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CDL · Railroad Crossings

What is the standard procedure for crossing railroad tracks in a school bus?

Correct answer

Stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail, turn off heat/AC and noise sources, open the entry door, look and listen in both directions, and only proceed when sure no train is approaching — without shifting gears while crossing

  1. A Approach at posted speed
  2. B Stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail, turn off heat/AC and noise sources, open the entry door, look and listen in both directions, and only proceed when sure no train is approaching — without shifting gears while crossing
  3. C Slow down only if a train is visible
  4. D Use the same rules as a passenger car

Why this is the answer

School bus railroad crossing procedure is one of the most heavily regulated procedures in the entire CDL: stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail; turn off the heater, AC, fan, and any other noise sources; open the entry door (and the driver's window) to be able to hear an approaching train; look and listen carefully in both directions; only proceed when sure no train is approaching from either direction; cross without shifting gears (avoid the risk of stalling). The procedure is required at every railroad crossing — those with active warning devices, those with passive crossbucks, and even those that appear unused. Exceptions exist for streetcar tracks and abandoned tracks specifically marked.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 10.4.1 Railroad Crossings

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