Loading and Unloading Students Safely
The Loading and Unloading Students Safely domain tests the highest-risk moments of the route: the stop, the danger zone, and student crossing.
At the stop
Activate flashing red lights and extend the stop arm before students move. Secure the bus with the parking brake and place the transmission in park or neutral with the brake set. Count students as they board and as they exit.
Danger zone
The 10-foot area around the bus is the danger zone. Students should wait at least 10 feet from the bus until it stops and the driver signals. Never let a student cross behind the bus. Students who must cross the road cross in front, at least 10 feet ahead of the bumper, and only after the driver's hand signal.
Unloading
Watch students until they are clear of the danger zone. If a student drops an item, do not let them retrieve it; secure the bus, ensure students are clear, then retrieve it yourself or move the bus. Do not move until all students are seated or clear.
Worked example: A student runs late toward the bus as the doors close. The driver should not reopen the doors in traffic or wave the student across. Signal the student to stop, check mirrors, and either wait safely or tell the student to wait for the next route per policy.
Traps: trusting the stop arm to stop traffic; not counting students; letting students cross behind the bus; moving with students in the danger zone; rushing a late student.