Once your school bus is stopped at a railway crossing, what should you do?

When a school bus is stopped at a railway crossing, the necessary protocol involves ensuring the safety of all passengers. Opening the door to listen for approaching trains is important because it allows the driver and passengers to hear if a train is coming, which might not be visible at times due to obstructions or the layout of the crossing. This step combines auditory and visual safety checks, creating a more comprehensive approach to assessing the situation before proceeding.

The other actions, such as asking passengers to listen or making only visual checks, do not provide the same level of safety assurance. Visual checks can sometimes miss a train that is coming in from an angle or is obscured, while relying solely on passengers to listen can create confusion or distraction. Climbing out of the bus could also create a situation where the driver is not able to monitor the safety of the passengers left inside. Therefore, opening the door allows for a clear and direct way to ensure everyone’s safety at the railway crossing.