Emergency Procedures and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
This domain tests emergency evacuation and required railroad-highway grade crossing procedure for passenger-carrying vehicles. The exam expects exit knowledge, passenger accounting, fire response, and a complete stop at crossings.
Emergency response
- Know how to operate service doors, emergency windows, and roof hatches. Keep exits and aisles clear.
- If fire or another emergency occurs, stop safely, set the brake, shut off the engine, and evacuate passengers away from the vehicle and upwind of smoke.
- Call 911, account for passengers, and do not re-enter the vehicle. Use a fire extinguisher only on a small fire and only if escape remains possible.
Railroad crossings
- A passenger-carrying CMV must stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail at every crossing unless the crossing is exempt or a police officer or flagger directs traffic.
- Open a door or window, look and listen, and confirm the tracks are clear. Cross in the proper gear without shifting.
- If the bus stalls or is stuck on the tracks, evacuate passengers immediately and move them away; call 911 and the railroad.
Worked example
A bus approaches a crossing with gates up and lights off. Reasoning: the bus must still stop 15 to 50 feet back, open a door or window, look and listen, then cross without shifting. Gates being up does not cancel the passenger-bus stop requirement.
Traps
- Treating the crossing as a rolling stop.
- Stopping too close or on the tracks.
- Shifting gears while crossing.
- Staying inside a stalled bus to call for help before evacuating.