Final answer:
School buses must always stop at least 5 meters away from the nearest rail at railway crossings, to ensure the safety of all passengers and allow the driver to check for trains.
Step-by-step explanation:
School buses are required to follow specific safety protocols when approaching and crossing railway tracks. It is mandatory for school buses to stop at all railway crossings, regardless of whether there are active warning devices, such as lights or gates, in place. This precautionary measure ensures the safety of the passengers on the bus, giving the bus driver enough time and distance to look for any oncoming trains before proceeding.
The correct distance that a school bus must stop from the nearest rail at a railway crossing is at least 5 meters (≈ 15 feet). This stopping distance is to make sure there is adequate visibility and safety margin for the large vehicle to come to a complete stop before the tracks and have a clear sightline to observe any potential trains.