Comments on: Advice for smooth operators

By: Dean Partridge

Dean Partridge — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:10:36 +0000

I instruct new drivers to pay attention to the yellow speed limit signs posted at off ramps and other curves. Utilize these signs as a guide and take the curve five to seven mph slower than posted to give your passengers a smooth ride with minimal centripetal force. Always try to adjust your speed before and after curves and turns, avoid braking and accelerating in curves and turns.

By: Danno Cardinal

Danno Cardinal — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:37:03 +0000

I’m a new bus driver, coming from a nearly 8 year stint as a truck driver. Your advice is dead-on and it helped me start off driving motor coaches and other buses on a much more confident tone.

Before doing the transition to driving buses, I was practicing my braking techniques, intersection approachments and such. This advice which I took seriously, worked and some people think I’m a veteran bus driver.

Thanks and your articles are helping me shape up my career change.

By: Jimbo

Jimbo — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:16:51 +0000

Years ago an effective training tool for drivers was an empty milk bottle. Stand it on the floor and it should never tip over. (or have a Dad and an uncle like mine teach you how to drive !)

By: Ronald Stenzel

Ronald Stenzel — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:07:09 +0000

This is a similar technique to what I taught pilots during my military career. I told them to taxi on the ground and fly in the air as though the Admiral was on board for every flights. Perhaps the CEO for each of your trips

An added tip for stopping. As you come to a halt, let your eyes come closer and closer to the bus (plane). Forward motion is easier to see, and it is easier to simply cease to move instead of stopping by, as Bob says, easing up on the brake pedal slightly. Practice this with your automobile too.