A controlled stop and a complete student count
Loading and unloading combine moving children, traffic, warning equipment and a large vehicle with limited visibility. The procedure must be the current Colorado and district procedure for the actual stop. Do not copy another state's warning-light timing, divided-road exception or stop location merely because another school-bus question uses similar words.
Prepare the stop
Use the designated route and stop, observe approaching and following traffic and operate the actual warning and signaling equipment in the prescribed sequence. Alternating amber and red school-bus warning lights have different roles from ordinary four-way hazard lamps. A generic statement to turn on hazard lights is not an adequate replacement for the authorized loading sequence.
The bus must be properly stopped and secured before students are signaled to board or leave. Use the applicable transmission position and parking brake. An approaching driver may fail to respond to the warning lights. Make the actual traffic check rather than assume that activating a device guarantees every vehicle has stopped.
Control the students' movement
Students board in an orderly manner using the handrail. Before leaving, establish that boarding students are appropriately seated and the stop area is clear. During unloading, count students and observe their movement to the safe visible area. Pay attention to clothing or objects that may catch on a handrail or door and confirm that the student has moved safely away.
Where crossing is authorized and required, students follow the actual taught Colorado crossing procedure, remain visible and wait for the driver's signal. A signal does not make the road safe if another vehicle is still moving through the crossing path. A missed stop does not justify backing into an unassessed area; follow the approved local procedure.
Keep competing tasks in sequence
An argument inside the bus can distract the driver while another student is crossing outside. Preserve attention on the immediate outside hazard until students are safely clear, then manage the behavior using the appropriate procedure. Do not solve an indoor disagreement by neglecting a student near the wheels.
The departure decision requires more than closing the service door. Resolve the count, student position, traffic and vehicle checks and use the actual departure sequence. This collection does not supply a universal substitute hand signal, relocate a district stop or authorize an unapproved route change.