• Apply the brakes with steady pressure at first, then ease off as the bus slows, for a smooth stop. Do not fan the brakes except on slippery pavement.
• On a long downgrade, use engine compression to control speed; avoid heavy, continuous braking, which can overheat the brakes.
• Plan routes to avoid backing. Drive forward into traffic rather than backing into it. Straight backing is the easiest and safest backing manoeuvre; alley-dock and offset backing are harder.
• Before backing: remove distractions (phone, radio), open the windows to hear, switch on the four-way flashers, sound the horn, and walk around the bus to check for obstacles.