Which statement about turning a school bus is true?

Which statement about turning a school bus is true?

• A. Check the mirrors as you are turning for swing and clearance
• B. Use the outer left turning lane when dual turn lanes are available
• C. Avoid shifting gears during the turn
• D. When stopped waiting to turn left, point the front wheels to a 10 o'clock position

Answer: (A)

When turning a school bus, you must actively monitor the path of the bus using your mirrors to watch for swing and clearance. The front of the bus follows a different arc than the rear, so the body can swing wide into other lanes or stray pedestrians or objects into the path you can’t see from the windshield alone. Regularly checking mirrors as you begin and complete the turn helps you avoid clipping curbs, striking parked cars, or hitting people in crosswalks, which is especially important in school zones where children may be nearby. The other statements don’t fit safe turning practice. Lane position should follow road markings and your intended exit rather than blindly using an outer turn lane when dual left-turn lanes exist. Shifting gears during a turn can disrupt smooth control and vehicle handling, which isn’t desirable in a large vehicle. Stopping with front wheels pointed to a fixed angle isn’t a standard safety practice for waiting to turn left.

When turning a school bus, you must actively monitor the path of the bus using your mirrors to watch for swing and clearance. The front of the bus follows a different arc than the rear, so the body can swing wide into other lanes or stray pedestrians or objects into the path you can’t see from the windshield alone. Regularly checking mirrors as you begin and complete the turn helps you avoid clipping curbs, striking parked cars, or hitting people in crosswalks, which is especially important in school zones where children may be nearby.

The other statements don’t fit safe turning practice. Lane position should follow road markings and your intended exit rather than blindly using an outer turn lane when dual left-turn lanes exist. Shifting gears during a turn can disrupt smooth control and vehicle handling, which isn’t desirable in a large vehicle. Stopping with front wheels pointed to a fixed angle isn’t a standard safety practice for waiting to turn left.