School Buses
The highest duty of care
School bus drivers carry children, so the rules are strict about loading, unloading, and railroad crossings.
Concepts to master
- Loading and unloading: Stop, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral (or park), and activate the warning lights. Children must cross in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
- Danger zone: The area around the bus where children are hard to see - about 10 feet in front, behind, and to the sides.
- Railroad crossings: Stop at all railroad crossings, open the door, and listen before proceeding.
- Student management: Students must remain seated and quiet so the driver can concentrate.
- Emergency evacuation: Know the evacuation routes and how to get students out safely.
- Lights: Use the amber warning lights before the stop and red lights when stopped.
Traps
Questions ask how far children should cross in front of the bus (at least 10 feet ahead) or whether the bus must stop at railroad crossings (yes, always). Another trap: the driver must account for every child after unloading.
Worked example
At a stop, you activate amber lights, slow, then stop and activate red lights. You set the brake, open the door, and watch each child cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus. You count them off and on, and you do not move until all are clear.
Rule of thumb
Stop, brake, lights, count - and never move until every child is accounted for.