These videos are so great and how she followed instructions and flawlessly completed the railroad crossing on first attempt, these videos are heaven sent,thank you.
HI great videos....i have watched all of them..i start my training on June 21st ...your videos have given me a head start and i am confident i will do well.....little nervous on the driving test but i am sure it will go well...thx again for your instruction...cheers from Canada
@@SchoolBusSass Hi finished the classroom time...passed everything...alot of info...start driving training monday...nervous and excited...mind you we have a heat wave going so not sure if they may postpone it.....
@@GOLFADDICT65 Hope training is going well for you. Will you be taking your road test soon? We go back to school next Wednesday. Have a wonderful school year! :)
I can add a few things that are obvious when you think about them, be in the right most lane, check mirrors before opening door (don't assume some driver won't pass in the shoulder) and I learned to cross in the lowest gear without stopping or shifting to prevent stalling.
My training here in Central Oregon was the same EXCEPT they do not want us to set the parking brake at RR crossings. We only use the service brake and leave it in drive.
@@pokitty100 I suppose it could poss. But it takes a lot of force to move these things with the service brake on. We had a driver stopped applying the service break. He got hit head on by a car doing 50 and the bus didn't move.
GREAT! I did my first driver training Railroad crossing today and it is a mass of confusion ... I figure until I get a few more crossings under my belt. It's a bundle of timely confusion movements!
The information is correct. I do take issue with the fact that the lady was standing in the stair well as Sharon was driving. That is illegal and you would never allow a kid to do that. There are lines on the floor to show when the bus is in motion that no one is allowed to be in front of.
@@SchoolBusSass Yes, standing on the bus is different than standing IN the stairwell while driving. I still take issue with that as it is very unsafe and not necessary to show the procedure! Have a great day! No further response is necessary
Some of our school buses used to have a white line across the floor and a sign that said: "Federal Law Prohibits Operation of this bus with Anyone standing Forward of the White Line"
Nice job! I would also add to turn your hazards on and off around the outside of the steering wheel. Never put your hand inside the steering wheel. If you would get hit and your steering wheel snaps around you could break your wrist.
Question. When was the last time you herd a train whistle while 🛑 at the railroad crossing??? Answer. Never!! Diesel electric locomotives uses a air horn. Steam 🚂 uses a 😙!
I need to learn to tell your sister to come out when you’re crossing a railroad tracks. You can hear the train coming by beside you. You’ll do good on the train tracks.
Thank you for another excellent video. I did make note of the fact that the master flash button was not turned off. Is that something that needs to be done to prevent the stop signs from coming out on the driver side of the bus?
Another great questions Nathan! The master flasher switch, must be in the, on, position in order for your amber warnings to function. The Red-light override switch is manual, it does not rely on the master switch being on or off, but must be turned on manually and turned off manually. The amber warning light switch once activated, will switch over to the loading lights, once the service door of the bus opens, and will deactivate when the doors of the bus close. I hope that explanation makes sense.
@@SchoolBusSass Our Master switch should be left in the in position when in transit/route, having this switch in the on position with the door open causes the state reds to activate. So in my case and I’m sure others as well, we should hit flashers THEN turn off master or vice versa, and same thing at the end of the procedure. Also, it’s worth mentioning to only cross the tracks if you have at least 15ft of clearance from the rear of your bus to the tracks behind you after crossing. At least here in NY. Great videos!
Hello.Therese. I'm from Dominican.I like your video.you explain very clear. I can understand.I speak little be English.but,I want to get CDL. License.I have a little problem with the child check. Could you please do a video about this.? Thanks. GOD bless.
Hello Evangelista , thank you for your comment and kind feedback. I’m very happy to learn the videos have been helpful for you. I’m not sure if you are referring to the drop off place of safety, or what you should do after dropping off your last student after each routing section or when you’ve finished with your day. If I know which area to focus on, I will try to out something out for you.
a tip I pulled from my pocket is FRA rule states that there should be 20-30 seconds between when the crossing gates activate to the train hitting the crossing
Very imforitive video. I had a situation once where the lights on the railroad crossing were flashing and the gates were not going down. This was at a traffic signal. So, the driver on my bus had to radio dispatch. They told my driver to count to 30 while holding the button for the 2way so dispatch could hear them counting. Once that was done, we could continue across the tracks.
When conducting training applications or an aide is performing job related duties, standing is allowed. Generally speaking, however, best practice is to have passengers seated at all times. Thank you for your comment.
I don't know where this is but in New York you never put your arm through the steering wheel to put on or shut off your hazards. The are should go over or around the steering wheel.
Good evening, Core...I added the links to the videos I have for pick ups and drop offs. Let me know if you are able to open and view these links. Thank you! :)
Yes, White roofed busses are supposed to keep the bus cooler. Every school bus driver knows a school bus has two temperatures… Roast your rear off and freeze your rear off. 😂 All kidding aside, white reflects the light whereas yellow, absorbs the light. Regardless, when you’re sitting on hot blacktop on a 90 plus day with no air conditioning, the white roof does not make a significant difference… The bus heats up rapidly. I have read up to 17 degrees hotter than the outside air . I would much rather drive when it’s cold then again, being in Ohio, you might experience all four seasons in a single day.
Hello Therese, Just A Curious George Here, But What Is Your Favorite Brand Of Bus: IC ( Integrated Coach ), Thomas, Blue Bird, Other. Are There Others Besides These? I Have 2 Favorites: My Most Favorite Is IC But I Also LOVE Blue Bird, Though I Have Never Been On A Blue Bird, I Would Like To Though.
@@SchoolBusSass I Like The IC Conventional Buses & Blue Bird Visions. I Have Been On IC Buses The Most I Believe. The Thomas C2s Are Not The Best. I Heard From @clawboss He Does Not Like Them. I Also Noticed The 2 Metal Frames On Both Sides Creating An Annoying Blind Spot.
Great video. Please check into having a wireless mic on you so we (hey I'm a senior citizen) hear and understand you better. I did get by because I'm a lip reader.
Yes, they do have a yearly inspection, but they start inspecting in May, for the upcoming school year. We also get spot checked about four times a year.
I believe all school buses in my district have the crossing gates in the front of the bus, I don’t think all of yours have them though or at least most of them don’t, isn’t that dangerous?
Our children are taught to walk to the front of the bus, far enough for the driver to see their shoes…or about 10 giant steps. The safety arms have a tendency to break, particularly in the winter when snow banks are present.
Yes, I do really like the transits. I prefer the smaller 72 passenger doghouse (FE), They have turning radius is outstanding! Makes maneuvering really easy.
It depends on the district. The first district I drove for had a, uniform. We received 5 free tops per year. You could order short or long sleeved shirts, button down shirts , and sweatshirts. They all had the schools logo and color scheme with Transpirtation embroidered underneath. You could choose any combination of the five, but you had to wear them when driving. You could pair them with jeans or whatever type of pants you chose. A winter jacket was given to you your first year, I’m not sure how often they were replaced. I thought it was kinda nice. The district I drive for now, you wear what you want. The union negotiated the uniforms for the drivers.
I was hoping to find an emergency procedure for when something goes wrong like your front is too close to rails. Do you back up, risking car crash? Or stoplight on other side of tracks turns red and you can't go forward leaving your back-end on the tracks. Do you go past the white line, risking car crash? In most places buses don't turn right-on-red. I think people need to know if kids start screaming "TRAIN'S COMING!"
You shouldn't even attempt to cross the tracks if you know you cannot completely clear the tracks with at least 15 additional feet on the other side of the tracks. I am not certain which white line you are referring to. If you are referencing the stop bar, indicating where to stop before the first rail of the RR x-ing, they are typically placed between 15-50 feet from the nearest rail of the tracks. If your bus gets stuck on the tracks, and you can see a train heading toward you, you need to evacuate the bus, directing the children to a safe area at least 100 feet from the track, if at all possible, and should go in the direction of the approaching train, departing at a 45 degree angle to the track. This is to avoid flying debris. Children should not be permitted to scatter in a multitude of directions. Always stop no closer than 15 feet to the nearest rail, and no further away than 50 feet to the nearest rail. Do NOT proceed if you do not believe you can completely clear the tracks.
@@SchoolBusSass Thanks for replying. Many times there are traffic lights just past the tracks for an intersection with a road running parallel to them like the 1995 Fox River Grove accident. I just read the scary story. The intersection was badly redesigned to reduce space between rails and intersection and in order to get a green light a vehicle had to cross the tracks and be in that space, as other buses had done. This substitute was unsure the length of the bus. and may not have realized they were on the tracks. The driver turned to deal with students screaming, not realizing it was because a train was coming, so didn't go when the light turned green. In that situation the driver didn't realize they didn't have room to clear the tracks, and would not likely get a green unless they did cross. Very scary.
What really drives me crazy, is when people just assume that a real crossing, oh well they’ll put the gates down or the lights will come on etc. crazy such a bad assumption!
Yes, it is ORC to conduct the RR crossing procedure as demonstrated. If you are caught, not stopping at the tracks while driving a school bus, you will lose your CDL license for one year…first offense. You will lose your CDL permanently if you are caught twice not stopping. That is just what the state will do to you. I’m sure your school district would have further disciplinary actions taken.
The student loading and unloading light switch (8 ways) and hazard light switch are separate. Hazard light operation never activates the stop sign or cross gate.
Exactly, Only use hazard lights at a railroad crossing, never your warning/loading lights. And you’re right, activate your hazard lights from the outside of the steering wheel, for precisely the reason you mentioned. Thanks for the great comment and feedback!
@@SchoolBusSass I’m a trainer for a school district in Illinois and your videos are so helpful for new drivers. I always suggest they watch them for further reinforcement.
Driving with the door of the bus open is considered an unsafe maneuver. If done on your road test, would result in an automatic failure…in the state of Ohio.
@@SchoolBusSass same as it is for Kentucky.. you'd think it would be like a just in case thing for crossing tracks and the vehicle stalls out -- one less thing you'd have to worry about EDIT: in a motor coach you don't have to open the front door at all when you get to a crossing... In Ohio anyway, dunno for KY however I'd assume it's the same
I have seen buses in my district not even fully stop at railroad crossings sometimes but very rare they don’t open their door either but most of the time they do. My bosses don’t open their windows though only the door.What I saw on my boss at a railroad track we were going to cross a trucks rear tire was right in the middle of the tracks but my bus driver waits for the tracks to clear far enough that she can cross completely.
Learning this makes me sad. Our kids deserve better. I hope our children remain safe. Integrity is doing the, right thing, even when no one is watching. This is important to me.
@@SchoolBusSass Here’s how I would do the procedure personally: 1. 100 m before the railroad track activate your four-way flashers 2. Stop between 15 and 50 feet before the tracks 3. Pull the parking brake/spring brake 4. Shift and Neutral 5. Open the window 6. Open the door 7. Look and listen carefully twice 8. When I am 100% sure that there’s no trains coming I will close my door 9. Shift back to drive 10. Release the parking break 11. Proceed across the tracks without stopping switching lanes or switching gears 12. When I return to normal speed, close my window if I wish to 13. Cancel the four-way flashers 14. Continue on my way
@@SchoolBusSass Everyone really needs their bus drivers and buses to be good performance/high-performance, the bus drivers have to follow all the rules and laws especially safety hazards. They are not transporting cargo they are transporting students! So they really have to stay on top of things every day!
There is a crossing gate and a stop arm… our busses no longer have crossing gates. The stop arm is the stop sign located on the drivers side that extends out into traffic when stopped for pick ups or drop offs.
Turn your hazards off 50 feet after crossing the tracks. I’ve never encountered RR crossings on a highway. For an emergency pullover, that is precisely what needs to be done.
The procedures demonstrated in the video, are for the state of Ohio. Each state sets their own regulations for railroad crossings, while driving a school bus. Which state did you go to school in?
I cross tracks 16 times a day on my route. I have plenty of practice in this area! It's not fun to get stopped by a slow train or malfunctioning crossing gates.
Wow, 16 times a day…whew! It’s no fun at all, particularly with special needs folks who do not understand why we can’t move. It’s way out of what’s routine for some and it’s not fun when it happens. You are officially, an expert, in this process! The district I drive for, currently, has no tracks within its boundaries. That’s great for every day, but not so great for extra trips. They are everywhere outside of the district. Drivers can get a bit rusty on the process when they don’t have to do it regularly. Thanks for your comment!!!
Yeah after these school bus drivers pass their DMV test, all the training goes out the window. Seen a school bus driver fly through a railroad crossing like it was nothing. Whether you're deadheading to your next route or going to the yard, you still need to stop.
I also notice that my bus driver does not use the parking brake or at least shift to neutral! To dangerous! Not to mention, a few times my bus driver crossed right in front of a damn train! One time was right when he completed the crossing, the lights turned on! Like WHAT THE HELL!!
There Was A Time When One Of My Bus Drivers Stopped At The Railroad Tracks. A Train Was Coming Very Close To The Crossing & He Still Crossed Right In Front Of It. Right As The Rear End Of The Bus Crossed The Lights Came On! EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! NOT TO MENTION IT REALLY MAKES THE PROCEDURE POINTLESS; IT DEFEATS THE PURPOSE!
I hate to hear that. I will have to share an experience I had while training a new student. I had always taken RR X-ings seriously, but my serious level increased 10 fold when I was out training a new driver and three malfunctions occurred, right before my eyes and, like I said, with a new driver. Thankfully, it all turned out, but wow, what a lesson. Long story short… The conductor was late blowing the trains horn, the lights and cross bucks, were all delayed and the stop gate ended up dropping down on the hood of the bus. My trainee did everything correctly procedure wise. It was a very good reminder as to why we stop, and to never try to cross the tracks to beat the train. I hope that driver is no longer driving…
@@SchoolBusSass I know right Therese, I wish my district did it like yoursEven had a student pick up or drop off including mine they don’t use the parking brake or shifter neutral they do the same thing in a railroad crossing. In my personal opinion you have it spot on.
@@SchoolBusSass I always take railroad crossing procedures seriously to even though I’m not a bus driver I do the same procedure that you do whether on a bike walking or pulling a wagon behind me etc. my dad always says you’ll hear that son of a bitch coming way far away But it’s always a good idea to look and listen because I’ve heard that a lot of people think that they can hear it but usually they don’t today’s trains are very quiet they’re not like the steam engines which can be very loud
@@SchoolBusSass This is Illinois. I like your videos I'm training now and these videos are definitely helping me remember what I need to say. Thank you
Therese, have you had someone say rude words to you on my bus; swearing, names, etc. People do swear on my bus, and a student responded with saying F*** OFF to the driver one time only though. People can have real potty mouths!
@@SchoolBusSass was anything done about that completely unnecessary behavior cause that behavior should not be tolerated in any school vehicle. I think it all comes down safety cause it can be a distraction to the driver and another student can be injured. I’m an educator (a teacher’s assistant) at a private school for students who have behavioral problems, and even though that’s our job to deal with behavior issues I don’t tolerate the rude behavior or any violent threats in my classroom.
ruclips.net/video/bGX5S8jC1xk/видео.html&feature=shares We only have Hazard lights in the UK. When I was driving in Canada I was passing the school buses with their red lights flashing a beeping the kids off the road. My cousin who lives in Toronto nearly had a fit. In the UK pedestrians have to look before crossing the road and vehicles have priority.
@@SchoolBusSass Yes and I teach my drivers never to use hazard lights unless its a real emergency, ie, blocking the road, broken down on the motorway or at night. Because the hazard lights can give the impression that you have the right indicator on and maybe you want to move away, if a van pulls up behind the bus and parks behind it, blocking the left hazard light from view of the traffic coming up behind. Basically if someone cant see a big red bus in broad daylight they probably wont notice some flashing yellow hazard lights. Nightime, as i said, is completely different.
@@SchoolBusSass We always drop on the (left) kerb side. The only buses that have doors on both sides are at the airport on the way taxiway. However our coaches that are used for private hire (such as American tourists who keep trying to spend their dollars in British shops 😀) have the emergency exit on the opposite side of the vehicle so if we have to drop on the wrong side of the door we use the emergency exit. On rare occasions drivers do let the passengers off into the flow of traffic of their is a tour guide to watch the traffic and warn the passengers.
@@SchoolBusSass I should say that unless it is a very wealthy private school they never ever have dedicated school buses. Here the school kids just get onto the normal local buses along with the pensioners/mothers with buggies/ daily commuters etc. Only if a school has the money or a special arrangement with the local council would the kids ever get their own bus. It's funny when you have 50 big fat kids upstairs all deliberately swaying from side to side to get the bus to sway as well 😀
Though exact procedures may vary slightly…Ohio, as well as most other states, have laws requiring school busses to stop at all rail crossings. There are roughly 900-1,000 people killed annually at rail crossings with thousands more are injured each year. I’d say, aside from the safety precautions put in place for the safety and well-being of our passengers…state law is a very good reason to comply with rail crossing procedures.
There are a lot of cons to stopping at a rr crossing. Brake wear. Stopping then starting and proceeding over tracks is what will be the time of drive line failures due the increased torque required to get moving + the rr grade itself. Then the increased time crossing. Should be an electronic solution to this and I bet it would be cheaper than the brakes that have to unnecessarily replaced. Former gasoline truck driver. Not to mention the greenhouse gasses released to get vehicle moving Lol
We stop to load and unload children 50-100 times a day. Each time we are required to set the parking brake and take the bus out of gear. The procedure for RR crossings is very similar to P/U’s and D/O’s. Safety of our riders is a top priority. Brakes can be fixed, repaired, or replaced. Students and drivers…not so much.
Verbalizing the RR crossing procedure is not a requirement during testing, only the procedure. The procedure was done correctly and explained in the beginning about having proper clearance for the bus to proceed across the tracks.
Why Do You Shift To Drive Before You Shut The Door? And I Think I Know Why You Pull The Parking Brake & Shift To Neutral At Railroad Crossings But To Be Sure, Why Do You?
Parking brake is always set first; if you’re rear ended, you won’t be pushed onto the RR tracks. Once the brake is set we take the bus out of gear; a backup fail safe for brake failure or human error, by failing to set the brake. Window and door are open to hear a trains approach more easily. The bus is put into neutral first, before closing the door or releasing the brake, for the same reason. You’re getting ready to cross but still want to be able to hear a trains approach. The brake is always off last, for the same reason it is applied first. You don’t want to be pushed onto the tracks if there is an oncoming train. I’m not certain of the exact number, but something like, 70 percent of all railroad crossings are not controlled. Meaning, there are no lights or gates to indicate to motorists of an oncoming train.
We are still waiting to find out. CDC wants all public transportation to continue wearing masks through September. But, has lifted the mask mandate for all students in the classroom. It just doesn’t make good sense. Then again, the people creating these mandates, likely have never driven a school bus. We are not, public transportation. The rules should not apply. We also do not have air conditioning. In my opinion, it’s another arbitrary ineffective rule.
Well, our school year is over. But when we were in session, our drivers wore masks, we had one child per seat, and disinfected our busses after each route . It’s pretty difficult to social distance on a school bus. The summer program has relaxed a bit. Masks for drivers transporting 6th through 12 grade but no masks with our younger students or special needs riders. They have not yet decided what protocol will be for the start of the school year.
@@SchoolBusSass I was with DPS for 6 years and than I went on to a truck drivers training school. I wanted to see how easy it was to get a Class A. But it was even harder to get that because there's more stuff to inspect on a tractor trailer.
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These videos are so great and how she followed instructions and flawlessly completed the railroad crossing on first attempt, these videos are heaven sent,thank you.
Glad the video has been helpful for you.
@@SchoolBusSass my bus driver does this in erie pa
So professional. Don't think I'd be were I am without these videos. Thanks so much !
Thank you for your comment and kind feedback! Continued success in all you do.
I wish we had your buses in NJ! Very well done! Thank you!
Thank you! What type of busses do you have in NJ?
Great instructions and execution! Bravo!
HI great videos....i have watched all of them..i start my training on June 21st ...your videos have given me a head start and i am confident i will do well.....little nervous on the driving test but i am sure it will go well...thx again for your instruction...cheers from Canada
Thank you! You can do this! Go for it!
How did your first few days of training go?
@@SchoolBusSass Hi finished the classroom time...passed everything...alot of info...start driving training monday...nervous and excited...mind you we have a heat wave going so not sure if they may postpone it.....
@@GOLFADDICT65 Hope training is going well for you. Will you be taking your road test soon? We go back to school next Wednesday. Have a wonderful school year! :)
@@SchoolBusSass i passed everything got my class 2s liscense
and was called today and offered a fulltime route rural and in town....cheers
I can add a few things that are obvious when you think about them, be in the right most lane, check mirrors before opening door (don't assume some driver won't pass in the shoulder) and I learned to cross in the lowest gear without stopping or shifting to prevent stalling.
Good points to add. Thanks for your input!
My training here in Central Oregon was the same EXCEPT they do not want us to set the parking brake at RR crossings. We only use the service brake and leave it in drive.
I always enjoy hearing the protocols in other states. Thanks for sharing.
The only thing with leaving it in drive and not setting the brakes if you got rear ended it would push you in front of a train
@@pokitty100 I suppose it could poss. But it takes a lot of force to move these things with the service brake on. We had a driver stopped applying the service break. He got hit head on by a car doing 50 and the bus didn't move.
Master switch off so the overhead red stop lights will not come on. Turn it back on after you are across. At least the busses we have.
@@pokitty100if you got rear-ended by a 18 wheeler it wouldn't make any difference
❤
You’re awesome mother doing your drivers test good luck
Not to mention A train traveling at 40+ miles per hour, can NOT, can NOT stop for you!
Exactly!
Can NOT, can NOT, and WILL NOT stop for you!!!
Yeah we promise it will not not not and I MEAN NOT gonna stop so if ur in the tracks when it comes SPEED UP
Yes it can if it wants
GREAT! I did my first driver training Railroad crossing today and it is a mass of confusion ... I figure until I get a few more crossings under my belt. It's a bundle of timely confusion movements!
Repetition, and soon it will be like second nature.
The information is correct. I do take issue with the fact that the lady was standing in the stair well as Sharon was driving. That is illegal and you would never allow a kid to do that. There are lines on the floor to show when the bus is in motion that no one is allowed to be in front of.
In the state of Ohio, when preforming the duty of an on board instructor or a paraprofessional, standing on the bus is acceptable.
@@SchoolBusSass Yes, standing on the bus is different than standing IN the stairwell while driving. I still take issue with that as it is very unsafe and not necessary to show the procedure! Have a great day! No further response is necessary
Some of our school buses used to have a white line across the floor and a sign that said: "Federal Law Prohibits Operation of this bus with Anyone standing Forward of the White Line"
5:08 5:29 love the air brake sounds. I have autism, and would LOVE to drive a bus. I even know how to stop at railroad crossings
I would love to drive a bus too
Nice job! I would also add to turn your hazards on and off around the outside of the steering wheel. Never put your hand inside the steering wheel. If you would get hit and your steering wheel snaps around you could break your wrist.
I follow the same procedures regardless if walking, pulling a wagon behind me, biking, etc.
Question. When was the last time you herd a train whistle while 🛑 at the railroad crossing??? Answer. Never!! Diesel electric locomotives uses a air horn. Steam 🚂 uses a 😙!
@@jackjust9020 Yes well don’t assume it’ll blow the whistle’s or horns, because sometimes they don’t. They’re supposed to.
I need to learn to tell your sister to come out when you’re crossing a railroad tracks. You can hear the train coming by beside you. You’ll do good on the train tracks.
Thank you for another excellent video. I did make note of the fact that the master flash button was not turned off. Is that something that needs to be done to prevent the stop signs from coming out on the driver side of the bus?
Another great questions Nathan! The master flasher switch, must be in the, on, position in order for your amber warnings to function. The Red-light override switch is manual, it does not rely on the master switch being on or off, but must be turned on manually and turned off manually. The amber warning light switch once activated, will switch over to the loading lights, once the service door of the bus opens, and will deactivate when the doors of the bus close. I hope that explanation makes sense.
@@SchoolBusSass Our Master switch should be left in the in position when in transit/route, having this switch in the on position with the door open causes the state reds to activate. So in my case and I’m sure others as well, we should hit flashers THEN turn off master or vice versa, and same thing at the end of the procedure. Also, it’s worth mentioning to only cross the tracks if you have at least 15ft of clearance from the rear of your bus to the tracks behind you after crossing. At least here in NY. Great videos!
Hello.Therese. I'm from Dominican.I like your video.you explain very clear. I can understand.I speak little be English.but,I want to get CDL. License.I have a little problem with the child check. Could you please do a video about this.? Thanks. GOD bless.
Hello Evangelista , thank you for your comment and kind feedback. I’m very happy to learn the videos have been helpful for you. I’m not sure if you are referring to the drop off place of safety, or what you should do after dropping off your last student after each routing section or when you’ve finished with your day. If I know which area to focus on, I will try to out something out for you.
a tip I pulled from my pocket is FRA rule states that there should be 20-30 seconds between when the crossing gates activate to the train hitting the crossing
So professional driving a School For shoulder, good at your backing up skills and you and you get so professional at it
Thank you kindly call. Great mentoring. Learn this a really good. From alberta
Very happy to learn the videos have been helpful for you!
Great video 😀 I’m currently in training now. I subscribed to your channel these videos are very helpful
Thank you, Irene! So glad to learn the videos have been helpful for you. Best wishes for a successful test outcome!
@@SchoolBusSass Thanks 😊
Mrs Mileti is School Bus class, not sass, as she's almost always replies to most comments with a gracious reply.
Well done! Great instructor!
Hola therese saludos desde Colombia extrañaba tus vídeos son excelentes 👏👏👏👏bendiciones
Gracias, Domingo…😁
Very imforitive video. I had a situation once where the lights on the railroad crossing were flashing and the gates were not going down. This was at a traffic signal. So, the driver on my bus had to radio dispatch. They told my driver to count to 30 while holding the button for the 2way so dispatch could hear them counting. Once that was done, we could continue across the tracks.
Wow, that is very unusual.
Great instructions. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome
Another good video Therese 😊
Thank you, Cody!
Very nice video, Thank you very much!
Thank you for you comment and kind feedback, Core!
I was wondering when will you do the videos and demonstrate just the school bus brake tests?
Hello, Julius… I will be working on that shortly. It should be done later this month.
In California we turn off the Hazard lights as soon as we are ready to move over the tracks...
I always like hearing what other states protocols are, thanks for sharing.
I was taught to put the bus into low gear before crossing. Wonder why? Wouldn’t it be safe to go across in drive ??
I’m not sure. What state are you located in? It could be local policy.
Also when over the tracks check mirrors for traffic. And I was taught no one is to ever stand in the stairwell every rider should be seated for safety
When conducting training applications or an aide is performing job related duties, standing is allowed. Generally speaking, however, best practice is to have passengers seated at all times. Thank you for your comment.
It helped my best friend Dad get through the school bus
Hypothetically speaking let’s say I had a manual transmission school of us would I keep it into first gear until I clear the grade crossing?
Yes, to avoid stalling out on the track, avoid switching gears, until you’ve crossed the tracks.
I don't know where this is but in New York you never put your arm through the steering wheel to put on or shut off your hazards. The are should go over or around the steering wheel.
You are correct, which is also the correct way in Ohio as well. Thanks for your comment.
Would you happen to have a passanger pick up and drop off procedure video?
ruclips.net/video/-FWA2iLNo40/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/DsQ1IpdKvqY/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/EUpTm_z3Vxg/видео.html
Good evening, Core...I added the links to the videos I have for pick ups and drop offs. Let me know if you are able to open and view these links. Thank you! :)
@@SchoolBusSass yes, all 3 links work. Thanks again!
Sharon activate hazard from inside the steering wheel you have to turn around the hand from steering wheel l.
Yes, the hazards should be activated from around the outside of the steering wheel, not through it.
Do All Buses In Your Fleet Have White Roofs Opposed To Yellow Roofs?
Yes,
White roofed busses are supposed to keep the bus cooler.
Every school bus driver knows a school bus has two temperatures…
Roast your rear off and freeze your rear off. 😂
All kidding aside, white reflects the light whereas yellow, absorbs the light.
Regardless, when you’re sitting on hot blacktop on a 90 plus day with no air conditioning, the white roof does not make a significant difference…
The bus heats up rapidly. I have read up to 17 degrees hotter than the outside air . I would much rather drive when it’s cold then again, being in Ohio, you might experience all four seasons in a single day.
Hello Therese, Just A Curious George Here, But What Is Your Favorite Brand Of Bus: IC ( Integrated Coach ), Thomas, Blue Bird, Other. Are There Others Besides These?
I Have 2 Favorites: My Most Favorite Is IC But I Also LOVE Blue Bird, Though I Have Never Been On A Blue Bird, I Would Like To Though.
I like the IC conventional bus and the Blue Bird transit bus.
How about you?
@@SchoolBusSass I Like The IC Conventional Buses & Blue Bird Visions. I Have Been On IC Buses The Most I Believe. The Thomas C2s Are Not The Best. I Heard From @clawboss He Does Not Like Them. I Also Noticed The 2 Metal Frames On Both Sides Creating An Annoying Blind Spot.
Excellent video thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video. Please check into having a wireless mic on you so we (hey I'm a senior citizen) hear and understand you better. I did get by because I'm a lip reader.
Thanks for the suggestion, Ken.
I will see about getting one for future use.
This was an informative video.
Are the school buses gets inspected during the summer break
Yes, they do have a yearly inspection, but they start inspecting in May, for the upcoming school year. We also get spot checked about four times a year.
Will you do some more full school bus cdl demos?
We will be working on an aide video next, then, I’m not sure.
I believe all school buses in my district have the crossing gates in the front of the bus, I don’t think all of yours have them though or at least most of them don’t, isn’t that dangerous?
Our children are taught to walk to the front of the bus, far enough for the driver to see their shoes…or about 10 giant steps. The safety arms have a tendency to break, particularly in the winter when snow banks are present.
I actually saw a RITEWAY buses grossing gate bend from a snow hill, therefore it went out to far, & did not go in completely.
Whaaaaaaat She made it to OBI ??? Great Job.
Thank you 😊
Also when will you post more full school bus pre trip inspection videos?
I’m not sure. One was recently posted, so it will be a while.
ruclips.net/video/AOkJqDoCzak/видео.html
This is my latest pretrip inspection video.
I’ve heard that you really like the transit buses and are very fun to drive! Why do you like them and how are they fun to drive?
Yes, I do really like the transits. I prefer the smaller 72 passenger doghouse (FE),
They have turning radius is outstanding!
Makes maneuvering really easy.
Why do school buses have to activate the hazard lights ( 4 way flashers ) when in reverse?
It is not ORC, but it is best practice for a school bus to activate four ways before backing.
@@SchoolBusSass ORC?
Ohio revised code, Ohio’s road laws and ordinances.
Noooo Sharon, you didn't close the window at the end! 😭😂
Back in the day , school bus drivers wore uniforms , is it still the case today?
It depends on the district. The first district I drove for had a, uniform. We received 5 free tops per year. You could order short or long sleeved shirts, button down shirts , and sweatshirts. They all had the schools logo and color scheme with Transpirtation embroidered underneath. You could choose any combination of the five, but you had to wear them when driving. You could pair them with jeans or whatever type of pants you chose. A winter jacket was given to you your first year, I’m not sure how often they were replaced. I thought it was kinda nice. The district I drive for now, you wear what you want.
The union negotiated the uniforms for the drivers.
I was hoping to find an emergency procedure for when something goes wrong like your front is too close to rails. Do you back up, risking car crash? Or stoplight on other side of tracks turns red and you can't go forward leaving your back-end on the tracks. Do you go past the white line, risking car crash? In most places buses don't turn right-on-red. I think people need to know if kids start screaming "TRAIN'S COMING!"
You shouldn't even attempt to cross the tracks if you know you cannot completely clear the tracks with at least 15 additional feet on the other side of the tracks. I am not certain which white line you are referring to. If you are referencing the stop bar, indicating where to stop before the first rail of the RR x-ing, they are typically placed between 15-50 feet from the nearest rail of the tracks. If your bus gets stuck on the tracks, and you can see a train heading toward you, you need to evacuate the bus, directing the children to a safe area at least 100 feet from the track, if at all possible, and should go in the direction of the approaching train, departing at a 45 degree angle to the track. This is to avoid flying debris. Children should not be permitted to scatter in a multitude of directions. Always stop no closer than 15 feet to the nearest rail, and no further away than 50 feet to the nearest rail. Do NOT proceed if you do not believe you can completely clear the tracks.
@@SchoolBusSass Thanks for replying. Many times there are traffic lights just past the tracks for an intersection with a road running parallel to them like the 1995 Fox River Grove accident. I just read the scary story.
The intersection was badly redesigned to reduce space between rails and intersection and in order to get a green light a vehicle had to cross the tracks and be in that space, as other buses had done. This substitute was unsure the length of the bus. and may not have realized they were on the tracks. The driver turned to deal with students screaming, not realizing it was because a train was coming, so didn't go when the light turned green.
In that situation the driver didn't realize they didn't have room to clear the tracks, and would not likely get a green unless they did cross. Very scary.
Such a great video im 17 and i wanna be a driver for my district at 18
Thank you! If you don’t mind me asking, Where are you located?
@@SchoolBusSass Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
What really drives me crazy, is when people just assume that a real crossing, oh well they’ll put the gates down or the lights will come on etc. crazy such a bad assumption!
So true! Too many malfunctions could occur to make those types of assumptions!
@@SchoolBusSass Yes! Saying things like oh well they’ll put the gates down or the lights will come on, it’s bullshit!
@@steamtrains1694 not to mention isn't ignoring any or all of the crossing procedures against the law anyway?
Yes, it is ORC to conduct the RR crossing procedure as demonstrated. If you are caught, not stopping at the tracks while driving a school bus, you will lose your CDL license for one year…first offense. You will lose your CDL permanently if you are caught twice not stopping.
That is just what the state will do to you. I’m sure your school district would have further disciplinary actions taken.
@@SchoolBusSass I'm sure the district will fire you... I mean If your license is suspended, from a business perspective you're useless to them
What year did you get your first transit bus?
I believe it was 2018.
To vote both ways of the trench real retracts open your door in
Hello, Can You Do A Pre-Trip On Your Blue Bird FE?
I’ll see what I can do. We may only have some much older BB FE.
The student loading and unloading light switch (8 ways) and hazard light switch are separate. Hazard light operation never activates the stop sign or cross gate.
Exactly,
Only use hazard lights at a railroad crossing, never your warning/loading lights. And you’re right, activate your hazard lights from the outside of the steering wheel, for precisely the reason you mentioned. Thanks for the great comment and feedback!
@@SchoolBusSass I’m a trainer for a school district in Illinois and your videos are so helpful for new drivers. I always suggest they watch them for further reinforcement.
Thank you, Barb! I’m thrilled to learn the videos have been a helpful resource for your trainees.
Happy holidays! 😁
We were trained not to set the brake.
Which state ?
I always enjoy learning the procedures other states have in place.
5:26 -- huh.. I always thought you kept the doors open on a school bus when you cross railroad tracks
Driving with the door of the bus open is considered an unsafe maneuver. If done on your road test, would result in an automatic failure…in the state of Ohio.
@@SchoolBusSass same as it is for Kentucky.. you'd think it would be like a just in case thing for crossing tracks and the vehicle stalls out -- one less thing you'd have to worry about
EDIT: in a motor coach you don't have to open the front door at all when you get to a crossing... In Ohio anyway, dunno for KY however I'd assume it's the same
I believe school busses are the only vehicle required to open/closing the door before crossing the tracks.
Thank you so much
You’re welcome .
Is this IC CE bus a hybrid
No, not a hybrid. Congrats on 9 years.
I drive a transit bus for senior and medical transit... the procedure is exactly the same....
This is part of my road test😨😨
I have seen buses in my district not even fully stop at railroad crossings sometimes but very rare they don’t open their door either but most of the time they do. My bosses don’t open their windows though only the door.What I saw on my boss at a railroad track we were going to cross a trucks rear tire was right in the middle of the tracks but my bus driver waits for the tracks to clear far enough that she can cross completely.
Learning this makes me sad. Our kids deserve better. I hope our children remain safe. Integrity is doing the, right thing, even when no one is watching. This is important to me.
@@SchoolBusSass Here’s how I would do the procedure personally:
1. 100 m before the railroad track activate your four-way flashers
2. Stop between 15 and 50 feet before the tracks
3. Pull the parking brake/spring brake
4. Shift and Neutral
5. Open the window
6. Open the door
7. Look and listen carefully twice
8. When I am 100% sure that there’s no trains coming I will close my door
9. Shift back to drive
10. Release the parking break
11. Proceed across the tracks without stopping switching lanes or switching gears
12. When I return to normal speed, close my window if I wish to
13. Cancel the four-way flashers
14. Continue on my way
@@SchoolBusSass Everyone really needs their bus drivers and buses to be good performance/high-performance, the bus drivers have to follow all the rules and laws especially safety hazards. They are not transporting cargo they are transporting students! So they really have to stay on top of things every day!
Absolutely! When I’m driving, each student becomes, my child…because I know how important each of these children are to their families.
Exactly right…
Each and every time.
0:39 do you mean crossing bars
There is a crossing gate and a stop arm… our busses no longer have crossing gates. The stop arm is the stop sign located on the drivers side that extends out into traffic when stopped for pick ups or drop offs.
it is very crazy when at a railroad crossing behind a bus
Why do you think is crazy behind a bus at a RR crossing?
@@SchoolBusSass its like they camp there
😂
Thanks for the laugh!
Don't reach through your steering wheel to activate and deactivate your 4-ways.
Agreed…
@@SchoolBusSass great refresher video! Had 5 RR crossings today. Always try to stay up to snuff on my procedures.
@@backwoodsfreak , I'm so glad to hear that...It's always a great idea to practice safety protocols and procedures! :)
I would add, coming off the track and merging with traffic at highway speed, turn off your 4-way hazards when you reach 35 mph. A bus is a hazard.
Turn your hazards off 50 feet after crossing the tracks.
I’ve never encountered RR crossings on a highway.
For an emergency pullover, that is precisely what needs to be done.
Is ur district full of ICCE’s??
We have a mix of ic, bluebirds re transits, and Thomas’s.
When I rode the bus, my bus driver left the door open while going over railroad tracks.
The procedures demonstrated in the video, are for the state of Ohio. Each state sets their own regulations for railroad crossings, while driving a school bus. Which state did you go to school in?
I cross tracks 16 times a day on my route. I have plenty of practice in this area! It's not fun to get stopped by a slow train or malfunctioning crossing gates.
Wow, 16 times a day…whew! It’s no fun at all, particularly with special needs folks who do not understand why we can’t move. It’s way out of what’s routine for some and it’s not fun when it happens.
You are officially, an expert, in this process! The district I drive for, currently, has no tracks within its boundaries. That’s great for every day, but not so great for extra trips. They are everywhere outside of the district.
Drivers can get a bit rusty on the process when they don’t have to do it regularly.
Thanks for your comment!!!
👍
Yeah after these school bus drivers pass their DMV test, all the training goes out the window. Seen a school bus driver fly through a railroad crossing like it was nothing.
Whether you're deadheading to your next route or going to the yard, you still need to stop.
They’re taking a big risk by doing so.
If they are caught, they will lose their license for one full year.
Hey is there a video on “emergency stop procedure”
I will certainly work on getting one put together…thanks for the great suggestion! 😊
@@SchoolBusSass thanks ☺️
Very cool
The teacher fine af
I seen a lot of drivers just turn the hazard lights on and stop and look both ways without opening the door or window
That is such a dangerous practice. Malfunctions happen far too often .
I also notice that my bus driver does not use the parking brake or at least shift to neutral! To dangerous! Not to mention, a few times my bus driver crossed right in front of a damn train! One time was right when he completed the crossing, the lights turned on! Like WHAT THE HELL!!
Nice video.
Thank you, Naomi!
@@SchoolBusSass you're welcome
There Was A Time When One Of My Bus Drivers Stopped At The Railroad Tracks. A Train Was Coming Very Close To The Crossing & He Still Crossed Right In Front Of It. Right As The Rear End Of The Bus Crossed The Lights Came On!
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
NOT TO MENTION IT REALLY MAKES THE PROCEDURE POINTLESS; IT DEFEATS THE PURPOSE!
I hate to hear that. I will have to share an experience I had while training a new student. I had always taken RR X-ings seriously, but my serious level increased 10 fold when I was out training a new driver and three malfunctions occurred, right before my eyes and, like I said, with a new driver. Thankfully, it all turned out, but wow, what a lesson.
Long story short…
The conductor was late blowing the trains horn, the lights and cross bucks, were all delayed and the stop gate ended up dropping down on the hood of the bus. My trainee did everything correctly procedure wise. It was a very good reminder as to why we stop, and to never try to cross the tracks to beat the train.
I hope that driver is no longer driving…
@@SchoolBusSass I know right Therese, I wish my district did it like yoursEven had a student pick up or drop off including mine they don’t use the parking brake or shifter neutral they do the same thing in a railroad crossing. In my personal opinion you have it spot on.
@@SchoolBusSass I always take railroad crossing procedures seriously to even though I’m not a bus driver I do the same procedure that you do whether on a bike walking or pulling a wagon behind me etc. my dad always says you’ll hear that son of a bitch coming way far away But it’s always a good idea to look and listen because I’ve heard that a lot of people think that they can hear it but usually they don’t today’s trains are very quiet they’re not like the steam engines which can be very loud
Supposed to announce that you have atleast 55 feet of containment space on the other side before you cross hehe
Which state is this a requirement in?
@@SchoolBusSass This is Illinois. I like your videos I'm training now and these videos are definitely helping me remember what I need to say. Thank you
Terrific! I’m thrilled to learn the video has been helpful for you. Best wishes for a successful test outcome!
Therese, have you had someone say rude words to you on my bus; swearing, names, etc.
People do swear on my bus, and a student responded with saying F*** OFF to the driver one time only though. People can have real potty mouths!
Yes, I’ve been cussed at numerous times. About 7 years ago, I had a challenging high school route and my bus that year was nicknamed the, cuss bus.
@@SchoolBusSass LOL, But Rude Of The Student.
@@SchoolBusSass was anything done about that completely unnecessary behavior cause that behavior should not be tolerated in any school vehicle. I think it all comes down safety cause it can be a distraction to the driver and another student can be injured. I’m an educator (a teacher’s assistant) at a private school for students who have behavioral problems, and even though that’s our job to deal with behavior issues I don’t tolerate the rude behavior or any violent threats in my classroom.
We keep it in drive
Interesting, what’s the reasoning?
29
ruclips.net/video/bGX5S8jC1xk/видео.html&feature=shares
We only have Hazard lights in the UK. When I was driving in Canada I was passing the school buses with their red lights flashing a beeping the kids off the road. My cousin who lives in Toronto nearly had a fit. In the UK pedestrians have to look before crossing the road and vehicles have priority.
Your school busses only have hazard lights?
@@SchoolBusSass Yes and I teach my drivers never to use hazard lights unless its a real emergency, ie, blocking the road, broken down on the motorway or at night. Because the hazard lights can give the impression that you have the right indicator on and maybe you want to move away, if a van pulls up behind the bus and parks behind it, blocking the left hazard light from view of the traffic coming up behind.
Basically if someone cant see a big red bus in broad daylight they probably wont notice some flashing yellow hazard lights.
Nightime, as i said, is completely different.
Do you primarily have left side drop locations so children are not crossing the roadway to get to their residence side of the street?
@@SchoolBusSass We always drop on the (left) kerb side. The only buses that have doors on both sides are at the airport on the way taxiway.
However our coaches that are used for private hire (such as American tourists who keep trying to spend their dollars in British shops 😀) have the emergency exit on the opposite side of the vehicle so if we have to drop on the wrong side of the door we use the emergency exit. On rare occasions drivers do let the passengers off into the flow of traffic of their is a tour guide to watch the traffic and warn the passengers.
@@SchoolBusSass I should say that unless it is a very wealthy private school they never ever have dedicated school buses. Here the school kids just get onto the normal local buses along with the pensioners/mothers with buggies/ daily commuters etc. Only if a school has the money or a special arrangement with the local council would the kids ever get their own bus. It's funny when you have 50 big fat kids upstairs all deliberately swaying from side to side to get the bus to sway as well 😀
Why set the parking brake or go into neutral ?????????? Why stop at all? How many people get hit by a train because they didn’t stop before crossing?
Though exact procedures may vary slightly…Ohio, as well as most other states, have laws requiring school busses to stop at all rail crossings.
There are roughly 900-1,000 people killed annually at rail crossings with thousands more are injured each year.
I’d say, aside from the safety precautions put in place for the safety and well-being of our passengers…state law is a very good reason to comply with rail crossing procedures.
There are a lot of cons to stopping at a rr crossing. Brake wear. Stopping then starting and proceeding over tracks is what will be the time of drive line failures due the increased torque required to get moving + the rr grade itself. Then the increased time crossing. Should be an electronic solution to this and I bet it would be cheaper than the brakes that have to unnecessarily replaced. Former gasoline truck driver. Not to mention the greenhouse gasses released to get vehicle moving Lol
We stop to load and unload children 50-100 times a day. Each time we are required to set the parking brake and take the bus out of gear. The procedure for RR crossings is very similar to P/U’s and D/O’s. Safety of our riders is a top priority. Brakes can be fixed, repaired, or replaced. Students and drivers…not so much.
But I will try again to see what is up 👆 if I don't like you get and this one
???
hi
Hello Trevor
@@SchoolBusSass hi
Yellowbusguy did this 9 years earlier
Sharon fail
She didn’t secure her containment area ahead, she didn’t explain if she had enough space ahead to cross the tracks.
Verbalizing the RR crossing procedure is not a requirement during testing, only the procedure. The procedure was done correctly and explained in the beginning about having proper clearance for the bus to proceed across the tracks.
I understand that the woman was an instructor, but I would have told her straight up to get her tail in a seat when the bus is moving!
rule number one no person should be standing in the wheel well
I'd love to see her drive that bus barefoot.
Freak 😅
Wrong
Here in ct you do the railroad like that you will fail. She forgot to mention a lot of thing. Worst rail road video I've have seen.
How is it done in Connecticut?
This RR demonstration is done with all of Ohio’s requirements at RR crossings.
Thanks this has helped me to remember what to say as I do my training. I couldn't remember everything or the order she said it. This is a big help. 👍
Glad to learn the video has been helpful for you. Hoping your training and testing go smoothly and with great success!
Why Do You Shift To Drive Before You Shut The Door? And I Think I Know Why You Pull The Parking Brake & Shift To Neutral At Railroad Crossings But To Be Sure, Why Do You?
Parking brake is always set first; if you’re rear ended, you won’t be pushed onto the RR tracks. Once the brake is set we take the bus out of gear; a backup fail safe for brake failure or human error, by failing to set the brake. Window and door are open to hear a trains approach more easily.
The bus is put into neutral first, before closing the door or releasing the brake, for the same reason. You’re getting ready to cross but still want to be able to hear a trains approach. The brake is always off last, for the same reason it is applied first. You don’t want to be pushed onto the tracks if there is an oncoming train.
I’m not certain of the exact number, but something like, 70 percent of all railroad crossings are not controlled. Meaning, there are no lights or gates to indicate to motorists of an oncoming train.
I was wondering if school opens in the fall, will the covid restrictions on buses be lifted or not depending on this covid variant?
We are still waiting to find out. CDC wants all public transportation to continue wearing masks through September. But, has lifted the mask mandate for all students in the classroom.
It just doesn’t make good sense.
Then again, the people creating these mandates, likely have never driven a school bus. We are not, public transportation. The rules should not apply. We also do not have air conditioning. In my opinion, it’s another arbitrary ineffective rule.
What type of covid precautions is taken on the buses and it's passengers
Well, our school year is over. But when we were in session, our drivers wore masks, we had one child per seat, and disinfected our busses after each route . It’s pretty difficult to social distance on a school bus. The summer program has relaxed a bit. Masks for drivers transporting 6th through 12 grade but no masks with our younger students or special needs riders.
They have not yet decided what protocol will be for the start of the school year.
I remember my bus driver training days with Dayton Public Schools.
How long were you with DPS?
@@SchoolBusSass I was with DPS for 6 years and than I went on to a truck drivers training school. I wanted to see how easy it was to get a Class A. But it was even harder to get that because there's more stuff to inspect on a tractor trailer.