ADVERSE CONDITIONS

	LESSON PLAN		INSTRUCTOR NOTES
IV. Slippery Roads - Mud The first slippery road condition we are going to talk about is mud When we are talking here about mud, we are not just talking about some wet dirt on a paved road We are talking about a non-paved wet road that is virtually impassable due to mud Or a paved road when excessive mud is present due to poor drainage or construction sites When should you anticipate mud on a dirt or gravel road? After heavy rain After snow melt After a major thaw How the school bus driver should respond to mud Before you drive Communication is critical Call or talk to Parents or spotters Other drivers Dispatch On your route Avoid the mud if at all possible Anticipate it Look for it If you can�t avoid the mud If you are not in too far, stop and back up If you are too far in Keep going Keep your speed steady; don�t slow down Keep your tires straight Don�t make quick corrections or over corrections Stay on the crest of the road Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel The theory is that, by continuing to move at a steady pace, you are floating on top of the mud and won�t sink in When you are through the mud, check your lights to make sure that they are clean Review local policy and procedures Before we conclude we need to mention mud slides Mud slides may occur along a road If there is one clear lane, a school bus driver can go around a mud slide as long as you can stay on the road If you can�t stay on the road, find another route Are there any questions about driving in mud?			IV.B - Display Slide #10 IV.C - Distribute Handout #3, Slippery Roads - Mud

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IV. Remind participants that their first preference should always be to avoid an adverse weather situation. This module deals with what to do if you haven�t been able to avoid it. You will discuss those situations where the school bus driver has to decide what to do. IV.A. Tell participants that all the information covered in this section will be on a handout which you will distribute shortly. IV.E. Distribute Handout #3, Slippery Roads - Mud. Review it with the participants. This process will be repeated with each of the adverse weather conditions. The handout covers what the school bus driver should know and how the school bus driver should respond. Distribute the handout for that weather condition and review it with participants. IV.E.2.b.2 There is no objective way to tell what �too far� is. The school bus driver will have to make the determination in each situation.