What must a school bus driver do differently from other commercial vehicle drivers at a railroad crossing?

SCHOOL BUS RAILROAD CROSSING RULES are among the strictest in federal transportation law because of the cargo: children. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: (1) STOP — at ALL railroad crossings, every time, without exception for signal status or apparent train absence; (2) OPEN DOOR — open the service door (front door) to improve train sound detection; (3) LOOK AND LISTEN — in both directions; (4) PROCEED IN GEAR — shift to a gear that will not require a gear change while crossing; DO NOT STOP on the tracks; DO NOT stop with the bus extending over the tracks; if traffic prevents clearing the tracks, DO NOT enter the crossing. NEVER: Drive through without stopping; stop the bus with students on the tracks; attempt to rush through a closing gate.