CDL · General

If a bus must stop on the road due to an emergency or breakdown, what should the driver do to warn other traffic?

Correct answer

Activate hazard lights and, when stopped, place emergency warning devices (reflective triangles) at the required distances behind and in front of the bus to warn approaching traffic, while keeping passengers safe

  1. A Nothing
  2. B Activate hazard lights and, when stopped, place emergency warning devices (reflective triangles) at the required distances behind and in front of the bus to warn approaching traffic, while keeping passengers safe
  3. C Just leave the bus
  4. D Honk continuously

Why this is the answer

BUS BREAKDOWN/EMERGENCY STOP WARNING: When stopped on or near the roadway, the driver must warn other traffic. PROCEDURE: Activate HAZARD (4-way) flashers immediately; move the bus off the road if possible (to a safe location); place EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES (reflective triangles) at the required positions — typically one within 10 feet of the rear, one about 100 feet behind, and one about 100 feet ahead (on a two-lane road); on a one-way or divided highway, place them at 10, 100, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic; on a hill or curve, adjust placement so approaching drivers have warning; PASSENGER SAFETY: Keep passengers safe — generally keep them on the bus unless there's a danger (then evacuate to a safe location away from traffic); WHY: Warning devices alert approaching traffic to the stopped bus, preventing rear-end collisions; a stopped bus is a major hazard; TIMING: Place devices as soon as safely possible after stopping; the driver must know the proper placement distances and prioritize both warning traffic and protecting passengers; emergency stopping procedures and warning device placement are standard CMV requirements that apply to buses, with the added responsibility of passenger safety.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Passenger, Emergency Stop Warning Devices

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