When stopping at a railroad crossing, what must the driver of a type 1 school bus do?

When a type 1 school bus approaches a railroad crossing, the driver must open the service door. This action is necessary to ensure that the driver can listen carefully for any approaching trains, as the sound may not be audible within the bus. Opening the door enhances visibility and awareness of the surrounding environment, which is critical for the safety of all passengers on board.

The procedure is in line with safety regulations for school buses, as it prioritizes the safety of children by ensuring that the driver can fully assess the situation before proceeding. This protocol is particularly important at railroad crossings due to the potential danger posed by trains, which can arrive without warning and at high speeds. By opening the service door, the driver demonstrates diligence in ensuring a safe crossing.

While honking the horn and activating warning lights are actions that may be taken in various driving situations to alert others, they are not specifically required at railroad crossings for the purpose of listening for trains. Signaling for passengers to exit is not appropriate during this scenario since passengers should remain seated on the bus until it is confirmed safe to cross.