Post-Crash and Hazardous Materials Procedures
Post-Crash and Hazardous Materials Procedures tests what you do in the first minutes after a collision and how you handle hazardous materials around a passenger bus. Maryland stresses scene safety, reporting, and keeping riders away from spills.
Post-crash actions
Stop, set the parking brake, turn on hazard lights, and warn traffic. Check for injuries; do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire. Call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, but do not admit fault. Notify your carrier. Maryland requires prompt police notification when a crash involves injury, death, or a hazardous spill; otherwise file the required MVA crash report within the time limit. Submit to drug and alcohol testing as required.
Hazardous materials rules
Passenger vehicles may not carry hazardous materials, except small permitted items such as a fire extinguisher. If a rider tries to board with gasoline, propane, or chemicals, refuse boarding. If a spill occurs, keep passengers away and upwind, do not touch or clean it, and call emergency responders. Give responders placard or UN number information if visible.
Worked example
A rider boards with a gasoline can. You stop at the next safe place, ask the rider to remove it, and refuse further travel until the hazard is gone. Gasoline is a flammable liquid; a passenger bus is not a hazmat vehicle.
Traps
Leaving the scene; moving injured riders unnecessarily; failing to warn traffic; trying to wipe up a spill; forgetting to report the crash to police and your employer.