USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT SCHOOL BUS OPERATORS

USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT SCHOOL BUS OPERATORS

po8606 Adopted April 10, 2007Revised March 12, 2024

8606 - USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT SCHOOL BUS OPERATORS

  1. For purposes of this policy, wireless communication devices (WCDs) means any handheld device used or capable of being used in a handheld manner, that is designed or intended to receive or transmit text or character-based messages, access or store data, or connected to the Internet or any communications service as defined in F.S. 812.15 and that allows text communications. WCDs include, but are not limited to, cellular and wireless telephones, pagers/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Blackberries/Smartphones, and other Wi-Fi-enabled or broadband access devices.
  2. Cellular phone use for voice communication and texting while driving has been found to contribute to school bus crashes. According to the National Safety Council and the National Transportation Safety Board, the risk of collision is considerably greater when using a cellular phone while driving. The use of a cellular phone while driving is a distraction from the driving environment.
  3. It is the policy of the Board that WCDs, including WCDs equipped with ear pieces, ear buds, headsets, and/or Bluetooth, shall not be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to, placing or receiving phone calls, sending or receiving text messages, or sending or receiving e-mails, anytime the operator is actively driving a District school bus, with or without students on board except for reasons as defined in Board Policy 8625.
  4. The mobile radio installed on all District school buses will be the primary communication system for District school bus operators. If the mobile bus radio fails, and the school bus operator's responsibility for the safety and health of the students being transported makes it necessary for the school bus driver to use a WCD while performing bus-operating duties, the school bus operator will depart the roadway, stop the bus in a safe area, and then use the WCD.
  5. Furthermore, it shall be the policy of the Board that school bus operators shall adhere to all District policies pertaining to staff use of WCDs (see Policy 7530.01 and Policy 8625) and two-way radios.
  6. Safety will always be the priority while driving a school bus. Any deviation to the above policy will result in disciplinary action as set forth in Board policy or the collective bargaining agreement.

Revised 12/8/09
Revised 3/12/24

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