What action should a bus driver take before loading or unloading students?

Activating the overhead red warning lights is a critical safety measure that a bus driver must take before loading or unloading students. These lights serve as a visual signal to other drivers that the bus is stationary and that children will be entering or exiting the vehicle. This action helps create a safe environment by alerting other road users to stop and ensure that students can safely cross the street or board the bus without the risk of being hit by a passing vehicle.

While checking the weather conditions, looking for police presence, and turning off the radio are all good safety practices, they do not directly address the immediate need to ensure the safety of students during the process of boarding or disembarking from the bus. The priority is to manage traffic and protect children, making the activation of the red warning lights the most effective and necessary action in this context.