Page 32 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Railroad Crossings Procedures

Approaching a Railroad Crossing

Operators must always exercise the utmost caution and follow all safety rules regarding railroad
crossings. Whether the school bus is loaded or empty, the four-way emergency flashers must be
activated, approximately 200 feet from the railroad crossing and begin slowing down.

 The bus should be in the right hand lane when possible
 The student master switch should be disengaged for this procedure
 Students should be advised to remain quiet
 The bus radio and the two-way should be turned to low volume or “off”

Not more than 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the nearest track and before the cross buck
sign, the bus should come to a complete stop. The Bus Driver should:

 Shift the bus to “neutral”
 Apply the emergency brake
 Keep steady pressure on the service brake
 Open the service door
 Open the Operator’s window
 Look and listen very carefully

On multi-track crossings, the driver must be doubly careful that all tracks are clear. There could be
a train coming on the other set of the tracks.

When the Bus Driver has verified that it is safe to cross over the tracks, he/she should scan the
area in front of the bus on the far side of the last track and should never cross the tracks unless
there is at least 20 feet of clearance between the last track and the rear bumper of the bus. Be
very careful about backed up traffic, stalled vehicles, traffic signals, and stop signs in your path on
the other side of the tracks.

 Shift the bus to “drive”
 Close the service door
 Release the emergency brake
 Proceed completely across the tracks as quickly as possible without changing rears, reducing
speed, or braking
 If the gate comes down after you have begun crossing you must continue even if it means you
will break the gate. Should this occur, immediately report this to your supervisor and the school
official, if occurring on the way to school. Should this occur on your P.M. route ask you dispatcher
to contact the school and relay this information.
 As soon as the rear bumper has cleared the last track, the Bus Driver should de-activate the four-
way emergency flashers, and reactivate the master switch if students will be picked up or
dropped off

Page 32 of 149
Railroad Crossings Procedures