What is the responsibility of the school bus driver regarding student loading and unloading procedures?

The primary responsibility of a school bus driver regarding student loading and unloading procedures is to ensure safety during these activities. This entails being vigilant and attentive to the surroundings as students enter and exit the bus. The driver must monitor not only the behavior of the students but also the traffic in the vicinity to protect the children from potential accidents.

Safety protocols may include activating the bus's stop-sign arm and flashing lights to alert other vehicles to stop, ensuring that the students understand when it is safe to approach or leave the bus, and being aware of blind spots. By placing the emphasis on safety, the driver helps create a secure environment for students during this critical time when they are most vulnerable, which is paramount in preventing accidents and injuries.

While assisting students with belongings or limiting the number of students boarding can be parts of good practice, these tasks do not encompass the overarching responsibility of safeguarding the children's well-being during the loading and unloading process.