Driver Basic Operation (Reset Button)

Introduction

The Child Check-Mate Safety System is an electronic child reminder which was developed as a drivers aid to increase child safety and driver job security. The system becomes activated the moment a child boards the bus, and cannot be deactivated until the driver walks to the rear of the bus, and depresses the "Stop and Check" reset button upon completion of each run. The system was developed "by drivers for drivers" over 6 years ago, and is currently installed on over 110,000 buses across North American. The system is simple to use, and does not interfere with the normal course of the driver's daily routine with the exception of pushing a button at the back of the bus. Although the Child Check-Mate System does not remove the responsibility of the driver to check his/her vehicle it will significantly reduce the chances of a child being accidentally left behind or unattended onboard a school bus.

1. Although the Child Check-Mate Safety System becomes active once the engine is turned on, it remains in an unarmed state, until the overhead flashing lights are engaged. Activation is indicated by a brief audible chirping sound once the engine has been turned on. This activation alarm comes from the main master alarm unit and indicates that the bus is equipped with the system, and that it is operating effectively. The system only becomes armed once the overhead flashing lights have been turned on. This procedure indicates to the system that a child has either boarded or disembarked the vehicle. This is important because, until the system is actually activated, the driver (or maintenance personnel) can go about their daily routine without having to make unnecessary trips to the rear of the bus prior to, or after the completion of each run.
   
   
2. Once the driver has completed their routes, either A.M., K.G., or P.M., the driver should, as part of his/her normal routine, check their bus for any remaining students (either with the engine running, "or" turned off with the key in the accessory position ensuring that the overhead lights are turned off). The only addition to the driver's routine is to depress (and hold down for 2 seconds) the "Stop and Check" reset button at the rear of the bus at the conclusion of their normal walkthrough. This will tell the system that the driver has conducted a complete sweep of the vehicle. Once the button is depressed, a deactivation alarm will sound (quick chirping sound) indicating to the driver that the system has been properly disarmed. The driver is now free to make as many unscheduled stops without the interference of an alarm.
   
   
3. Following these simple procedures should not alter the drivers' daily routine, other than to depress the reset button, during they're routine walk to the back of the bus at the end of each run to check for children or lost articles. Should the driver however, attempt to turn the engine off before disarming the system, a warning alarm will sound indicating that the check has not been preformed. Immediately, the driver must return the key to the "ON" position (or to accessory) and return to the rear of the bus to deactivate the system. Failure to turn the key to the "on" or "accessory" position at this time will result in the activation of a secondary alarm that will cause the vehicles horn to pulse on and off in one second intervals. Turning the key back "on", or to the "accessory" position simply puts the system into a silent state which delays the sounding of the secondary alarm and allows the driver unrestricted time to check the vehicle and disarm the system by depressing the reset button as described in item two above.

NOTE: Should a driver have a full load and the driver, a school official or Police officer need to speak to the students the bus "can" be turned off (in order to reduce engine noise). The key simply needs to be turned to the "accessory" position, which will interrupt the buzzer during this period. This system however remains active during this period and the driver will still have to perform the child check to reset the system before turning the bus completely off prior to leaving their vehicle.

Circle Check!

Just as it is the driver's responsibility to check for children at the end of each run, it is also the responsibility of the driver to check the operation of the Child Check-Mate System as part of their normal "circle check" before putting the bus into operation. Specifically, before leaving the yard at the beginning of each day, the driver shall determine that the system is fully operational. The following procedure outlines the proper check procedure.

With the front door closed, start the bus and turn the master switch on. Open the front door, the overhead lights should be flashing at this point.

Note: In California, add this step! "With the Red Lights still flashing, turn the ignition off and remove the key. The system alarm should not sound. Turn ignition back on."

Close the front door, the overhead lights will stop flashing. Turn the ignition off. The system alarm (a high pitched beeping) should begin to sound. Turn the ignition back "on" or to the "accessory" position; the alarm should be silenced in either position. Return to the rear of the bus and depress the reset button and hold for at least one second. You will hear a deactivation signal (a rapid chirping sound). The system has now been deactivated and is passed all functions of the walkthrough. Should the system fail to perform any of the functions specified above, the problem should be immediately identified to the maintenance division for correction.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

ABSENCE OF RED OVERHEAD FLASHERS:

For vehicles which have "no" red overhead flashing lights (e.g. non-yellow wheelchair vehicles, club wagons, mini-vans, etc) or, if the use of red lights on a school vehicle is not permitted in a particular Province/State, the driver should note the following;

Because of the absence of the red overhead flashers on these types of vehicles, the Child Check-Mate System have been installed using the Brake Switch as the method of system activation. This means that the system will become activated from the moment the driver applies the brakes for the first time after the bus has been started

Important! Using the brakes as an alternative to the red overhead flashers will necessitate the need for the driver (or, anyone else moving the vehicle including yard or shop personnel) to return to the back of the bus to deactivate the system every time the bus has been moved and ready to be shut off.

CALIFORNIA REGULATION:

In California or other states where the driver must leave the vehicle to accompany students across the road, the driver should simply turn off the engine and remove the key remembering to leave the overhead flashing lights on. The system will remain active but will not sound the alarm as long as the overhead lights remain on. Once the driver returns to the bus, the engine should be started prior to turning off the Overhead lights. Once the lights have been turned off, the driver may repeat this procedure until the run is completed at which time the system should be deactivated following the procedures described above.