What does activating the stop arm ensure when unloading students?

Activating the stop arm when unloading students serves the critical purpose of ensuring that vehicles must stop for the bus. This safety feature is designed to protect children as they exit the bus and cross the street. The extended stop arm, usually paired with flashing red lights, signals to other drivers that they are required by law to halt their vehicles, creating a safe environment for students to disembark.

While awareness of surroundings is important for students, the primary function of the stop arm is to enforce the stopping of traffic. Additionally, the stop arm activation is not a signal for parents, nor does it indicate that the bus is about to move; rather, it is an essential safety measure aimed explicitly at preventing accidents during the critical moments of loading and unloading.