Your thoughts on being asked to park my bus on a slight slope, with a chocked tire and brakes released. This is what I'm being required to do unless I show legal reason why I shouldn't. Also, the lot where we parked is not secured and the public has access to it and uses it. I have until Monday (3/4/19) to comply.
What is the reason they would request you to do such a dangerous thing such as this! This makes no sense an extremely alarming. My guess is that they are concerned about the brakes becoming stuck to the brake drum when not in use. It would take a week or more for the brakes to stick on the drums.
Brian Prochazka Bedford City Schools Transportation Specialist
The reasoning from the superintendent; It is my understanding that you must release the brakes to eliminate the possibility of freezing with the breaks on. By choking the bus tire and then releasing the brake will assist in brakes not freezing up in below freezing temperatures. It is evident that many schools use this procedure to eliminate frozen brakes that create many hours thawing out so they can operate safely.
Also; After researching "chocking wheels" to prevent brakes from freezing, I have found nothing that says it is illegal or unlawful! Attached are two letters from a bus driver (mechanic) and a professional who trains bus drivers at annual conferences.
If you can submit something to me that is a reliable source that indicates that "chocking wheels" to prevent brakes from freezing is illegal or unlawful please get to me as soon possible.
Unless I hear from you by next Monday, March 4, 2019, with information that indicates it is not recommended to "Chock or Block" wheels to prevent brakes from freezing I am directing you to follow your supervisors instructions in procedures that will assist with the transportation of our students.
I provided this information. I am getting no response back. see 49 CFR Section 398.4 Driving of Motor Vehicle. It states p)Unattended vehicles; precautions. No motor vehicle shall be left unattended by the driver until the parking brake has been securely set, the wheels chocked, and all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the movement of such vehicle.