...
There are certain hazards the professional driver may face when sharing the road with a school bus and steps that can be taken to prevent school bus-related crashes. School bus drivers must also watch for hazards and stop at railroad crossings as well as comply with school bus company and school district policies.
Scope
There are certain hazards the professional driver may face when sharing the road with a school bus and steps that can be taken to prevent school bus-related crashes.
School bus drivers must also watch for hazards and stop at railroad crossings as well as comply with school bus company and school district policies.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 392.10 — Railroad grade crossings; stopping required
- 49 CFR 390.5T — Definitions
Key definitions
- School bus: A passenger motor vehicle which is designed or used to carry more than 10 passengers in addition to the driver, and which the Secretary determines is likely to be significantly used for the purpose of transporting preprimary, primary, or secondary school students to such schools from home or from such schools to home.
Summary of requirements
Defensive driving. Being aware of the situation at hand and using defensive driving techniques including continually scanning the road and paying extra attention for children are important when it comes to preventing school bus-related crashes.
Flashing signal light system. All drivers should learn and follow school bus-related laws and the “flashing signal light system” used by school bus drivers to alert motorists of pending actions.
- Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to allow children to board or exit the bus. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.
- Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus. Drivers should stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Railroad crossing. In accordance with 392.10, school bus drivers must not cross a railroad track or tracks at grade unless the driver first:
- Stops the school bus within 50 feet of, and not closer than 15 feet to, the tracks; thereafter listens and looks in each direction along the tracks for an approaching train; and ascertains that no train is approaching. When it is safe to do so, the driver may drive the school bus across the tracks in a gear that permits the commercial motor vehicle to complete the crossing without a change of gears. The driver must not shift gears while crossing the tracks.
NOTE: The school bus company and possibly the school district may have additional required precautions to follow while operating a school bus operation.