Why must the driver open the door and window and stop talking or radio noise at a railroad crossing?

At a railroad crossing the driver must both look and listen. Opening the service door and the driver's side window, and quieting the students, radio, and fans, lets the driver hear a train horn or the sound of an approaching train, which can sometimes be detected before the train is clearly visible — especially in curves, fog, or with obstructed sight lines. Combining careful looking in both directions with active listening gives the best chance of detecting a train. Only after confirming the way is clear, and that the bus can fully clear the tracks, should the driver proceed across without stopping on the rails.