School Bus Endorsement S Flashcards

The air pressure governor cut-out is typically within what psi range?

Answer: 120-140 psi.

In an air brake system, the air compressor governor is responsible for maintaining air pressure within a safe operating range. The governor typically cuts out, stopping the compressor, when the air pressure reaches between 120-140 psi. This ensures the system has sufficient pressure for braking while preventing over-pressurization, which could damage components.

As you check that the steering box is mounted securely and not leaking, you should look for any missing ________.

Answer: All of the listed answers.

When inspecting the steering box, it's vital to ensure it is securely mounted and not leaking, as this is critical for vehicle control. Drivers must specifically look for any missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys, as these fasteners are essential for maintaining the integrity and secure attachment of the steering components. Missing any of these could lead to steering failure, posing a severe safety risk.

The caps of your vehicle's fuel tank need to be ________.

Answer: Secured tightly.

Fuel tank caps must be secured tightly to prevent fuel spills, evaporation, and contamination. A loose cap can create a dangerous fire hazard, allow fuel to slosh out during maneuvers, and compromise the integrity of the fuel system. Ensuring a tight seal is crucial for both safety and environmental protection.

It's important for a school bus driver to ensure the emergency exits are _________.

Answer: All of the listed answers.

For passenger safety, it is essential that all emergency exits on a school bus are fully functional. This means they must operate smoothly for quick evacuation, be undamaged to ensure reliability, and close securely to prevent accidental opening during transit. All these aspects are critical for a safe and effective emergency egress system, making 'All of the listed answers' the correct choice.

Do not change gears while crossing the tracks, if ________.

Answer: Your bus has a manual transmission.

Changing gears on a manual transmission while crossing railroad tracks is extremely dangerous because it can cause the bus to stall directly on the tracks. If the bus stalls, it could be hit by an oncoming train, leading to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, drivers of manual transmission buses must select a gear that allows them to cross without shifting, ensuring continuous momentum.

You need to make sure the electrical lines of your tractor/coupling are not ______.

Answer: All of the listed answers.

The electrical lines connecting a tractor and coupling are vital for functions like lights and brakes. If these lines are tangled, pinched, or dragging against tractor parts, they can become damaged, leading to electrical failures, short circuits, or a complete loss of essential safety features. Ensuring they are clear and properly routed prevents these hazards and maintains safe vehicle operation.

If you work for an interstate carrier, you need to complete a written inspection report ________.

Answer: For each bus driven.

Federal regulations require interstate carriers to complete a written inspection report for each bus driven. This practice ensures that any defects or safety concerns are documented and addressed promptly, maintaining the vehicle's roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards. This systematic approach is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring passenger safety across state lines.

Which of the following is a reason why it is so important for the bus driver to inspect the bus' interior at the end of his shift?

Answer: To make sure he can report necessary repairs to a mechanic before he drives the bus again.

Inspecting the bus's interior at the end of a shift is primarily important for identifying any necessary repairs or maintenance issues. Reporting these promptly to a mechanic ensures they can be addressed before the bus is driven again, preventing potential breakdowns or safety hazards. While finding lost items is a secondary benefit, the main goal is to maintain the bus in safe operating condition.

While driving your bus, you should scan ________ for trouble or hazardous conditions.

Answer: All of the listed answers.

A bus driver must constantly scan all areas around the bus for potential trouble or hazardous conditions to ensure comprehensive safety. This includes monitoring the road ahead for traffic and obstacles, checking the bus's interior for passenger behavior or issues, and using mirrors to observe the back of the bus for following traffic and blind spots. Comprehensive scanning allows the driver to anticipate and react effectively to any dangerous situation.

Bus drivers can carry small amounts of certain hazardous materials. However, the total amount of hazardous materials should not exceed what amount?

Answer: 500 lbs.

Federal regulations impose a strict limit of 500 lbs. on the total amount of certain hazardous materials that a bus can carry. This restriction is a critical safety measure designed to minimize the risk associated with transporting dangerous goods in a passenger vehicle. Exceeding this limit significantly increases the potential for severe consequences in the event of an accident or spill, endangering passengers and the public.

Bus drivers should not carry more than _____ lbs. total of allowed hazardous materials.

Answer: 500 lbs.

Bus drivers are prohibited from carrying more than 500 lbs. total of allowed hazardous materials. This specific weight limit is a federal safety regulation aimed at reducing the overall risk when transporting passengers alongside potentially dangerous substances. Adhering to this restriction is crucial for preventing catastrophic outcomes in emergencies and ensuring the safety of everyone on board and on the road.

Bus drivers cannot carry more than _______ lbs. of solid Class 6 poisons.

Answer: 100

Bus drivers are specifically restricted to carrying no more than 100 lbs. of solid Class 6 poisons. This is a stringent safety regulation due to the highly toxic nature of these materials. Limiting the quantity minimizes the potential for harm to passengers and the public in the event of a leak, spill, or accident, underscoring the extreme danger associated with these substances.

The recommended safe distance to stop before a drawbridge is _______.

Answer: 50 ft.

When approaching a drawbridge, it is recommended to stop at least 50 feet before the bridge. This distance provides a safe buffer in case the bridge opens unexpectedly or there are other hazards. It allows the driver sufficient space to react, stop safely, and avoid driving onto a potentially opening or unsafe bridge, ensuring the safety of the bus and its passengers.

While driving a bus, how many feet before a railroad crossing should you stop?

Answer: 15 to 50 ft.

Federal regulations require bus drivers to stop between 15 and 50 feet before a railroad crossing. This range ensures the driver has a clear view of the tracks in both directions without being too close, which could be dangerous if a train approaches. It provides a safe stopping distance and allows for proper observation before proceeding, minimizing the risk of a collision.

As a bus driver, you need to remember ______.

Answer: All of the listed answers.

As a bus driver, it is crucial to remember all these factors for safe operation. Knowing the bus's clearance prevents collisions with overhead obstacles, understanding the necessary gap for merging ensures safe entry into traffic, and watching for poles and tree limbs at stops prevents damage and ensures passenger safety during loading/unloading. All these considerations contribute to overall road safety and responsible driving.

During an emergency evacuation of the school bus, a safe place will be at least ______ ft. off the road.

Answer: 100 ft.

During an emergency evacuation of a school bus, students should be led at least 100 feet off the road. This distance ensures they are clear of traffic, potential hazards from the bus itself (such as fire or fumes), and provides a safe assembly point. Being 100 feet away offers a significant safety margin, protecting students from immediate dangers and allowing emergency responders clear access.

At a passive railroad-highway crossing, you need to ____.

Answer: All of the listed answers.

At a passive railroad-highway crossing, which lacks active warning devices like gates or flashing lights, the driver must take full responsibility for safety. This involves recognizing the crossing, actively searching for any trains using the tracks, and deciding if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely without stopping on the tracks. All these steps are critical to prevent collisions at unguarded crossings.

Students should board the bus only __________.

Answer: When the bus driver signals they should.

Students should only board the bus when the bus driver signals they should. This procedure ensures the driver has full control over the boarding process, can monitor students, and confirm it is safe to approach the bus. It prevents students from rushing or attempting to board before the bus is fully stopped and secured, minimizing the risk of accidents and maintaining order.

On the school route, you may encounter what kinds of emergencies?

Answer: All of the listed answers.

School bus drivers must be prepared for a wide range of emergencies on their route to ensure student safety. This includes mechanical failures like an electrical fire, traffic incidents such as a crash, critical situations like a stalled bus on railroad tracks, and medical emergencies involving students. Being aware of all these potential scenarios allows drivers to react appropriately and protect their passengers effectively.

Passive crossings typically have?

Answer: Yellow circular advance warning signs.

Passive railroad-highway crossings are typically identified by yellow circular advance warning signs. These signs alert drivers to the presence of a railroad crossing ahead, even though there may not be active warning devices like flashing lights or gates. The yellow circular sign serves as a crucial visual cue for drivers to exercise caution, slow down, and prepare to stop and look for trains.