10 - School Buses

Question 1

Define the danger zone. How far does the danger zone extend around the bus?

Answer 1

• The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit, either by another vehicle or their own bus.
• The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper with the first 10 feet being the most dangerous, 10 feet from the left and right sides of the bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus.

Question 2

What should you be able to see if the outside flat mirrors are adjusted properly? The outside convex mirrors? The crossover mirrors?

Answer 2

Outside Flat Mirrors:
* 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
* Along the sides of the bus.
* The rear tires touching the ground.

Outside Convex Mirrors:
* The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts.
* Front of the rear tires touching the ground.
* At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.

Crossover Mirrors:
* The entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision is possible. Direct vision and mirror view vision should overlap.
* The right and left front tires touching the ground.
* The area from the front of the bus to the service door.

Question 3

You are loading students along the route. When should you activate your alternately flashing warning lamps?

Answer 3

Turn on flashing amber warning lights at least 300 feet before stopping in a 45 mile per hour or greater speed zone or at least 100 feet before stopping in a less than 45 mile per hour speed zone.

Question 4

You are unloading students along your route. Where should students walk to after exiting the bus?

Answer 4

• Students living on the left side of the road should wait 10–12 feet in front of the bus.
• Those living on the right should move away from the bus immediately, but never toward the rear of the bus.

Question 5

After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus?

Answer 5

To check for hiding/sleeping students and items left by students.

Question 6

What position should students be in front of the bus before they cross the roadway?

Answer 6

10 feet from the side and 10 feet from the right corner of the front bumper. You should be able to see their feet.

Question 7

Under what conditions must you evacuate the bus?

Answer 7

• The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire.
• The bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad highway crossing.
• The position of the bus may change and increase the danger.
• There is an imminent danger of collision.
• There is a need to quickly evacuate because of a hazardous materials spill.

Question 8

How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a highway-rail crossing?

Answer 8

At least 15 feet but not more than 50 feet.

Question 9

What is a passive highway-rail crossing? Why should you be extra cautious at this type of crossing?

Answer 9

This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. You must stop at these crossings and follow proper procedures. However, the decision to proceed rests entirely in your hands.

Question 10

How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes (ABS)?

Answer 10

• Brake as you always have; use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
• Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on your bus. However, in emergency braking, do not pump the brakes on a bus with ABS.
• As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.