MS CDL School Bus flashcards
MS CDL School Bus · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Danger zone distance
- The area within 10 feet of the school bus on all sides, where students are hidden from the driver's view and at greatest risk of injury.
- Most dangerous zone
- Directly in front of the bus, because the hood and driver's seating position block the view of a small student crossing there.
- Secure before loading
- Set the parking brake, place the transmission in Park, and signal students to wait until the driver gives the hand signal to board.
- Student count rule
- The driver counts students as they leave and again after they clear the danger zone, and recounts before moving the bus.
- Crossing signal
- Students cross only on the driver's hand signal and at least 10 feet in front of the bus, never behind it.
- Amber warning lights
- Warning lights activated at least 100 feet before a stop, then red lights and the stop arm are deployed once the bus is stopped.
- Stop arm location
- The stop arm extends from the left side of the bus; the driver checks mirrors to confirm it is fully extended.
- Door opening condition
- The door opens only after the bus is fully stopped, the parking brake is set, and traffic has been checked in all mirrors.
- Mirror scan set
- Crossover mirrors cover the front bumper area, convex mirrors cover the sides, and flat mirrors cover the rear.
- Evacuation order
- Front door first, rear emergency door second, and roof hatch or side windows only when primary exits are blocked.
- Evacuation assembly distance
- Students evacuate at least 100 feet from the bus and upwind of any fire or hazard, where a student leader counts them.
- Post-evacuation sweep
- The driver checks under seats and in the aisle for remaining students before leaving the vehicle after an evacuation.
- Bus fire response
- Evacuate immediately, move students upwind, and do not fight a fire that has spread beyond a small incipient stage.
- Air brake leak test
- With the engine off and brakes released, air pressure should not drop more than 3 psi in one minute.
- Brake pushrod stroke
- A standard brake chamber pushrod should not stroke more than 2 inches; a longer stroke indicates the brake needs adjustment.
- Low air warning
- The low air pressure warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi, and spring brakes apply automatically at low pressure.
- Tire tread minimums
- Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on rear tires, with checks for cuts and bulges.
- Railroad stop distance
- Stop at least 15 feet and no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail at every railroad crossing unless exempted by law.
- Railroad listening stop
- Turn off noise sources, open the door and window, and listen for a train before and after the initial stop.
- Stalled on tracks
- Evacuate students immediately, move them at least 100 feet from the tracks and upwind, then call 911 and the railroad.
- No shifting on tracks
- Do not shift gears while crossing the tracks; maintain a steady speed and cross without stopping.
- School loading zone rule
- Load and unload only at designated areas with the bus fully stopped and secured, following the school's traffic pattern.
- Designated stop placement
- Stop with the door adjacent to the curb or safe standing area, avoiding hills, curves, and limited-visibility locations.
- Student no-show
- If a student does not appear at the stop, the driver does not wait beyond the scheduled time and reports the no-show to dispatch and the school.
- Adverse weather following distance
- In fog, rain, or snow, reduce speed and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds using low-beam headlights.
- High wind response
- Reduce speed and grip the wheel firmly, watching for crosswinds on bridges and open stretches of road.
- Flooded road rule
- Do not drive through moving water; turn around, report the condition to dispatch, and use an alternate route.
- Hazmat stop response
- Keep students on the bus if safe, move upwind and uphill, and follow the incident commander's directions.
- Post-crash sequence
- Stop, secure the bus, check for injuries, call 911, and account for all students before moving anyone unless there is fire or imminent danger.
- Emergency triangle placement
- Set out triangles at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the bus, or as required, to warn approaching traffic.
- Injured student rule
- Do not move an injured student unless there is immediate danger; keep the student still and wait for EMS.
- Crash reporting duty
- Report the crash to dispatch and the school administrator immediately, and complete the district crash report the same day.