School Bus CHP Practice Test

What should a driver do if their bus is stalled on the railroad tracks?

1. Have the children push the bus off the tracks

2. Have the children move to the back of the bus

3. Evacuate the children to a safe location away from the tracks

4. Wait for help to arrive

The correct answer is: Evacuate the children to a safe location away from the tracks

When a bus is stalled on railroad tracks, the driver’s primary concern is the safety of the children on board. Evacuating the children to a safe location away from the tracks is the correct action to take. Railroad tracks can be extremely dangerous, especially if a train is approaching, as trains can travel at high speeds and have a very long stopping distance. The evacuation allows for a quick and safe exit from the potentially hazardous situation, placing the children at a distance where they are out of harm's way. Ideally, the driver should instruct the children to move a sufficient distance from the tracks and ensure that they are aware of the situation to avoid any panic. In contrast, having the children push the bus or moving them to the back of the bus would not effectively mitigate the immediate danger presented by being on the tracks. Waiting for help could leave everyone in a precarious situation, particularly if a train arrives unexpectedly. Moving to the back of the bus does not address the risk of being on the tracks at all. Therefore, evacuating the children to a safe location is the best course of action to ensure their safety.