
Below is an outline of a four step escalation process to assist in dealing with student discipline:
Step 1 – Verbal Warning
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If the driver has a concern with a student’s behavior, the driver will give the student a
verbal warning.
Step 2 – Parent Contact
If this verbal warning does not correct the situation, the driver will contact the parents to
advise them of the concern and attempt to work out a solution.
Step 3 – Written Notice Sent Home
If the parent contact has not resolved the discipline issue, the driver will send the Student
Misconduct form to the Principal. The Principal will follow normal policy in the
recording of possible disciplinary actions to be taken; the form will then be sent home for
parent acknowledgement.
Step 4 – Administrative Referral
If the student’s actions continue to be a concern, the driver will complete another Student
Misconduct form and meet with the Principal. Disciplinary action will be taken by the
Principal and the parents will be notified.
Depending on the severity of the incident, any or all of steps 1-3 may be omitted. In those
instances where the driver has determined that the incident is severe i.e. the student’s actions
have compromised the safety of others, they may proceed directly to step 4.
Cellular Telephones
Many District employees are now equipped with cellular telephones. The intention of the phone
is to aid in maintaining contact with senior employees (i.e. Supervisors, Principals, and Senior
Administration etc.) as well as with District maintenance workers to mitigate the risk of
consistently working alone. The phone may also be used as a “lifeline” when the driver is in an
emergency situation. An “emergency” involves such events as: accident/collision, mechanical
breakdown, stranded due to road/weather conditions and/or severe safety/health issues involving
themselves, students or passengers.
The Province of Alberta has “driver distraction legislation” that prohibits the use of all hand-held
devices. Drivers are not to make use of cellular telephones in a vehicle unless they are operated
in a hands-free mode. Use of other electronic hand held devices while driving is specifically
prohibited except in a hands free mode of operation.
Blood Donations
Canadian Blood Services advises that anyone who operates a vehicle in the course of their
employment or operates heavy equipment should delay returning to work for a period of time
following donation. It is not uncommon for donors to feel faint, weak or lightheaded following a
blood donation. It is recommended that 6-8 hours is a reasonable period of time to wait prior to
assuming driving duties following a blood donation.
Load Security
 The carrier and driver must ensure that all applicable cargo is contained, immobilized
or secured in accordance with National Safety Code Standard 10, Cargo Securement
as it relates to the particular type of commercial vehicle.
 The carrier or driver shall ensure that all cargo transported on or behind a
commercial vehicle is contained, immobilized or secured so that it cannot leak, spill,
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blow off, fall from, fall through or otherwise dislodge from the commercial vehicle
or shift upon or within the commercial vehicle to such an extent that the commercial
vehicle's ’stability or maneuverability is adversely affected.

Drivers must inspect the cargo and its securing devices within the first 80 kilometers
after beginning a trip. Drivers must re-inspect when any of the following occurs: a. a
change of duty status (i.e. from “driving” to “on duty, not driving” b. after driving 3
hours or c. after driving 240 kilometers.;

Not smoke;

Check for fuel leaks;
Supervisors will ensure all drivers transporting loads adequately and safely secure their cargo.
Drivers must inspect the cargo and its securing devices within the first 80 kilometers of trip
commencement. Drivers must re-inspect when any one of the following occurs:

after driving for 3 hours; or

after driving 240 kilometers.
Idling of Vehicles
All Operators of school buses or maintenance vehicles must minimize, to the extent practical, the
idling of vehicle engines and exposure of children to vehicle exhaust fumes. The issue of idling
motor vehicles is a matter of increased concern and awareness. While energy efficiency is often
cited as a prime concern, there is a very real issue of how such activity can affect air quality in
buildings.
Indoor air quality can be affected when vehicle exhaust is discharged near air intakes to
buildings. In order to avoid this occurrence, the following operating procedure will take effect
immediately.

Whenever a vehicle is stopped or parked near a Red Deer Public School District
building, the driver is encouraged to turn the vehicle off.

All District owned vehicles and those owned by contractors working for the District
and located within 16 metres (50 feet) of a door, open window or air intake shall be
shut down if they are to remain in their location for five minutes or more. Drivers of
all other vehicles shall be encouraged to comply with this procedure.

In the event is it not practical or possible to turn off the vehicle, the operator shall
ensure that appropriate devices are attached to the vehicle to direct the exhaust fumes
to a point at least 16 metres (50 feet) from any door, open window or air intake.

The general location of air intakes shall be noted and appropriately signed by the
operations and maintenance department.

Building supervisors (principals, etc.) are encouraged to locate appropriate sites for
signage requesting motorists to comply with this procedure. These sites shall then be
advised to the Director of Facilities, who will arrange for appropriate signage to be
installed.
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Fueling
Fueling guidelines for all District owned and operated vehicles shall be the same as for
commercial (yellow) buses. Alberta Regulations dictate that “the person operating a school bus
shall not, nor shall he permit another person to, put fuel into the fuel tank of the school bus while
any person, other than the person operating the school bus, is on the school bus.”
The following guidelines shall be followed when refueling school buses:

Shut off engine;

Not smoke;

Check for fuel leaks;

Never overfill the fuel tank;

In the event of a minor spill, immediately apply an accepted absorbent material;

In the event of a major spill, notify the proper person/agency; and

Do not dispense fuel in proximity to electrical sparks or open flame

Replace filler cap when fueling is complete.
Transportation of Goods on School Buses
In accordance with the Traffic Safety Act, the bus driver shall ensure that any luggage,
equipment or tools carried on the school bus are transported in accordance with this procedure.
The bus driver of an RDPSD school owned and operated commercial (yellow/white) buses shall
be responsible for administering these procedures.
Personal effects and equipment may be carried in the interior of the school bus if they;

Are stored under the seats where possible.

Do not block the aisles or emergency exits, and

Are stored, lodged or secured in such a manner so that they cannot be dislodged or
move about when the brakes of the school bus are applied during acceleration of the
school bus or in the event of an accident involving the school bus.
Skates are permitted on school buses providing that blade guards protect the blades or they are
carried on a tote bag and placed under the student’s seat.
Equipment such as skis, snowboards, skate boards or any items that cannot fit under the seats are
not permitted on buses. When schools are planning field trips requiring the transport of this type
of equipment, arrangements are to be made to have an alternate vehicle to transport the
equipment separately.
Curling brooms and hockey sticks are permitted on school buses provided that they can be
secured in such a fashion that they can be secured together and will not be dislodged when the
brakes of the bus are applied. Aisles and exits shall be kept clear at all times.
Band instruments and similar items may be carried on the bus provided that they will fit under
the seat of the bus.
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No person shall, while transporting students on a bus, convey in or on the school bus:

Animals;

Firearms;

Explosives;

Flammable materials or substances; and

Fuel, other than in the fuel system and fuel tank of the bus, or

Anything of a dangerous or objectionable nature, or that might endanger the lives or
safety of persons in the bus or damage the bus in any way.
No passengers shall play or use any radio, tape/CD player or like apparatus capable of producing
sound without earphones. Any apparatus that is operated with the use of earphones shall be
operated at a level that ensures the sound does not affect other passengers nor interfere with the
driver’s ability to communicate with students on the bus. Any of the aforementioned equipment
in the bus shall be under the immediate control of the driver.
Railroad Crossing - Commercial Buses
Railway crossings present a special hazard because any time is train time and a collision is likely
to lead to disaster. Report any hazardous crossings to the Transportation Coordinator.
Remember to ensure that no part of the yellow bus is on the railway track whenever you stop in
traffic.
The following procedures shall be followed when stopping at uncontrolled railroad crossings:

There should be no undue noise from passengers;

If you are in the left lane of a multilane highway, signal and change to the far right
hand lane well in advance of the crossing;

Check traffic behind you;

Slow to a gradual stop not less than 5 metres or more than 15 metres from the nearest
track;

Put the transmission in neutral, engage the parking brake and maintain firm pressure
on the brake pedal;

Open the front door and the driver’s window;

Look both ways and listen for approaching train; and

When you are sure it is safe to proceed:

Select an appropriate low gear

Disengage the park brake

Check left and right

Close the window and doors

Cross the tracks

Do not shift gears until you are clear of the last track.
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Buses are required to stop at uncontrolled railway crossings whether or not the bus is carrying
passengers. Use extreme caution and proceed only if safe to do so. Never proceed across a
controlled crossing when the lights are flashing unless a Peace Officer or flagman directs you to
proceed. If there appears to be a dysfunction of the lights, use your phone to contact the rail
company by using the phone number that appears on the crossing arms or call police for
assistance.
PROPER RECORD COMPLETION
The RDPSD will educate staff in hours of service, bill of lading/manifests, transportation of
dangerous goods and weigh slips (when/if required). A record will be maintained on each
driver’s file showing that the RDPSD ensures the driver employee has this knowledge (as
required) or any additional training received. The District Transportation Services department
will evaluate each type of record for proper completion as required.
Daily Time Records & Daily Driver’s Log Sheets
A driver does not require a daily log if ALL of the following conditions are met:

Driver/vehicle does not operate beyond 160 kilometre radius of the home terminal;

Record accurate work shift start and end times;

Return to home terminal (start and end at the same location);

Released from work within 15 hours from the start of the work shift; and

Maintain and retain for a period of 6 months accurate time records showing the time
that the driver commences the work shift (start time) and the time the driver is
released from work (end time) i.e. a daily time-sheet.
In the event one of the above conditions is not met, the Driver’s Daily Time Record and Daily
Log Sheets are to be used. An example of a Daily Time Record and a Daily Log sheet is located
at the back of this directive, shown as Annex A-1 and Annex A-2. This Time Record of the trip
(and Daily Log if applicable) as well as the driving activities of the driver for the previous seven
days, must be completed and carried on the bus during the trip.
Completed Time Records / Daily Log sheets must be submitted to the Transportation
Department no later than 20 days after completion. Time Records and Daily Log sheets will be
kept on file by the Department for at least 1 year. No person shall knowingly falsify or enter
false information into a daily log. The driver shall also keep copies of these records at their
residence for 6 months after the day on which the log is completed
Time Records and Daily Log sheets may be reproduced locally or downloaded from (Google’s
RDPSD) District E-Forms/ Transportation.
The Carrier shall retain all daily Time Records/Log sheets, supporting documents and hours of
service records at the carrier’s principal place of business for 6 months after the day on which the
daily log is completed.
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Daily Time Record (Staying within 160km radius and not overnight) Annex A-1
The following information must be entered in the Driver’s Daily Time Record (Log):

The tasking start time (time you enter the vehicle);

The Home Terminal (name of school);

Home Terminal Address (address of school);

Vehicle Licence Plate;

The driver tasking date;

Comments (incl details of tasking i.e. drove to Sylvan Lake for basketball game);

Driver’s Name & Signature; and

A comment referring to the Daily Log Sheet (if applicable).
Daily Log Sheet (Outside 160km radius or staying overnight)
The following information must be entered in a daily log:
Annex A-2

The driver tasking date & time;

The odometer reading at the start and finish of the days driving;

The total number of kilometers/miles driven by the driver during the work day;

The vehicle’s licence plate number;

The name and signature of the driver;

The time of commencement of the work shift and the location at which the driver
commenced the work shift;

Record at each change of duty status; the name of city, town or village or highway
location and name of province or state; and

Record the total number of hours of each duty status and aggregate of these hours.
Pre-Trip Inspections
Section 10 of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulations, AR 121/2009 requires that
the driver, or other persons authorized by the carrier, must complete a pre-trip inspection on each
commercial vehicle prior to its use, at least once in a 24 hour period. A commercial vehicle
means: a commercial vehicle registered for a weight in excess of 4,500 kilograms or a
commercial passenger vehicle with a designed seating capacity of 11 or more persons including
the driver.
The purpose of a vehicle inspection is to identify systems or parts of a vehicle that are not
working properly, have failed or are missing parts so that they can be replaced or repaired before
they cause harm. A completed pre-trip inspection detects defects or deficiencies in the motor
vehicle that would be likely to affect the safety of its operation; therefore no one shall operate or
permit another person to operate a commercial vehicle if the vehicle or its equipment is in
condition that is likely to cause danger to person or property. (AR121/2009 Section 3). Regular
inspections decrease downtime and associated costs. Where a pre-trip inspection report has been
completed, the pre-trip inspections are valid for a maximum of 24 hours. This means a pre-trip
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inspection conducted by a person may be used by another person provided it was completed
within 24 hours preceding that trip. Pre-trip inspections shall be conducted based on the pre-trip
inspection form identified in ANNEX B to this document.
The driver shall, on demand of a peace officer, produce a copy of the Inspection used for the
most recent inspection. This Schedule is vehicle specific and therefore must be kept in the
vehicle.
Pre-trip inspection reports must be forwarded to the School Board’s Transportation office within
7 days of completion.
Shipping of Dangerous Goods (If applicable):
In the event a District employee is required to transport dangerous goods (TDG), the appropriate
Instruction will be given by the supervising department on the transportation of dangerous goods
procedures as well as completion of TDG Shipping Documentation as per Dangerous Goods
Regulation (SOR2001–286) Part 3, Section 3.4. Also refer to paragraph 3 of RDPSD Policy &
Regulation 6.02.08 (Chemical Hazards, Controlled Products and Hazardous Waste).
When in use, TDG shipping documents must be carried within the driver’s reach and, when the
driver leaves the cab, the shipping documents must be left on the driver’s seat, in a pocket on the
driver’s door or in an obvious place within the cab. If the vehicle is left in a supervised area, a
copy of the shipping document must be left with the person in charge.
Note: There may be exemptions to regulations. Refer to (SOR2001–286) Part 3.
For more information refer to the website: www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca and/or contact the
Dangerous Goods Coordination and Information Centre at (800) 272-9600 for further
information on bulletins, permitting and general information.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
Safety Laws
Drivers operating RDPSD vehicles will comply with all transportation safety laws as required.
Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulation (AR 314/2002) identifies that:
“safety laws” means, as the context requires,

The Act (Traffic Safety Act) and regulations made under the Act;

The Dangerous Goods Transportation and Handling Act and the regulations made
under that Act;

The laws of a jurisdiction outside Alberta, respecting the same, similar or equivalent
subjects as those regulated or controlled by the laws referred to in sub clauses (i) and
(ii).
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Following Distance
When you are driving behind another vehicle, you should maintain a minimum two-second
following distance. This is for normal conditions. When weather and road conditions are poor,
increase your following distance.
To determine the two-second following distance, look at the vehicle in front of you. When the
back of that vehicle passes a fixed object like a sign, a tree or a building, start counting. Count
one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two. If the front of your vehicle reaches the object
before you are finished counting, you are following too close. Slow down and count once more.
If someone cuts in front of you, you will need to set up your two-second following distance once
again. The two-second rule will work at any speed.
The only exception to this rule involves drivers of large commercial vehicles (buses) who should
use a minimum four-second rule following distance when in traffic.
Be advised that it is four (4) demerit points added to your drivers license if you are convicted of
‘’following too closely. References AR 304/2002 (Use of Highway and Rules of the Road) and
AR 331/2002 (Demerit Point Program and Service of Documents Regulation).
USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Use of Warning Devices
Advance warning triangles are an approved warning device and are to be available in each
registered RDPSD vehicle:

During the daytime (sunrise to sunset), when a District vehicle is stationary on a
highway, the driver will immediately activate the four way flashers (emergency
hazard warning lights) on the vehicle and place the appropriate warning devices
(warning triangle) on the highway in line with the vehicle, at a distance of
approximately 30 metres in front of the vehicle and approximately 30 metres behind
the vehicle.

During nighttime (sunset to sunrise), when a District vehicle is stationary on a
highway, the driver will immediately activate the four way flashers (emergency
hazard warning lights) on the vehicle. Within 10 minutes of the vehicle becoming
stationary, place the triangle warning devices on the highway in line with the vehicle,
at a distance of approximately 75 metres in front of the vehicle, and approximately
75 metres behind the vehicle.

During nighttime (sunset to sunrise), when an RDPSD vehicle is stationary on a
highway and where the vehicle lighting is not working, the driver will immediately
place warning devices out, at a distance of approximately 75 metres in front of the
vehicle, and approximately 75 metres behind the vehicle.
Warning Triangles
Each District vehicle shall be equipped with warning triangles for use in an emergency. Warning
triangles are the only recognized advance warning device (flags and flares will no longer be
recognized as they are considered obsolete). If your District operated vehicle breaks down, the
law requires that this approved warning device be placed approximately 30 metres in front and
30 metres behind the vehicle. During the period between sunset and sunrise, this distance shall
be increased to 75 metres in front and behind the vehicle.
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Use of Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers shall be located in all District vehicles. Instructions will be given on the use
of approved fire extinguishers by the supervising department. Reference Alberta Commercial
Vehicle General Equipment and Safety Regulation (AR 435/86) Sections 4(1) to 4(6).
While you may encounter many extinguisher types, they are all used in basically the same way.
The procedure is to:

Remove the extinguisher from the bracket;

Pull the safety pin by breaking the (lead) seal;

Approach the fire from upwind, if possible, keeping at least 10 feet away from the
fire;

Hold the extinguisher in an upright position;

Point the discharge nozzle at the base of the fire;


Squeeze the silver handle;
continue to operate the extinguisher until the fire is out and extinguisher is fully
discharged (empty);

Ensure all discharged fire extinguishers are replaced with a fully charged one as soon
as possible after use
Use of First Aid Kits
#2 First aid kits (at a minimum) shall be located in all District vehicles. After use, consumable
materials are to be replaced at the first available opportunity by informing the supervisor who
will initiate replenishment as soon as possible.
DRIVER CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Orientation
RDPSD Safety and Maintenance policies will be covered on initial hire by the supervisor of the
department. In addition, instructions on how to conduct effective, legally mandated Vehicle PreTrip Inspections will be a part of the applicable department’s orientation process for all
employees expected to operate a District vehicle. Pre-Trip Inspection forms are obtained from
either the District E-forms section, the local supervisor’s office or from the school transportation
representative. Inspection forms are to be faxed/emailed, with the corresponding Time
Records/Daily Log Sheets when the Records/Logs are sent (no later than 7 days after
completion), to the District Transportation Department (in the case of a yellow or white
commercial bus) and retained on file at the local supervisor’s office (in the case of the District
Maintenance Department) for a period of one (1) year.
Conduct
The following is the code of conduct for all persons tasked with driving an RDPSD motor
vehicle:

To safely operate our vehicles on the highway with a professional attitude and obey
posted speed limits;
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
Drive in a defensive manner, be aware of surroundings and look ahead, leave a safe
distance between vehicles, be a professional and courteous driver;

Keep the vehicle under control at all times and reduce speed due to changes in road,
weather and traffic conditions;

A professional driver should be prepared to avoid collision producing situations by
practicing and promoting safe driving skills;

Drivers must report all significant events on road including, violations, near misses,
accidents etc.
Disciplinary Procedures
All disciplinary steps must be progressive in nature. All actions taken, including verbal
warnings, will be documented. Regulatory violations or violations of District policy are not
acceptable. Depending on the severity and/or frequency of the violation, remedial action may be
called for. Driver violations will be reviewed as they occur to ensure appropriate action is taken
e.g. Repeat violations are more serious and may require remedial training, suspension of driver
privileges etc..
Training/Evaluating
The purpose of training and evaluating is to increase driver knowledge and reduce motor vehicle
violations. Employee training on safety laws will be conducted as required. “Safety Law” in
Alberta’s Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulation (AR 314/2002).
Training, consisting of, but not limited to, Hours of Service, Pre-Trip Inspections and Student
Evacuations shall be conducted by Central Office staff (or their designate) for all yellow/white
commercial bus drivers prior to their operation of a bus. This training shall be conducted on an
annual basis at a minimum. Training shall be in accordance with RDPSD approved curricula of
the same title.
Note: Records of all employee driver training must be documented in the employee file as
required by Alberta’s Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulation (AR 314/2002)
Section 41(1) (h). This information is held at the RDPSD Transportation office. Shadow files
(file copies) may be kept at the local school’s location.
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Ongoing Monitoring
Monitoring shall be conducted as required and shall cover the following at a minimum:

Hours of service (Time Records or Daily Log sheets as applicable) – assess the need
for training by conducting daily and periodic internal audits of:

Driver's Hours of Service Records (as applicable) to ensure documents are not
falsified,

Driver’s Daily Log completion (as applicable) to ensure they meet the legislated
requirements (form and manner),

Other fatigue related issues, such as, operating beyond the legislated hours of service
limits, inadequate rest or off duty periods, etc.

Pre-Trip Inspection – ongoing training provided through spot checks and monitoring
of vehicle defects.

Other regulations as applicable to RDPSD operations.
DRIVER RECORDS AND RECORD RETENTION
Driver Records
Driver records (files), as identified in Alberta's Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance
Regulation (AR 314/2002) Section 41(1)(a - j), will be maintained for each driver that operates
an RDPSD vehicle, whether a National Safety Code vehicle (i.e. commercial yellow bus) of not.
Included in the individual Driver’s file shall be a record of all road convictions, collisions,
administrative discipline awarded to the driver, Driver’s Abstract, (Bus) Drivers Application and
(Bus – Class 2) Drivers Medical Certificate.
Driver Record Retention
The RDPSD will retain all Driver records at the School District Office, located at 4747 53rd
Street, Red Deer, Alberta and shall be:

Retained for at least five years from the date they are created, established or received
(unless specified otherwise by specific legislation); and

Available for inspection by a Peace officer during the carrier’s regular business
hours.
DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS
Application to Drive & Training
The following documents/training must be completed prior to operating a District owned NSC
(bus) vehicle:

Request for Driver’s Abstract (to include a copy of the personal Driver’s License);

Bus Driver Application (to include a 3 year employment history);

Driver Approval Checklist (completed at school level);
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
Training (consisting of, but not exclusive to, Pre-Trip Inspections, Hours of Service,
Bus Evacuation and Wheelchair Lift) as required.
Employees operating District vehicles will be required to sign an annual release allowing the
School District to purchase a Drivers Abstract on their behalf. This includes (commercial) bus
drivers and operators of District cars, pickup trucks and vans. Those drivers with 7 or more
demerits on their abstract shall not be permitted to drive a District vehicle of any type. Persons
wishing to operate a commercial (yellow or white) bus shall also submit the Bus Drivers
Application at the same time as the Abstract request. The Abstract/Application package shall be
sent together to Transportation Services for processing. It is the responsibility of the
departmental supervisor to ensure Abstract requests (releases) are sent in a timely fashion in
order to provide enough lead-time between the Abstract request and the date for driving). Refer
to RDPSD Policy & Regulation 6.03.02 (Student Transportation in Non-Commercial Vehicles
for School Sponsored Activities) for further details. Drivers applying to operate a commercial
bus shall not operate that bus until they have completed the required documentation and have
undergone appropriate training in, but not limited to, Pre-trip inspections, Hours of Service
(Logs), Bus Evacuations and Wheelchair Lift operation etc..
Driver Qualification
RDPSD departmental supervisors (i.e. senior Maintenance staff, school Principal etc.) shall
ensure all vehicle operators have the correct and valid class of driver’s license related to the type
of vehicle being operated. In order to fulfill employment requirements, all RDPSD Maintenance
Department employees, working out of the Maintenance building located at 4230 58th Street,
shall have a class 4 license for the duration of their tenure. Drivers must immediately report
changes (of any type) of License status to their supervisor; this includes any traffic violations,
convictions or awarding of demerit points. Changes in status also include any such charge that
would prohibit the person from driving an RDPSD vehicle (i.e. excessive demerits i.e. 7 or
more). This is regardless of vehicle classification and therefore that which affects the course of
their employment. Driver’s License classifications and their descriptions are in accordance with
annex C to this document.
END
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ANNEX A-1
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ANNEX A-2
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ANNEX B
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ANNEX C-1
CLASSES OF DRIVER’S LICENCES
Licence Classes:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Class 1 (Professional - Any vehicle)
Class 2 (Professional - Bus)
Class 3 (3-axle plus)
Class 4 (Professional - Taxi, Ambulance)
Class 5 (2-axle - Cars, Light Trucks, Motorhomes or Mopeds)
Class 6 (Motorcycle & Moped)
Class 7 (Learners - 2-axel & Motorcycle & Moped)
Class 1 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:


Any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles, other than a motorcycle
Class 6 type vehicles, for learning only
The minimum learning or licencing age is 18.
Please click here for the on-line handbook 'Professional Operator's Licence Information for
Tractor-Trailers, Buses, Large Trucks, Ambulances and Taxis'.
Class 2 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:

Any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that the holder of a Class 3, 4 and 5
operator's licence may operate
 Any bus
 Class 1 and 6 type vehicles, for learner only
The minimum learning or licencing age is 18.
Requirements: vision screening, written and road test, and medical report, airbrake certificate
for vehicle with airbrakes.
Vehicle for road test: a bus with a seating capacity exceeding 24 including the operator.
Please click here for the on-line handbook 'Professional Operator's Licence Information for
Tractor-Trailers, Buses, Large Trucks, Ambulances and Taxis'.
Class 3 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:
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ANNEX C-2

Any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles that the holder of a Class 5 operator's
licence may operate
 A single motor vehicle with three or more axles
 A motor vehicle with three or more axles towing a trailer with one or more axles, if the
trailer is not equipped with airbrakes
 Class 2 and 4 type vehicles without passengers
 All motor vehicles included under Class 1, 2 and 6, for learning only
No holder of a Class 3 operator's licence shall operate a motor vehicle:

That has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is transporting any
person in addition to the operator
 To transport passengers for hire
The minimum learning or licencing age is 18.
Requirements: vision screening, written and road test, airbrake certificate if the vehicle is
equipped with airbrakes.
Vehicle for road test: Any single motor vehicle having three or more axles.
Class 4 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:

A taxi, ambulance or bus (including school or kindergarten buses) where seating
capacity is not over 24, excluding the operator
 All motor vehicles included under Class 5
 All motor vehicles included under Class 1, 2, 3 and 6, for learning only
The minimum learning or licencing age is 18.
Requirements: vision screening, written test, medical report, road test required if operator
does not hold a class 1, 2, or 3 licence.
Vehicle for road test: any two axle motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle.
Please click here for the on-line handbook 'Professional Operator's Licence Information for
Tractor-Trailers, Buses, Large Trucks, Ambulances and Taxis'.
Class 5 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:


A two axle single motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle
A two axle motor vehicle towing a trailer with one or more axles, if the trailer is not
equipped with airbrakes
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ANNEX C-3

A recreational vehicle or any combination of a recreational vehicle and a trailer, if the
trailer has not more than two axles and is not equipped with airbrakes
 A moped
 Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 type vehicles, for learning only. No holder of a Class 5 operator's
licence shall operate a motor vehicle:
 That has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is transporting any
person in addition to the operator
 To transport for hire
The minimum learning age is 14.
The minimum licencing age is 16.
Requirements: road test.
Vehicle for road test: any two axle motor vehicle excluding a motorcycle.
Class 6 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:


A motorcycle or a moped
All motor vehicles under Class 5, for learning only
The minimum learning or licencing age is 16.
Requirements: Written test and vision screening and a road test for applicants with a Class 7 or
if no licence presented. Written test, vision screening and skill test for applicants with a Class 5
or better.
Vehicle for road test: motorcycle without sidecar.
Please click here for:


On-line handbook 'Operator's Licence Information for Motorcycles, Mopeds and Power
Bicycles'
'Power Bicycles, Mopeds, Motorcycles, Mobility Aids, Off-Highway Vehicles and
Prohibited Miniature Vehicles' information booklet
Class 7 Licence
Permits an operator to drive:



A moped
A motor vehicle referred to in the Class 5 category, as a learner only
A motorcycle, as a learner only, if the operator is at least 16 years of age
The minimum learning or licencing age is 14.
Requirements: written test and vision screening.
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ANNEX C-4
The electronic knowledge test is available in 9 languages in addition to English. They are Arabic,
Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog (Philippines), and
Vietnamese. Please click here (pdf) for more detailed information.
Please click here for:



On-line handbook 'Basic Licence Driver's Handbook'
On-line handbook 'Operator's Licence Information for Motorcycles, Mopeds and Power
Bicycles'
Practice class 7 Knowledge Tests
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ANNEX D-1
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ANNEX D-2
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ANNEX D-3
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