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SteveCof00
Senior Member
USA
128 Posts |
 Posted - 01/30/2011 : 8:27:24 PM
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Link to SBF article: Device designed to eliminate bus rear wheel danger zone gap
While the first thing to pop in my mind is the return of fender skirts, it looks like this might actually present a solution. Unlike the S-1 Gard, the MDZ Shield is a single non-moving part that doesn't look like it needs periodic replacement. Its visibility also calls attention to the danger zones around the rear wheels. |
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08 Thomas EF
Top Member
533 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 3:02:46 PM
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I don't exactly understand how it makes things safer. Is it supposed to push a child aside if they're under the bus in front of the rear axle and it starts moving? Are the tires a specific blind spot, so the area around them needs to be beefed up?
I can see those things getting broken all the time where there's snow (whether they're pushed through a snow bank, the bus drives over a chunk of hard snow/ice, etc.). |
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BBInt.10
Top Member
USA
1042 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 5:29:04 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by 08 Thomas EF
I don't exactly understand how it makes things safer. Is it supposed to push a child aside if they're under the bus in front of the rear axle and it starts moving? Are the tires a specific blind spot, so the area around them needs to be beefed up?
I can see those things getting broken all the time where there's snow (whether they're pushed through a snow bank, the bus drives over a chunk of hard snow/ice, etc.).
Agreed. That device is just going to get caught on things. How often are we running over kids with our rear wheels anyway? Off hand, I can think of one instance within the last couple years in CT where the rear wheels ran over a child, and it was a backing accident in a bus lot, and when going in reverse, this device would be of no use anyway. Watch your mirrors and don't move your bus if within 10' of students! |
If all your problems are behind you... you must be a school bus driver. |
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B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2011 : 4:06:52 PM
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Here's a solution:
1. Ensure mirrors are properly adjusted according to FMVSS regulations.
2. Drivers need to check their mirrors each and every time before leaving any bus stop where passengers were loaded/unloaded from the bus. I've observed numerous drivers who check their mirrors right after leaving bus stops.
3. Train, train, train... Train your students to stay away from the danger zones around the school bus. |
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2011 Thomas HDX
New Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/17/2011 : 5:29:29 PM
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| This contraption is bound to get caught on every curb in town, not to mention the pillars and curbs in the bus loop at every school on the route. Second, it just looks ridiculous. The shop would need to keep plenty of replacement shields on-hand as I can foresee these shields being damaged on a regular basis. I think driver awareness, training and student training are better options to minimize danger zones. |
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Rear wheel danger zone device
