How pattern matching and recognition can make your buses safer Photographic credit for all images: Rachel Wilson.
TOP ROW – Left: As the first line of contact between the school and the community, it is critical that bus drivers remain observant to any sign of danger. Middle: Being prepared to act and having adequate supplies to respond to a variety of emergency situations are critical for bus drivers, who are required to be their own crisis team for the first few minutes of most crisis situations. Right: A positive, cheerful demeanour is a good first start to defusing possible danger and improving communications between the driver, riders and parents.
BOTTOM ROW – Left:The average person would be surprised at the kinds of prohibited activities that the observant driver may notice during a bus route.Second to Left: Many violators assume that drivers are preoccupied with driving and in many cases, even believe that a driver will not notice illicit activity going on in close proximity. Third to Left: Bring prepared for everyday medical emergencies is one of the basic job functions of a bus driver, even though we all hope that most drivers are never forced to face this type of situation. Third to Right: Being alert and observant can help detect danger as well as other issues that come on the bus, including bullying, gang activity, depression and suicidal thoughts. Second to Right: Weapons and other contraband are one of the most basic reasons why drivers should be observant. While finding a gun on a bus or encountering the use of a weapon during a route can be scary, with proper training and alertness most drivers will be able to respond calmly, safely and professionally to a wide variety of incidents. Right: Being alert and observant can improve driver-rider communication, making it more likely that a driver will find out about dangerous situations and other issues that students may experience on the bus, including bullying, gang activity, depression and suicidal thoughts.
By Michael Dorn and Chris Dorn Can a school bus driver think faster than a
tively. We saw a real-life example of this
the human brain functions rapidly and
computer? In his book Sources of Power
when Angel Perry, a school bus driver in
effectively, but only when it has been
– How People Make Decisions, Dr. Gary
Henryville, Indiana reacted to the sud-
properly prepared. So the credit for An-
Klein explains how research conducted
den appearance of a tornado during her
gel Perry’s amazing performance should
by the United States military demon-
route. Perry likely saved the lives of her
also go to her supervisors and the train-
strated that the human brain can make
riders with the rapid emergency evacua-
ing that provided what Klein refers to as
decisions more effectively and faster
tion of her bus as a tornado was bearing
a “base of knowledge” that she could
than a computer in certain types of life
down on her. Reviewing the images from
rapidly apply under such demanding
and death situations that require quick
the bus’s security camera, you can hear
circumstances. One way in which we see
evaluations of judgment and nuance.
her counting her students while she also
this base of knowledge come into play is
According to Klein, when U.S. combat
gives them commands between counts.
when people use what is referred to as
commanders attempted to use software
This is an impressive example of just how
pattern matching and recognition. This
programs to make decisions in military
well school bus drivers can perform un-
is a technique that can be learned and
combat exercises, they were continually
der extreme conditions.
developed over time and only requires
beaten by opposing commanders. The
There is one very important point
human opponents were simply able to
about Klein’s research that bears specific
make decisions faster and more effec-
exploration. His researchers found that
26
Ops Talk • Fall 2012
life experience and good judgment to exercise. Developed in cardiac care units in
