What should the driver request from pupils just before stopping at an RR crossing?

Requesting silence from pupils just before stopping at a railroad (RR) crossing is crucial for safety. This allows the driver to focus completely on the task at hand, which involves evaluating the surroundings for any approaching trains and ensuring that it's safe to cross. Noise can be distracting and hinder the driver's ability to hear any warning signals, such as a train horn or other sounds that indicate a train is nearby. By asking the students to be silent, the driver minimizes distractions and maximizes their attention to the important task of ensuring everyone's safety at the crossing. This practice supports the overall protocol for safely navigating railroad crossings, which is a key responsibility of a school bus driver.