How far should a school bus driver position the bus from the stop while loading passengers?

Positioning the school bus at the curb while loading passengers is crucial for ensuring the safety of the children boarding and exiting the bus. When the bus is aligned with the curb, it minimizes the distance children need to walk to access the bus, reducing the risk of accidents that can occur when they are required to walk further away from the bus.

This practice also prevents any possible interference or hazards from passing vehicles, as it creates a clear and defined area for both the bus and the boarding students. By keeping the bus at the curb, drivers can maintain better visibility and control over the surrounding area, thus enhancing safety for all involved.

In contrast, the other distances mentioned, such as 30 ft, 150 ft, or 300 ft away from the stop, would place the bus in an unsafe position. These distances could increase the likelihood of children stepping into traffic or having to navigate around obstacles to board the bus, which is not ideal for a safe loading environment. Thus, positioning the bus at the curb is the best practice for safety during loading and unloading.