Is it legal to shift gears in a school bus while crossing a railroad track?

Shifting gears while crossing a railroad track is not legal due to important safety considerations. When a school bus crosses a railroad track, the driver must maintain full control of the vehicle. Shifting gears can be distracting and may cause the vehicle to momentarily lose power, which increases the risk of becoming stalled on the tracks.

The intent of this regulation is to ensure that the driver can react quickly to any oncoming trains and to maintain a steady speed across the tracks, which decreases the chances of an accident. Drivers are required to approach the tracks prepared to stop and to cross without any unnecessary gear changes that could compromise safety.

Options suggesting that it is legal under certain circumstances, like if the track is clear or at slow speeds, overlook the potential dangers. Therefore, it is essential for the safety of all passengers and other road users that drivers refrain from shifting gears while crossing railroad tracks.