Best Practices & Methodologies Flashcards

Under federal regulations, when a school bus stops at a railroad grade crossing, how far from the nearest rail must it stop?

Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet

49 CFR 392.10 requires stopping within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail.

What is the recommended practice at a railroad crossing after the bus stops?

Answer: Open the service door and driver's window, turn off noisy equipment, and look and listen in both directions

Opening the door and window and silencing noise helps the driver hear and see an approaching train, and the driver should not shift gears on the tracks.

How often does NHTSA recommend that students take part in school bus emergency evacuation drills?

Answer: At least twice a year

Doing drills at least twice a year, usually early in each semester, builds familiarity, and many states require it.

Which evacuation method is generally fastest when both the front and rear exits are safe to use?

Answer: Split evacuation, with the front half using the front door and the rear half using the rear door

Using two exits at the same time splits the load and clears the bus faster.

What is the best practice when fueling a school bus?

Answer: Fuel only with no students on board and the engine off

Fueling with the engine off and no passengers aboard lowers fire and injury risk.

Which tool helps a supervisor most when designing efficient routes for a large district?

Answer: GIS-based routing software using current student address data

Routing software built on GIS improves efficiency and keeps routes current as enrollment changes.

What does 'deadhead miles' mean in pupil transportation?

Answer: Miles driven with no students on board

Deadhead miles are non-revenue miles with no passengers, and efficient planning keeps them low.