Yesterday sucked!
On my days off, 2 days a week, I drive a 40' transit bus. Oh yeah, it's fun! :roll:
Anyway, on my first run yesterday here's what happened. I made a left turn from a 2 lane street onto a 4 lane street, turned into the left lane (as required). There is a Bus stop about a block down so I have to get over to the right. I signal, check the mirrors, all clear and start moving over. Passengers in the back of the buss start yelling "look out she's trying to pass". Apparently a car that turned behind me, and was following so close I didn't see it, decided to try to pass me on the right. Kicker, it was City of Kankakee vehicle. (Turned out to be a code enforcement officer). She went off the road to avoid being hit and was sitting on the side of the road. I called Dispatch immediately and was told if there was no contact to continue on my route because I was late.
I get back to the depot and the City vehicle is parked, waiting for me. Now I have talked to Dispatch 3 times and was told to keep driving until I got to the depot. The Code Enforcement Officer had apparently also called in. I have passengers waiting, but I'm told to wait at the Depot while they (in the office) decide what to do. While I'm waiting and asking repeatedly for an ETA to give my passengers, 2 squad cars pull up with their lights on. GREAT!!!! I get off the bus to talk to the police, hand him my license and DOT card, (which he said he didn't need). He asks me if I'm alright, tells me I look pale and a little shaky ( I was PI$$ED more than anything!) Asked me what happened, talked to passengers/witnesses and tells the other driver, that IF there had been an accident, she would have been ticketed! At that point she left.
I had told the Officer that the office was sending a back-up driver and I had to wait at the Depot. The Safety manager finally showed up with a dispatcher and a substitute driver. The officer made a point of telling the Safety Manager that I had done NOTHING wrong, the other driver was at fault but he wasn't issuing any tickets. He would however supply a written report if they wanted one.
Did I ever mention that when Im really upset I start making really stupid jokes? As the safety manager is walking toward me and the cop, I hold up my hands and say "Look no handcuffs, he didn't even offer!"
Anyway, I had to be taken for a BAC and pee test and was sent home for the rest of the day, but I'm going back today, so for now I have been told by Safety and the Transit Director that I still have the job. And I have to work today so wish me luck!
Reb