A school bus ahead of you has stopped with its red lights flashing. How far back does the manual tell you to stop?
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A.
At least 20 feet away from the bus Correct
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B.
Only far enough to see around the bus
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C.
Right up to the rear bumper of the bus
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D.
Whatever distance keeps traffic behind you from backing up
The answer is "At least 20 feet away from the bus"
The manual sets a 20-foot cushion behind a stopped school bus so children have room to load or unload safely. No distance shorter than 20 feet satisfies the rule.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. Only far enough to see around the bus
Sight distance is not the criterion the manual gives for school bus stops. This answer applies the sight-line habit from following distance to a situation the manual settles with a specific measurement.
C. Right up to the rear bumper of the bus
Stopping directly behind the bus leaves children no safety zone as they cross around the vehicle. This answer carries over the close-up city habit drivers use at ordinary red lights, where inching up to the bumper is treated as normal.
D. Whatever distance keeps traffic behind you from backing up
Traffic flow behind you is not the standard the manual sets for stopping behind a school bus. This answer substitutes the courtesy consideration used at long stop lines for the fixed 20-foot figure that governs school buses.
This question tests your knowledge of Sharing the Road in New York. Source: New York State Driver's Manual, "School Buses," p.40..
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