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CDL · Danger Zones and Mirrors

A student must cross the road after exiting a school bus. Before the student can cross, what must happen?

Correct answer

The driver must extend the stop arm and activate red flashing lights; the student must walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus (to enter the driver's cross-view mirror range); make eye contact with the driver; receive the driver's signal or nod to cross; then check traffic in both directions while crossing

  1. A The student can cross whenever they are ready
  2. B The driver must extend the stop arm and activate red flashing lights; the student must walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus (to enter the driver's cross-view mirror range); make eye contact with the driver; receive the driver's signal or nod to cross; then check traffic in both directions while crossing
  3. C Students may cross behind the bus
  4. D The driver can proceed as soon as the student exits

Why this is the answer

THE CROSSING SEQUENCE protects students from the two primary danger scenarios: being struck by the bus itself (by staying visible in mirrors); and being struck by passing traffic (by requiring traffic to stop before crossing begins). REQUIRED SEQUENCE: Student exits → walks FORWARD (never behind) along the bus side to at least 10 feet in front of the bumper → makes eye contact with driver → driver visually confirms all traffic has stopped → driver gives signal to cross → student continues looking both ways while crossing. Driver MUST NOT signal to cross until personally verifying all lanes of traffic have stopped — including far lanes. This precise sequence has been specifically designed to prevent the primary causes of school bus pedestrian fatalities.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Chapter 12, School Buses, Crossing Procedure

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