When following a school bus approaching a railroad crossing, what should you do?

Increasing the following distance to 4 seconds when following a school bus approaching a railroad crossing is important for several reasons. School buses have specific safety protocols, especially when they are near railways. By maintaining a larger following distance, you give yourself more time to react to any unexpected stops or actions taken by the bus.

When a school bus is about to cross a railroad track, it is required to stop and ensure that the tracks are clear. This means you may need to stop as well, depending on the circumstances. A 4-second following distance provides enough space for you to safely stop if needed, while also allowing for better visibility of the bus's and railway's actions ahead.

Other potential choices involve behaviors that could compromise safety. Decreasing the following distance might lead to a lack of reaction time in a crucial moment. Changing lanes to pass may put you in danger, as it could lead to you unexpectedly being in the path of the bus or obstructing other vehicles. Stopping to wait for the bus to cross without ensuring a proper distance can also increase the risk of rear-end collisions, especially if other vehicles are approaching from behind without ample distance between them and your vehicle. Therefore, maintaining a 4-second following distance is the safest and most