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93
Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) can make the communi- provide. Companies report that the technology can not only
cations between vehicle operators and dispatchers more effi- improve safety but is a very helpful tool for investigating com-
cient and can reduce wait times for dispatch assistance. plaints and incidents. It is also reported that the cost of the
MDCs can also minimize the handwriting that is associated technology can be significantly offset by savings in insurance
with paper manifests or with add-ons to the schedule. As noted premiums. Any time there is a sudden vehicle movement, such
above, though, if advanced technologies are employed, these as going over a curb or a deep bump in the road very quickly,
systems need to function properly and vehicle operators need the camera is activated and captures video and audio for a short
to be trained to proficiency in their use. Poorly performing period of time after the event. While the information is prima-
equipment or a lack of understanding of these advanced tech- rily used for accident investigations, operators can also activate
nologies have been reported to have negative impacts on vehi- the camera if there are other in-service incidents.
cle operator performance and job satisfaction. One company reported that to emphasize the importance of
safe operations, anyone who goes a month without a DriveCam
incident gets to put his or her name in hat for a drawing. With
Reinforcing Safety as a Value
the reward program attached, the onboard camera is typically
Throughout the research for this study, the importance of viewed in a positive light.
operators understanding that safety is a core value in every-
thing a vehicle operator does was emphasized. Safety is one of
Recertification
the cornerstones of "how we do business" in the industry.
Even though formal training related to safety techniques and Veteran paratransit vehicle operators need to maintain
actions is limited, paratransit providers have instituted prac- skill levels developed during the new operator training. Some
tices to reinforce that safety has to be foremost in the think- providers include regularly scheduled continuing education
ing and actions of vehicle operators. Provided below are and recertification in essential skills areas.
examples of how providers create and reinforce "safety first" The following document is an example of continuing edu-
teachable moments. cation and training for vehicle operators at Special Transit in
Denver. Special Transit staff explained its use:
· Example 1: Monthly safety meetings are a staple in ADA
paratransit environments. In these meetings, safety mes- Our Road Supervisors use this form to evaluate operators after
they have completed training. The Road Supervisors ride along
sages are presented by managers and employees with
with the operators and if they observe any problem areas, coach
exemplary safety records are recognized. Related issues, the operators on ways to improve. Our goal is to evaluate opera-
such as the safe and proper securement of various types of tors a minimum of once a year, but it can be more often depend-
mobility aids are sometimes covered. ing on the outcome of the evaluation.
· Example 2: Safety/attendance awards are often combined to
emphasize the importance of safety and good attendance. Special Transit road supervisors also check operators
Perks that come with these awards range from bonuses up quarterly to make sure they are following proper wheelchair
to $150, to special parking spots for a month, to having the securement procedures. Exhibit 8-2 is an example of the form
operator's picture and story posted on company bulletin used to document these evaluations.
boards and in the company newsletter. Typically, all opera-
tors with spotless (or near spotless) records within a desig-
Providing a Supportive
nated period have their names put in a bowl and the winner
Work Environment
of the award is drawn from this group of candidates.
· Example 3: The CEO of one private company begins each A common theme during focus groups conducted with
regularly scheduled conference call with local managers managers from paratransit systems that have stable work-
with a message about safety. These managers in turn relay forces was that the overall work environment was viewed in a
the same message to operators. positive light by employees. Vehicle operators from these sys-
tems reported that the organization was like a "family" and
that they enjoyed the people with whom they worked. They
Use of DriveCam Technology
indicated that the organization had a real concern for its
to Support Safe Driving
employees and looked out for their interests.
The use of video cameras on transit vehicles to monitor driv- Small efforts, such as recognizing birthdays and periodically
ing behavior and to document any unexpected incidents while hosting breakfasts or company gatherings, were cited as things
in service is becoming more common. Some national para- that helped improve the camaraderie and the overall work
transit providers make this a standard feature on services they environment. Other factors--support, recognition, and hear-
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94
Exhibit 8-2. Example of an operator assessment form.
Access-a-Ride PERSONAL TRAINING DRIVER RIDE-A-LONG ASSESSMENT
NAME: __________________________________ DATE: ____________ DIVISION___________EXAMINER
__________________________
IN POSSESSION OF: LICENSE ______ DOT CARD ______ WATCH ______ UNIFORM ______ MAP BOOK ______
OTHER ________
TIME: _______________SERVICE AREA _______________________AM_______PM________ UNIT #
_________________
E - EXCELLENT G - GOOD N.I. - NEEDS IMPROVEMENT U- UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE // Y-yes N-no
PRE TRIP-POST TRIP PASSENGER ASSISTANCE
observed pre/post trip predictable stop- door timing
reviewed form only checks that clients are seated
GENERAL DRIVING rechecks passengers before moving
smooth acceleration steady speed lift operation
smooth stopping / complete stops wc. maneuvers done properly
square right turns left turns Secure wc.with Qstraints, seatbelt offered
right lane change left lane change Hazards/ park brake used
signal use canes/walkers/packages out of the way
mirror use MISCELLANEOUS
intersection awareness drivers attitude
defensive driving skills helpful answering questions
steering control on time / schedule
slows down over rough road telephone protocol
right lane use paperwork, complete / legible
railroad crossings- full stop distraction management- phone
hazard lights look/listen paperwork conversation
backing : in R horn 4ways coach comfort- temperature
get out & look mirror checking music conversation
monitors dashboard COMMENTS :
stopping distance
side clearance
pulling to curb / parallel
driver wears seatbelt
traffic control signs
traffic etiquette
separating hazards
following distance
Maintains lane
Yields right of way when appropriate
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS / SUGGESTIONS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________ has received personal training/job coaching while on duty, and will receive
_____credits for the Special Transit continuing education program.
PERSONAL TRAINER: ___________________________________________
DATE: _______________________________
I have received an assessment and/or coaching as noted above, that will help improve my ability to perform my job as a driver.
DRIVER : ______________________________________________
DATE : ______________________________________________
cc: Operations Manager ___ Div. Supervisor ___ Safety ___
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Exhibit 8-2. (Continued).
SPECIAL TRANSIT
PARATRANSIT - Wheelchair Securement Certification
Employee _______________________ Date ________ Field Trainer __________________
N/A = item was not applicable. N/A should be placed in Yes or No column Yes No
Wheelchair using customers
Did the driver check hand grips and brakes on w/c for safety?
Was there a clear path of travel for the w/c to or from the vehicle?
Did the driver follow proper procedure while maneuvering up or down a step?
(one step at a time, forward up, backward down, etc)
Did the driver push/pull the chair as opposed to lifting the chair while going
up/down a step?
Was proper procedure followed while going up or down a ramp?
Proper lift procedures
Were operator and bystanders clear of all moving parts?
Was lift door properly secured before operating lift?
Was w/c loaded facing out?
Were w/c brakes set?
Did the driver turn OFF the power on an electric chair while on the lift?
Did the driver secure the lift safety belt prior to operating the lift?
Did the driver have a hand on the w/c while it raised/lowered and the whole
time the lift was off the ground?
Was s/he standing in the proper position to restrain chair while raising or
lowering the lift?
Did the driver check the lip of the lift, to be sure it was locked into place after
rising from the ground?
Did the driver push the w/c ¾ of the way into the vehicle before entering the
vehicle to finish loading? Or leave the w/c ¾ of the way in the vehicle before
leaving the vehicle to unload?
Did the driver stand in front of the ELECTRIC w/c while it reversed into the
vehicle? (Or while it came out onto the lift?) Same procedure for manual
chair when customer operates their own chair on to or off of bus.
Tie Down procedures
Was the chair positioned facing forwards, wheels straight, squarely between
the floor tiedown spaces?
Were chair brakes set?
Was electric chair power turned off?
Were front straps placed on first?
Were front straps placed into floor brackets (directly in front of the frame of
each side of the chair and checked for secure fit BEFORE being put on
chair?
Were front straps hooked to a solid part of the frame?
Were front straps connected where they would not shift or slip off?
Were the front straps at a vertical 45 angle and not twisted?
Were front straps pulled tightly and extra strapping Velcroed up off the floor?
Were rear straps placed into floor brackets directly behind the frame on each
side of the chair, and checked for secure fit BEFORE being put on chair?
Were rear straps secured to a solid part of the frame?
Were rear straps connected where they would not shift or slip off?
Were rear straps at a 45 vertical angle and not twisted?
Were rear straps pulled tightly towards floor bracket, ratcheted and secured?
Was entire chair checked for secure tiedown hold?
Passenger restraints (Seatbelts and shoulder straps)
Requirements for the Q-Straint System
Were passenger restraints secured to rear tie down straps?
Were the seatbelt straps passed between the wheel and frame and then
through the armrest?
Was the female side of the seatbelt on the isle side of the chair?
Was the seatbelt fastened securely?
Was the shoulder strap placed across the chest and connected properly to
the female side of the seatbelt?
Were wheelchair and passenger secure and ready for transportation?
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