Managing Students at Stops and on Board

Safe Stopping and Loading Procedures on Route Stops

Student safety at bus stops requires total focus and disciplined habits. More students are killed getting on or off a school bus each year than are killed as passengers inside the bus. When approaching a stop to load students, you must bring the bus to a full stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet away from waiting students. Stopping at least 10 feet away forces students to walk toward the bus, which gives you a significantly better view of their movements. Students should wait in a designated location facing the school bus as it approaches.

Securing the vehicle at the stop is essential before opening the door. When stopping at a designated stop, place the transmission in Park, or in Neutral if there is no Park position on your vehicle. The parking brake must be set at each school bus stop. Alternating red flashing lights should be activated when traffic is at a safe distance from the school bus, and you must ensure the stop arm is extended when those alternating red lights are activated. A final check must confirm that all traffic has stopped before you completely open the door and signal students to approach.

Supervising the boarding process requires continuous visual checks. Students should board the bus only when signaled by the driver. They must board slowly, in single file, and use the handrail. If you are loading in the dark, turn on the dome light. You must monitor all mirrors continuously throughout loading. Count the number of students at the bus stop and ensure all of them board the bus. School bus drivers should know the names of students at each stop if possible. If a student is missing at a stop, ask the other students where that student is. If a student outside cannot be accounted for during loading, you must secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus.

Departing the stop safely requires proper vehicle preparation. You must wait until all students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. When all students are accounted for after loading, prepare to leave by closing the door, engaging the transmission, and releasing the parking brake. Before moving the bus, check all mirrors to make certain no one is running to catch the bus. Turn off the alternating red lights, turn on the left turn signal, check all mirrors again, and allow congested traffic to disperse before pulling away.