School Bus Safety and Loading/Unloading Procedures
Stopping and signaling
Before a stop, activate the amber warning lights at least 300 feet before the stop, then bring the bus to a complete stop, set the parking brake, place the transmission in park or neutral, and activate the red lights and stop arm. Students must not approach until the driver signals. Traffic must stop for red lights; amber lights alone do not require traffic to stop.
Loading and unloading
- Students wait in a safe place off the roadway and board single file, using the handrail.
- When unloading, the driver counts students, checks mirrors, and signals when it is safe to cross.
- Students who must cross the road cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus, after the driver's signal, and never behind the bus.
- The driver keeps the red lights on until all students are clear of the bus and the roadway.
- If a student drops an item near the bus, the student must leave it and tell the driver.
Worked example
A student drops a backpack under the rear tire during unloading. The correct response is to stop the student, keep all students clear, and retrieve the item only after ensuring no one is in danger. Never let the student crawl under the bus. The driver then rechecks mirrors and counts students before moving.
Traps
Moving the bus before counting students; turning off red lights while a student is still crossing; allowing students to cross behind the bus; assuming amber lights protect the stop. Also, do not let students board before the bus is fully stopped and secured.