Railroad-Highway Crossings and Hazardous Materials Prohibitions
Crossings
Buses carrying passengers must stop at railroad crossings unless the crossing is exempt, a flagger or police officer directs traffic through, or a traffic signal controls the crossing and the bus can clear it. Stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Turn off noisy fans and heaters, open the window, and listen. Look both ways, and do not shift gears while crossing. Never stop on tracks - if traffic backs up, wait before the crossing until you can clear it completely.
Stuck or stalled
If the bus stalls or is stuck on the tracks, get everyone off and away immediately, then call the railroad or emergency services using the posted number or blue sign information. Move in the direction of an oncoming train's approach so you can see it, and move away from the tracks.
Hazardous materials
Passenger vehicles may not carry hazardous materials, and placarded vehicles are prohibited from carrying passengers. Buses may not be used to transport explosives or other regulated hazmat, and you should refuse riders carrying hazardous materials. Know the exceptions for small quantities of certain materials used for vehicle operation, but do not transport them in the passenger compartment.
Traps
Questions test the 15-to-50-foot stopping window, whether you must open the door or window to listen, and whether shifting is allowed on the crossing (it is not). Another trap is the belief that a bus may cross without stopping whenever the gate is up.
Rule of thumb
Stop, look, listen, and be sure you can clear the tracks before you start across.