5.1 Use of School District Vehicles

 
The Division of Transportation Services is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 450 non-bus vehicles (i.e., vans, sedans, trucks, etc.) which are predominantly driven by employees of Facilities Management & Services, Transportation Services and Office of School Climate and Safety. The vehicle maintenance program includes inspections, repairs and scheduled preventive maintenance.

                                 
The School District of Philadelphia shall provide school buses and non-bus vehicles to certain employees for the purpose of performing job related duties in an efficient and economical manner. School buses are garaged daily while non-bus vehicles may be parked at an employee’s residence overnight or during the weekend (with prior approval) or be garaged at a School District facility. These vehicles will be used only for official business. If assigned user is absent for an extended period of time, vehicle should be garaged at a School District location for use by assignee's division.

 
Unauthorized individuals are prohibited from using School District vehicles at any time.    Only those persons whose names and operator's license numbers are on file with the School District are authorized to use School District vehicles. School District-owned vehicles will not be offered for lease or loaned to any organization for any purpose. Service for non-profit organizations outside the School District auspices must be   authorized by the Chief Executive Officer.

 
Smoking is prohibited by Pennsylvania law on any school bus.

 

Traffic violations or parking tickets are the sole responsibility of the driver.

 
The Division administrator is responsible for authorizing the use of non-bus vehicles assigned to his/her division. Notification of permanent vehicle assignment should   be forwarded to the Manager of Automotive Services, for reasons of record- keeping. Drivers’ credentials must be on file with Transportation Services.  Those employees who take the vehicle home and garage or park it at residence overnight must complete the form, provided by the Manager of Automotive Services and forward it to the Director of Payroll, for the purpose of a commuter fee collection required by Board policy as it relates to the Tax Reform Act of 1984.

 

 
The School District is concerned about the safety of its employees and others.

 

In order to assure safety while driving a School District vehicle, a driver should make certain safety checks daily, prior to operating the vehicle, and observe the safety laws and practices of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with emphasis on those described below.

 

I. Seat Belts

 
Seat belts must be worn when driving any School District vehicle in accordance with Pennsylvania’s motor vehicle code

 

II.Head Restraints

 
Upon entering a vehicle, driver should adjust the head restraint to the appropriate position to protect his/her head in case of an accident. According to the Department of Transportation, head restraints were installed … largely in response to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202. The purpose is to prevent whiplash injury of the neck in rear impact crashes.

 
Generally, safety advocates say your head restraint shouldn’t be more than 3.9 inches from the back of your head. It should be positioned high enough so the top of your head is even with the top of the restraint according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety who conducted a head restraint study in 1997.

 
Make sure your head restraint locks in place and be sure to adjust your head restraint when traveling in someone else’s vehicle.

 

III. Vehicle Check List for Safe Driving

 

A. To assure that your vehicle is safe, all drivers should be sure to check the following items prior to driving the vehicle. School Bus drivers should also be guided by Pennsylvania School Bus Drivers Manual, Publication 117 and the TM 100 which must be filled out daily prior to each run.  Non-school bus drivers should also refer to the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual.  

 

1. Headlights – Make sure these are clean and that the bulbs are functioning.

2. Brake and Signal Lights – Check for burned out bulbs and make sure brake lights are cleaned off.

3. Windows and Windshields – Make sure windows are clean for clear visibility and not scratched or cracked.

4.  Tires – Check air pressure when tires are cold. Check tread, worn tires increase stopping distance.

5. Brakes – Check pedal pressure, make sure vehicle doesn’t pull to the side when brakes are applied.

6. Exhaust – Check for loud noise or rattles. Check for rust or holes in muffler or tailpipe. Fumes from leaky exhaust are dangerous. NEVER LEAVE MOTOR RUNNING IN GARAGE OR OTHER ENCLOSED SPACE. Keep a window open when vehicle is idling.  Please consult anti-idling policy for specifics.

7. Windshield Wipers – Worn wipers will not clean windshield properly and can cause poor visibility.

8. Driver should refer to the owner’s manual that comes with the

                                      vehicle.

 

     

IV. Anti-Idling Policy

 

As of September 1, 2003, Transportation Services adopted an anti-idling policy for school buses.

 

Policy:

1. At garages, limit your idling time to 3-5 minutes.  This is what most manufacturers recommend.

2. When you reach your destination, TURN OFF you bus unless you will be leaving in 3 minutes.

3. Do not idle while waiting for you passengers at schools.  Restart your bus when you are ready to depart.                                                          

4. In cold weather (32 degrees or less), idling to operate your heaters is allowed for up to 15 minutes.

5. If a driver is at a location for more than 15 minutes in cold weather, go into the school to remain warm.

6. If your students have special needs, idling is allowed during use of lift equipment, loading or unloading, or for any safety or health considerations.

7. If your school bus has a turbo-diesel engine, allow for a 5-minute cool down and a 3-minute warm up.

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