Pass by the Book

School bus danger zones and loading

Practice this topic67 questions

Questions and answers

  1. What is the danger zone of a school bus?

    The area on all sides of the bus where children are most likely to be hit

    The danger zone surrounds the bus. Children there can be hit by another vehicle or by their own bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.1 – Danger Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB
  2. How far in front of the school bus may the danger zone extend?

    As much as 30 feet from the front bumper

    The front danger zone can reach 30 feet ahead of the front bumper.

    Section 10 · 10.1.1 – Danger Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB
  3. Which part of the danger zone in front of the bus is the most dangerous?

    The first 10 feet from the front bumper

    Of the 30 feet in front of the bus, the 10 feet closest to the bumper are the most dangerous.

    Section 10 · 10.1.1 – Danger Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB
  4. How far from the left and right sides of the bus does the danger zone extend?

    10 feet

    The side danger zones reach 10 feet out from each side of the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.1 – Danger Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB
  5. How far behind the school bus does the danger zone extend?

    10 feet behind the rear bumper

    The rear danger zone reaches 10 feet back from the rear bumper.

    Section 10 · 10.1.1 – Danger Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB
  6. Why is the area to the left of the school bus always considered dangerous?

    Because of passing cars

    Traffic passes on the left side of the bus, so that area is always treated as dangerous.

    Section 10 · 10.1.1 – Danger Zones ↗PDF, 41 MB
  7. When should you check each mirror of the school bus?

    Before operating the bus, to get the maximum viewing area

    Check every mirror before driving and have it adjusted if needed, so you can see the whole danger zone.

    Section 10 · 10.1.2 – Correct Mirror Adjustment ↗PDF, 41 MB
  8. Where are the outside flat mirrors of a school bus mounted?

    At the left and right front corners, at the side or front of the windshield

    The flat mirrors sit on the front corners of the bus beside or in front of the windshield.

    Section 10 · 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  9. What are the outside flat mirrors used for?

    To monitor traffic and check clearances and students on the sides and to the rear

    The flat mirrors show traffic, clearances and students along the sides and behind the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  10. Where are the blind spots of the outside flat mirrors?

    Immediately below and in front of each mirror, and directly behind the rear bumper

    Each flat mirror has a blind spot right below and in front of it, and there is another directly behind the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  11. Depending on the size of the bus, how far can the blind spot behind it extend?

    Up to 400 feet

    The blind spot behind the bus is usually 50 to 150 feet long but can reach 400 feet depending on the bus length and width.

    Section 10 · 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  12. How far behind the bus should you be able to see in a properly adjusted outside flat mirror?

    200 feet, or 4 bus lengths

    A correctly adjusted flat mirror shows 200 feet, about four bus lengths, behind the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  13. Which tires should you see in the outside flat mirrors?

    The rear tires touching the ground

    Along with the sides of the bus and 200 feet behind, the flat mirrors should show the rear tires on the ground.

    Section 10 · 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  14. Where are the outside convex mirrors located?

    Below the outside flat mirrors

    The convex mirrors are mounted under the flat mirrors.

    Section 10 · 10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  15. What is true about the view in the outside convex mirrors?

    It does not accurately show the size and distance of people and objects

    Convex mirrors give a wide angle view, but people and objects look smaller and farther away than they really are.

    Section 10 · 10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  16. How far up the side of the bus should you see in the outside convex mirrors?

    The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts

    The convex mirrors should show the whole side of the bus up to where the mirrors are mounted.

    Section 10 · 10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  17. Which part of the tires should be visible in the outside convex mirrors?

    The front of the rear tires touching the ground

    A properly adjusted convex mirror shows the front of the rear tires where they touch the ground.

    Section 10 · 10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  18. How many traffic lanes should you see on either side of the bus in the convex mirrors?

    At least one

    The convex mirrors should show at least one traffic lane on each side of the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  19. Where are the outside crossover mirrors mounted?

    On both left and right front corners of the bus

    Crossover mirrors are mounted on the front corners of the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  20. What are the crossover mirrors used to see?

    The danger zone directly in front of the bus that direct vision cannot see

    Crossover mirrors show the front bumper danger zone, plus the left side and the right side with the service door and front wheel.

    Section 10 · 10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  21. In a properly adjusted crossover mirror, how should direct vision and mirror view relate?

    They should overlap

    The crossover mirror should cover the area from the bumper at ground level to where you can see directly, with the two views overlapping.

    Section 10 · 10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  22. Which tires should be visible in the crossover mirrors?

    The right and left front tires touching the ground

    Crossover mirrors should show both front tires where they touch the ground.

    Section 10 · 10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  23. Along the side of the bus, what area should the crossover mirrors show?

    From the front of the bus to the service door

    The crossover mirrors should cover the area from the front of the bus back to the service door.

    Section 10 · 10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  24. How should the flat, convex and crossover mirrors be viewed?

    In a logical sequence, so no child or object is missed in a danger zone

    Look at all the mirrors in a logical order so that no child or object is left unseen in any danger zone.

    Section 10 · 10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors ↗PDF, 41 MB
  25. What is the overhead inside rearview mirror used for?

    To monitor passenger activity inside the bus

    The mirror above the windshield lets you watch what the passengers are doing.

    Section 10 · 10.1.6 – Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror ↗PDF, 41 MB
  26. When can the overhead inside mirror give a limited view directly behind the bus?

    When the bus has a glass-bottomed rear emergency door

    Only a glass-bottomed rear emergency door lets this mirror show a little of the area behind the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.1.6 – Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror ↗PDF, 41 MB
  27. Besides the area behind the bus, where is a blind spot of the overhead inside mirror?

    Directly behind the driver seat

    The overhead mirror cannot show the area right behind the driver seat.

    Section 10 · 10.1.6 – Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror ↗PDF, 41 MB
  28. How should the overhead inside mirror be positioned?

    With the top of the rear window in the top of the mirror

    Set it so the top of the rear window is at the top of the mirror and you see all students, including the heads of those right behind you.

    Section 10 · 10.1.6 – Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror ↗PDF, 41 MB
  29. Each year, when are more students killed?

    While getting on or off a school bus

    More students die getting on or off the bus than riding in it, so loading and unloading procedures are critical.

    Section 10 · 10.2 – Loading and Unloading ↗PDF, 41 MB
  30. Who establishes official school bus routes and stops?

    Each school district

    School districts set routes and stops, and stops should be approved by the district before they are used.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  31. What do you need before changing the location of a school bus stop?

    Written approval from the appropriate school district official

    Never move a bus stop without written approval from the right school district official.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  32. How should you approach a school bus stop?

    Cautiously, at a slow rate of speed

    Approach the stop slowly and carefully, checking mirrors and watching for pedestrians and traffic.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  33. When should you look for pedestrians, traffic or other objects at a bus stop?

    Before, during, and after coming to a stop

    Keep looking the whole time, before, during and after the stop.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  34. How far before the stop should you turn on the alternating flashing amber warning lights?

    At least 200 feet, or about 5-10 seconds

    If the bus has amber lights, turn them on at least 200 feet or about 5-10 seconds before the stop, or as state law requires.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  35. How long before pulling over should you turn on the right turn signal?

    About 3-5 seconds, or about 100 to 300 feet

    Signal right about 100 to 300 feet, or 3-5 seconds, before you pull over.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  36. Where on the road should you position the bus for a stop?

    As far as possible to the right on the traveled portion of the roadway

    Move as far right as you can while staying on the traveled part of the road.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  37. How far from the students at the stop should the front bumper be when you stop?

    At least 10 feet away

    Stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet from the students so they must walk to the bus where you can watch them.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  38. Why should you stop at least 10 feet from the students waiting at the stop?

    It forces them to walk to the bus so you have a better view of their movements

    Making students walk to the bus keeps them where you can see them.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  39. What should you do with the transmission and brakes at each stop?

    Put it in Park, or Neutral if there is no Park, and set the parking brake

    At every stop, put the bus in Park (or Neutral) and set the parking brake.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  40. When should you activate the alternating red lights at a stop?

    When traffic is a safe distance from the bus, with the stop arm extended

    Turn on the red lights once traffic is a safe distance away, and make sure the stop arm is out.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  41. What should you do before completely opening the door and signaling students to approach?

    Make a final check that all traffic has stopped

    Before the door opens fully, check one last time that all traffic has stopped.

    Section 10 · 10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop ↗PDF, 41 MB
  42. How should students wait for the school bus?

    In a designated location, facing the bus as it approaches

    Students should wait at a designated place, face the approaching bus, and board only when you signal.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  43. When loading at a stop, what should you do if a student is missing?

    Ask the other students where the student is

    Count the students at each stop, and if one is missing, ask the others where the student is.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  44. How should students board the school bus?

    Slowly, in single file, using the handrail

    Students should get on slowly, one at a time, holding the handrail.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  45. What light should be on while students load in the dark?

    The dome light

    Keep the dome light on while loading in the dark.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  46. After loading, when may you move the bus?

    When the students are seated and facing forward

    Wait until every student is seated and facing forward before moving.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  47. When all students are accounted for, what is the first step in preparing to leave a stop?

    Closing the door

    The order is: close the door, engage the transmission, release the parking brake, turn off the red lights, signal left and check mirrors.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  48. Before pulling away from a stop, which turn signal do you turn on?

    The left turn signal

    After turning off the red lights, turn on the left turn signal and check mirrors before entering traffic.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  49. What is the last step before you move the bus back into traffic after a stop?

    Allowing congested traffic to disperse

    After checking the mirrors again, let backed-up traffic clear before entering the traffic flow.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  50. When students load at the school campus, what should you do with the ignition?

    Turn off the ignition switch and remove the key if leaving the driver compartment

    At school, turn off the ignition and take the key if you leave the driver compartment.

    Section 10 · 10.2.2 – Loading Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB
  51. When unloading on the route, what should students do until you tell them to exit?

    Remain seated

    Students stay in their seats until you tell them to get off.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  52. Why should you count the students while unloading?

    To confirm the location of all students before pulling away

    Counting during unloading confirms where every student is before you leave the stop.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  53. After exiting the bus on the route, how far away from the side of the bus should students walk?

    At least 10 feet

    Students should walk at least 10 feet from the side of the bus to where you can plainly see them.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  54. On the route, what should you do if you cannot account for a student outside the bus?

    Secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus

    If a student is unaccounted for, secure the bus, take the key and look around and under the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  55. You missed a student’s unloading stop. What should you do?

    Do not back up, and follow local procedures

    Never back up to a missed stop. Follow your local procedures.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  56. A student must cross the road after leaving the bus. Where should the student walk first?

    About 10 feet away from the side of the bus, where you can see them

    Crossing students first walk about 10 feet out from the side of the bus to a place you can see.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  57. How far in front of the bus should a crossing student walk before crossing?

    At least 10 feet in front of the right corner of the bumper

    The student walks to a spot at least 10 feet in front of the right corner of the bumper, staying away from the front of the bus.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  58. Where should a crossing student stop so you can see the student’s feet?

    At the right edge of the roadway

    The student stops at the right edge of the road, where you should be able to see the student’s feet.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  59. Before crossing, what should students check about the bus lights?

    That the red flashing lights are still flashing

    At the edge of the road, students check that the red lights are still flashing and wait for your signal.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  60. Where should crossing students stop and look again for your signal?

    At the left edge of the school bus

    Students cross in front of the bus in your view, then stop at its left edge and look for your signal before going on.

    Section 10 · 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route ↗PDF, 41 MB
  61. When unloading at school, how should you secure the bus?

    Turn off the ignition and remove the key if leaving the driver compartment

    At school, secure the bus by turning off the ignition and taking the key if you leave the driver compartment.

    Section 10 · 10.2.4 – Unloading Procedures at School ↗PDF, 41 MB
  62. After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus?

    To check for hiding or sleeping students and items left behind

    Walk through the bus to find any student hiding or asleep and anything left behind.

    Section 10 · 10.2.4 – Unloading Procedures at School ↗PDF, 41 MB
  63. When leaving the school after unloading, what do you do right after closing the door?

    Fasten your safety belt

    At school the order is: close the door, fasten the safety belt, start the engine, engage the transmission, then release the parking brake.

    Section 10 · 10.2.4 – Unloading Procedures at School ↗PDF, 41 MB
  64. A student drops an object near the bus. What should the student be told to do?

    Leave it, move out of the danger zones, and get your attention

    Stopping to pick up an object can take a student out of your sight. Students should leave it and signal you instead.

    Section 10 · 10.2.5 – Special Dangers of Loading and Unloading ↗PDF, 41 MB
  65. How have students been hurt by handrail hang-ups?

    Clothing, accessories or body parts caught in the handrail or door

    Clothing, accessories and even body parts can catch in the handrail or door. Watch every exiting student reach a safe place before moving.

    Section 10 · 10.2.5 – Special Dangers of Loading and Unloading ↗PDF, 41 MB
  66. During the post-trip inspection, what bus items need special attention?

    Mirror systems, flashing warning lamps and stop signal arms

    Check for mechanical problems, with special attention to equipment unique to school buses.

    Section 10 · 10.2.6 – Post-trip Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB
  67. To whom should problems found in the post-trip inspection be reported?

    Immediately to your supervisor or school authorities

    Report any problem or special situation right away to your supervisor or school authorities.

    Section 10 · 10.2.6 – Post-trip Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB

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