There are 25 million reasons
why it's important to reduce idling
CLEAN SCHOOL BUS U@AfB)
Take the pledge...
the key to reducing idling is you.
1(P CLEAN SCHOOL BUS P8&CK
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...
Do the Math
There are lots of reasons why it is important to reduce idling
You can.
1. Help improve the air quality in your community.
2. Save money by not wasting fuel.
3. Reduce wear-and-tear on your engine.
f. Protect your own health and the health of countless
children who will thank you!
What Is the Link Between Diesel
Exhaust and Your Health?
The diesel exhaust from your school bus can be harmful for
adults, but even more so for children. That is because kids are
more susceptible to air pollution than healthy adults. Unlike
adults, their respiratory systems are still developing, and they
have a faster breathing rate.
Diesel exhaust contains billions of small particles, known as
fine particulate matter, among other pollutants. These particles
are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period
at the end of this sentence. When kids breathe in school bus
exhaust, these particles can cause lung damage and aggravate
asthma, bronchitis, and related health problems.
The exhaust from an idling school bus also pollutes the air in
your community. It can even enter school buildings through fresh
air intakes, doors, and open windows. Be an active part of your
community—start reducing idling today!
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Turn the Key and
Make a Difference
Every day, 25 million children ride a
school bus on their way to and from
the classroom. Unfortunately,
unnecessary school bus idling can pose a health risk to this
precious cargo, generating air pollution that can aggravate
children's asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
"We fully implemented our bus idling policy beginning with the 2004-05
school year. In 2004-05, although we drove 3,716 more miles than 2003-
04, we used 10,470 fewer gallons of diesel fuel. I believe that employees
are supporting the idling policy and that their continued attention to our
school bus idling guidelines should pay even greater dividends for our
students and the community in the future."
— Bill McCoy, Director of Operations, CEH, Lincoln Public Schools,
Lincoln, Nebraska
As a school bus driver, you always put the safety and
security of the kids on your bus first. Now you have another
opportunity to protect their health, as well as your own.
Just by turning off the
school bus engine when
you arrive at the loading
and unloading area at
schools, you can decrease
the amount of diesel
emissions to which
children, as well as you,
are exposed. By reducing
the idling time of a school bus, you can help save fuel and
money, reduce pollution, and, most importantly, protect
children from harmful pollutants contained in diesel exhaust.
The key to reducing idling is you!
"I'm proud to have taken a pledge to reduce idling. I guess you could
say we're all breathing easier as a result."
— Hank Drumm, Sr., School Bus Driver, Longwood Combined School,
Middle Island, New York
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What Can You Do?
Here's your homework assignment.
As always, be sure to follow all state and local regulations and policies.
Turn off the engine as soon as possible after arriving
at school loading or unloading areas. Only restart
the bus when you are ready to depart.
Jjmityour idling time during early morning warm-up
to what the manufacturer recommends (generally
no more than five minutes).
Drive farther behind a vehicle with visible exhaust or
a noticeable odor.
You are not alone!
Here's what your school district can do
to help...
/ Use smart practices such as following proper maintenance
procedures, encouraging drivers not to caravan too closely,
and assigning the newest buses to the longest routes.
/ Implement a reduced idling program for the school
or school district.
Take advantage of existing print materials to publicize
the idling program or create new materials. Visit
www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus for sample materials.
/ Create a comfortable space inside each school building
and/or bus depot where bus drivers can wait.
onsider available options to help with cabin comfort, extreme
weather, and equipment operation.
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Take the Pledge!
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...
You hold the key to a healthier ride!
Show your commitment to
reducing idling by completing
the Idle Reduction Pledge. To take
the pledge, simply complete and detach
the form to the right. If you are taking the
pledge as part of a group workshop or conference,
please submit the form as directed by your coordinator.
If you are completing this form as an individual, please
fax it to 734-214-4869, attention Clean School Bus USA.
Idle Reduction Pledge
pledge to:
1. Limit idling time in school bus loading and
unloading areas.
2. Turn the engine off in the school yard
whenever possible.
3. Learn more about implementing idle reduction
programs and policies in my school district.
Signed:
Date:
School District:
City and State:__
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Myth:
It is important to warm up the engine with a long idle period,
especially in cold weather.
Fact:
With today's school bus engines, bus and engine manufacturers
routinely suggest a warm-up time of fewer than five minutes. In fact,
idling causes significantly more wear on internal parts compared
to driving at regular speeds.
Myth:
The engine must be kept running in order to operate the school bus
safety equipment, such as the flashing lights or stop signal arm.
Fact:
Safety equipment can be operated as needed without the engine
running, with no ill effects on the electrical system of the bus. This
does not apply, however, to school buses that use air-operated
equipment such as doors, crossing control arms, and other features,
where the air supply will not last as long.
Get more information about the
Clean School Bus USA program today!
imply visit our Web site at
www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus
to download idle reduction policies,
tip sheets, and other ways to reduce emissions
while the school bus is moving; e-mail us at
cleanschoolbususa@epa.gov; or leave
a voice message at 734-214-4780.
Clean School Bus USA is a public-private environmental partnership led by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that seeks to reduce children's
exposure to air pollution from diesel school buses. The program emphasizes
ways to reduce public school bus emissions through idle reduction strategies,
engine retrofit, clean fuels, and bus replacement.
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with vegetable oil based inks on 100% postconsumer, process chlorine free recycled paper.
April 2006
EPA-420-F-06-018
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