Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-8  2005 Model Commercial Driver’s License Manual  2005 Model Commercial Driver’s License Manual When the road crosses over more than one set of  tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the  number of tracks. See Figure 10.7.  Flashing Red Light Signals. At many highway- rail grade crossings, the crossbuck sign has  flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin  to flash, stop! A train is approaching. You are  required to yield the right-of-way to the train. If  there is more than one track, make sure all tracks  are clear before crossing. See Figure 10.8.  Gates. Many railroad-highway crossings have  gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when  the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers  across the road lane. Remain stopped until the  gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed when it is safe. If the gate stays down  after the train passes, do not drive around the  gate. Instead, call your dispatcher. See Figure  10.8. Each state has laws and regulations governing  how school buses must operate at railroad- highway crossings. It is important for you to  understand and obey these state laws and  regulations. In general, school buses must stop at  all crossings, and ensure it is safe before  proceeding across the tracks. The specific  procedures required in each state vary.  A school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the  highway. However, a school bus does not have the  slightest edge when involved in a crash with a  train. Because of a train’s size and weight it cannot  stop quickly. An emergency escape route does not  exist for a train. You can prevent school bus/train  crashes by following these recommended  procedures.  10.4.3 – Recommended Procedures  Figure 10.7  Figure 10.8  • Approaching the Crossing:  ¾  Slow down, including shifting to a lower  gear in a manual transmission bus, and test  your brakes.  ¾  Activate hazard lights approximately 200  feet before the crossing. Make sure your  intentions are known.  ¾  Scan your surroundings and check for  traffic behind you. ¾  Stay to the right of the roadway if possible.  ¾  Choose an escape route in the event of a  brake failure or problems behind you.  • At the Crossing:  ¾  Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther  than 50 feet from the nearest rail, where  you have the best view of the tracks.  ¾  Place the transmission in Park, or if there is  no Park shift point, in Neutral and press  down on the service brake or set the  parking brakes.  ¾  Turn off all radios and noisy equipment, and  silence the passengers.  ¾  Open the service door and driver’s window.  Look and listen for an approaching train. 