At drawbridges without signals, how many feet before the draw should school buses stop?

When approaching drawbridges that do not have signals, school buses are required to stop at least 50 feet before the draw. This distance is designed to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians, providing adequate space for the driver to assess the situation at the bridge. Stopping at this distance allows the bus driver to ensure the draw is properly positioned and that it is safe to proceed, as well as to observe any potential hazards or oncoming traffic that may be approaching the bridge.

This precaution is particularly important for school buses due to the presence of young passengers, who may not understand the risks associated with crossing a drawbridge, especially if it is in the process of being raised or lowered. Moreover, the 50-foot distance gives the driver a chance to communicate effectively with students and ensure that they are safely remaining seated while the vehicle is stopped. Adhering to this guideline helps maintain a safe environment and prevents accidents.