Red flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is stopped to pick up or discharge students.

The large flat mirror hanging above the driver's head is there for them to see all of the students onboard at one time.

If the school bus is so equipped, activate alternating flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet or approximately 5-10 seconds before the school bus stop or in accordance with state law.

Tips on handling serious problems: stop the bus parking in a safe location off the road perhaps a parking lot or a driveway, secure the bus, take the ignition key with you if you leave your seat, stand up and speak respectfully to the offender or offenders. Speak in a courteous manner with a firm voice. Remind the offender of the expected behavior. Do not show anger but do show that you mean business.

Activate alternating red lights when traffic is a safe distance from the school bus and ensure stop arm is extended.

Students could only be picked up from the resident side of the road, meaning the right side, they will not allow students to cross a major highway to get to the bus.

You should start to slow down at least 100 feet in advance.

At the Crossing: Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, place the transmission in Park. turn off all radios and noisy equipment, silence the passengers, and open the service door and driver's window. Look and listen for an approaching train.

Ensure that the flat mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see: 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus, along the sides of the bus, and the rear tires touching the ground.

Make sure that all emergency exits are not damaged, operate smoothly, and close securely from the inside. Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.

Wait for your signal before crossing the roadway. Upon your signal, the students should: Cross far enough in front of the school bus to be in your view.

This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. You must stop at these crossings and follow proper procedures. However, the decision to proceed rests entirely in your hands.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, you will have to check one emergency exit to be sure that it is undamaged, operating smoothly, and able to be closed securely from the inside. You will also have to point out the other emergency exits and describe how they operate.

You should position these mirrors to see: the entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts, the front of the rear tires touching the ground, and at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.

You should never change the location of a bus stop without written approval from the appropriate school district official.

Wherever located, see that battery(s) are secure, connections are tight, and cell caps are present. Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion.

The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper with the first 10 feet being the most dangerous, 10 feet from the left and right sides of the bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus.

Strong winds affect the handling of the school bus! The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a sailboat. Strong winds can push the school bus sideways. They can even move the school bus off the road or, in extreme conditions, tip it over.

All mirrors should be viewed in a logical sequence to ensure that a child or object is not in any of the danger zones.

At the Crossing: stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, place the transmission in Park, turn off all radios and noisy equipment, silence the passengers, open the service door and driver's window, and look and listen for an approaching train.