Should children always unload on the right outside lane if on a multi-lane road?

Unloading children on the right outside lane when on a multi-lane road is indeed the safest practice. This method minimizes the risk of children being exposed to traffic from other vehicles. When children exit a school bus, they may not be aware of their surroundings and could accidentally step into traffic. By unloading on the right side, children have a designated safe area to exit, reducing the chance of being struck by vehicles passing on the left.

In terms of safety, the design of school bus operations is specifically aimed at protecting children. Since the bus itself serves as a barrier between children exiting and potentially hazardous traffic lanes, unloading on the right aligns with safety protocols designed to protect young passengers.

Choosing to unload on other lanes, whether directed by someone or dependent on traffic conditions, could potentially increase danger to the children, as they may have to navigate across lanes of traffic, which can be unpredictable. Therefore, unloading on the right outside lane is a critical safety procedure in school bus operations.