EEAC - Bus Safety Program

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Code: EEAC
Adopted: 6/13/12
Revised/Readopted: 4/18/17
Orig. Code(s): EEAC

The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) does not regularly transport any students within its programs. All students served within NWRESD programs are either transported by their resident districts’ school buses or through some other form of district transportation. Students may occasionally be transported for the purposes of curricular or extracurricular activities sponsored by the district in NWRESD Activity vehicles, commonly designated as Types 10, 20, or 21 pupil transportation vehicles.

Students who are not regularly transported by the NWRESD will be given the following instruction at least once in the first half of each school year:

Safe school bus riding procedures; and
Use of emergency exits.

The NWRESD will document and maintain records of the content and dates of instruction.

Buses will not exceed vehicle design capacity for seating at any time unless an unforeseen or unusual circumstance arises. Passengers will be provided a seat that fully supports them. A seat that fully supports each person and meets the minimum standards and specifications of law will be provided at all times. A person who weighs 40 pounds or less must be properly secured with a child safety system that meets the minimum standards and specifications established by the Department of Transportation under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 815.055. A person over 40 pounds or who has reached the upper weight limit for the forward-facing car seat must use a booster seat until four feet nine inches or age eight and the adult belt properly fits¹. A person who is taller than four feet nine inches or eight years of age or older must be properly secured with a safety belt or harness that meets the requirements under ORS 815.055. In accordance with ORS 811.210 and 811.215, vehicles used for student transportation in excess of 10,000 pounds are exempt from this requirement unless they have been equipped with lap belts. Vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds that have been equipped with lap belts must meet child car seat requirements as set forth in law.

During adverse weather conditions, the superintendent may alter bus schedules or temporarily suspend bus services.

In the case of emergency or disaster, evacuation of students will be carried out according to the NWRESD’s emergency plan.

An accident review board will study accidents involving NWRESD buses and will make recommendations to avoid similar accidents.

¹“Proper fit” means the lap belt of the safety belt or safety harness is positioned low across the thighs and the shoulder belt is positioned over the collarbone and away from the neck.

END OF POLICY

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