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Tips for School Bus Drivers
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One collision between a school bus and a train is too many!
These tragedies can be prevented by following
these
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS.
1. Approaching the crossing, slow down by shifting
to a lower gear (manual transmission) and test your brakes.
2. Activate the four-way hazard lights approximately 200
feet before the crossing.
3. Scan your surroundings and check for traffic behind you.
Make sure your intentions
are known.
4. Choose an escape route in the event of a brake failure or
problems behind you.
5. Stop no
closer than 15 feet and no further than 50 feet
from the nearest rail, where you have the best view of
all the tracks.
6. Look beyond the tracks to see if there is traffic
congestion, a signal or STOP sign. Is the containment
area large enough to allow the bus to completely clear
the crossing when stopped? Are you absolutely sure?
7.
Place the transmission in neutral and press down on the
service brake or set the parking brakes.
8. Turn off the
AM-FM radio and noisy equipment, and
silence the passengers.
9. If your laws and policies permit it, open the
service
door and driver's window. Look and listen for an
approaching train.
10. Check the crossing signals
again before proceeding.
11. At a multiple-track crossing, stop ONLY before the first set of tracks. When you are
sure no train is approaching on any track, proceed across all of the tracks until you have completely cleared them.
12.
Cross the tracks in a low gear. Do not change gears while crossing.
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Special Procedures
Police Officer or Flagman at the Crossing
If a police officer or properly-identified railroad flagman is at the crossing, obey directions. If there is no flagmen,
and you believe the signals are malfunctioning, call your dispatcher to report the situation and find out how to proceed.
Some crossings have a 1-800 number posted for reporting problems.
Obstructed View of Tracks
Plan your route so it provides maximum sight distance at highway-rail grade crossings. Do not attempt to cross tracks
unless you can see far enough down the track that no trains are approaching. Be especially careful at "passive" crossings
without gates, flashing lights or bells. Even if there are active railroad signals, and they indicate the tracks are clear,
you must look and listen to be sure it is safe to proceed.
Containment or Storage Areas
If it won't fit, don't commit! Know the length of your bus and the size of the containment area at highway-rail intersections
on the bus route. When approaching a crossing with a signal or STOP sign on the opposite side, pay attention to the amount
of road there. Be certain the bus has enough containment or storage area to clear completely the railroad tracks on the other
side, in case there is a need to stop.
Evacuating a Bus
If your bus stalls or is trapped on the tracks, evacuate immediately. Have everyone get off the bus, moving away from
the tracks at an angle, in the direction of the approaching train.
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