School Bus Driver how-to

How to Cross a Railroad Track in a School Bus

Buses must use special procedures at railroad crossings.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Buses must use special procedures at railroad crossings. In short: activate; stop; turn, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Activate hazard lights before the crossing.

  2. Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail.

  3. Turn off fans and radio and ask for quiet.

  4. Open the door and window, look and listen both ways.

  5. Close the door and cross without shifting gears.

  6. Turn off hazards once safely across.

Safety reminders for school bus drivers

  • Follow loading and unloading procedures exactly
  • Use railroad crossing procedures at every crossing
  • Perform a child check after every route
  • Practice evacuation drills

Danger zone · Stop arm · Amber warning lights · Red flashing lights · Railroad crossing procedure · Pre-trip inspection: see the full school bus driver glossary.

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