MO CDL School Bus flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

School bus danger zone

The danger zone is the area within 10 feet of the school bus on all sides, especially in front, behind, and along the right side; drivers must keep students out of it.

Crossover mirrors

Convex mirrors mounted at the front corners of a school bus; they show the front bumper and the area up to about 10 feet ahead, helping the driver see students crossing in front.

Convex mirror warning

Objects seen in convex mirrors appear smaller and farther away than they really are, so drivers must not judge distance from a convex mirror alone.

Flat side mirrors

Flat mirrors on the left and right sides of a school bus that show a true-size view of the bus sides and adjacent traffic lanes; adjust them to include part of the bus body.

Ten-foot waiting rule

Students waiting for a school bus should stand at least 10 feet away from the bus and the roadway until the driver signals them to board.

Three-point contact

When boarding or leaving a school bus, students should use the handrail and keep three points of contact-two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot.

Student count

The driver counts students when they load, counts again when they unload, and checks the count before moving the bus; a missing student requires stopping and checking.

Dropped item near bus

If a student drops something near the bus, the student should not bend down or reach under the bus; the student should tell the driver and move away.

Evacuation distance

After evacuating a school bus, move students at least 100 feet away from the bus and, if possible, upwind of smoke, fire, or spilled hazardous material.

Evacuation order

Use the front door as the primary exit, the rear door as the backup, and both exits when speed is needed; students should leave books and belongings behind.

When to evacuate

Evacuate a school bus when there is fire, hazardous material release, the bus is on railroad tracks, or the bus is in imminent danger; otherwise keep students aboard in a safe spot.

After evacuation

After evacuating, take the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and reflectors if safe, count students, move them away, and call 911 with location and injuries.

Railroad stop distance

A school bus must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at a railroad-highway crossing, open the door, and listen and look before crossing.

Stalled on tracks

If a school bus stalls on railroad tracks, evacuate students immediately, move them at least 100 feet away and upwind, then call 911 and the railroad emergency number.

Gear at crossing

Select the proper gear before reaching railroad tracks and never shift gears while crossing; shifting can cause the bus to stall on the tracks.

Multiple track check

At crossings with more than one track, check each track separately in both directions; one train can hide another train approaching on a parallel track.

Discipline while driving

Do not try to discipline students while the bus is moving; stop the bus in a safe place, secure it, and then deal with the behavior.

Physical force limits

A school bus driver may use physical force only when necessary to protect students or others from imminent harm, never as punishment.

Student seating rule

Students should remain seated facing forward while the bus is moving, and the aisle must stay clear of books, bags, and legs.

Fighting on bus

If students fight, stop the bus in a safe location, set the parking brake, radio for help, and separate students only if it can be done safely.

ABS purpose

Antilock braking systems prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, which helps the driver keep steering control while stopping.

ABS pedal feel

During ABS operation the brake pedal may pulse or vibrate and the system may make noise; the driver should keep firm pressure on the pedal and not pump it.

ABS warning light

If the ABS warning light stays on, the antilock system has a fault; the normal brakes still work, but the driver should report the defect.

ABS stopping distance

ABS does not always shorten stopping distance and may lengthen it on gravel, snow, or loose surfaces; drivers should still leave safe following distance.

Wheelchair securement

A wheelchair on a school bus must be secured at four points, with the wheelchair brakes set and the student restrained by a lap and shoulder belt.

Unattended students

Never leave children unattended on a school bus; after every trip, the driver must walk the bus and check all seats and the rear.

Backing a school bus

Avoid backing a school bus; if backing is necessary, use a spotter and do not move until the spotter is visible and signals that the area is clear.

Fueling with students

Do not fuel a school bus with students aboard; turn off the engine, prohibit smoking, and follow the district's fueling procedure.

Post-trip child check

After every route, walk to the back of the bus and check every seat, under seats, and the aisle for sleeping or left-behind children before securing the bus.

Pre-trip mirror check

Before driving, adjust the flat, convex, and crossover mirrors so the driver can see the bus sides, the front bumper, and the area around the bus.

Written defect report

Any defect found during a pre-trip or post-trip inspection must be reported in writing and repaired before the bus is used again, if it affects safety.

Emergency equipment check

A school bus pre-trip inspection includes checking the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning reflectors, fuses, and emergency exits for presence and condition.