The following is a list of the training programs and a course description of each that are currently available to rural transit providers through Missouri RTAP. Requests for training can be made by contacting Doreen Harkins, MO-RTAP Program Specialist, at harkinsd@mst.edu or (573) 341-6155.
Defensive Driving
Makes sure all your drivers know how to develop safe, defensive driving habits and attitudes. This program covers essential defensive driving techniques that can reduce collision-related injuries and fatalities and can help you reduce insurance claims, lost work time and vehicle repairs by decreasing the number of collisions. This program also includes student course guides with a certificate of completion.
Approximate Time: 3 hours
Passenger Assistance/Mobility Aid Securement
Provides classroom and hands-on training to demonstrate proper assistance techniques and mobility aid securement.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Emergency Procedures
Discusses how transit drivers should handle emergency situations such as breakdowns, collisions and transit passenger vehicle evacuations.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Drug Abuse Awareness in Rural Transit
Educates transit drivers about the hazards of both illegal and legal drugs and alcohol. Various drug-testing regulations are also discussed.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Blood Borne Pathogens
Covers various problems that may be encountered when having to deal with a body fluid spill on the bus and stresses protection for the driver and other passengers.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Operation Lifesaver – Highway-Rail Crossing Safety
Covers the importance of safety when utilizing a highway rail crossing. Laws and regulations for commercial drivers are emphasized.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Basic First Aid
Stresses the importance of calling 911. It is a program by the Red Cross that is a refresher course for CPR and rescue breathing.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Backing Safety
Reduce the number of backing collisions. The program is designed by the National Safety Council.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Reversing the Trend – Backing Safety
Emphasizes components of the Smith System Defensive Driving Institute defensive driving strategies to reduce backing collisions.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Winter Driving Safety
Covers safety tips and techniques for handling the hazards of winter driving. Topics cover pre-season preparation, pre-trip procedures, and on-the-road issues such as anti-lock brakes and obstructed views.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Fatigue Awareness for Drivers
This program covers: fatigue, signs and symptoms, factors that affect it, sleep, effect on family and social life and strategies and countermeasures.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Driven to Extremes
Covers the myths and realities of aggressive driving.
Approximate Hours: 1 hour
Entry Level CDL Driver Training
Meets DOT requirements for new CDL Drivers.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Diversity & Awareness Training – Providing Quality Customer Service for Transportation Passengers who have Disabilities
Learn how to provide quality customer service and support for passengers with disabilities. As a result of this training you will have an enhanced understanding of disability and diversity, improved ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people with disabilities and increased ability to provide needed transportation accommodations.
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Safe & Secure Proper Infant and Child Seat Installation
Provides information for safely installing and securing a car seat for children.
Approximate Time: 1-2 hours
Human Resource Management
Covers proper hiring procedures, discusses sexual harassment in the work place, and outlines proper procedures for reprimanding an employee as well as the importance of proper documentation leading up to employee dismissal. It also covers the importance of using employees in jobs best suited for them. Attendees will learn to identify personal skills of individuals, how to recognize certain personality traits the importance of assigning the right people and the correct number of people to various job assignments, and how these can be accomplished through the use of personnel evaluations and performance reviews.
Approximate Time: 4 hours
Legal Aspects of Supervision
Covers the legal responsibilities of supervising others. Attendees will become aware of the pitfalls of not giving adequate direction. Everything a supervisor does has a consequence, whether it’s telling someone to dig a ditch or grade a road. Supervisors must be aware of those consequences before they give out the daily work schedule. The class focuses on being a supervisor a pleasant experience and not a courtroom appearance.
Approximate Time: 4 hours
Aggressive Driving
Discusses various aggressive driving behaviors and how the average driver can take control during stressful driving situations and regain their composure.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Distracted Driving
Discusses tips for managing distractions from the busy world we live in both before and while driving.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
HIPAA
Provides some basic information regarding the use, transmission, security and privacy of healthcare data and information as it applies to transit drivers.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Sensitivity Awareness
Discusses accessibility, communication, cooperation and sensitivity when drivers provide service to customers with various disabilities.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Wheelchair Securement
Provides specifics on mobility aid and occupant restraint procedures through classroom and hands-on training.
Approximate Time: 2-3 hours