What must a school bus driver do at every railroad crossing, even if no train is expected?

School bus railroad crossing procedure: School buses must STOP at all railroad crossings (with limited exceptions like exempt or abandoned crossings).

Procedure: Approach slowly, activate hazard lights as appropriate; STOP within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail; turn off the radio and fans and quiet the bus (some require silencing students) to LISTEN; OPEN the service door and driver's window to look and listen in both directions; look carefully both ways for trains; do NOT proceed until certain no train is coming and the bus can cross COMPLETELY without stopping; cross in a gear that won't require shifting on the tracks; do not shift gears while on the tracks; ensure room on the far side to fully clear.

Why: A bus full of children stalled or struck on tracks is catastrophic; the stop-look-listen procedure prevents train collisions.

Exempt crossings: Marked 'Exempt' (e.g., abandoned tracks) may not require stopping.

Students: Keep them quiet during the crossing; this rigorous procedure — stop, quiet the bus, open door/window, look and listen, cross without shifting — is mandatory for school buses and is a key endorsement topic; the safety of the children depends on never being caught on the tracks.