What must a school bus driver always do before loading or unloading children?

Before loading or unloading children, a school bus driver must always check mirrors and surroundings. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the children as they board or exit the bus. By checking mirrors, the driver can assess the area around the bus, including the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, or any potential hazards that could pose a danger. This action helps in creating a safe environment for the children who may be in the vicinity.

In addition, being fully aware of the surroundings allows the driver to maintain control of the situation and respond appropriately to anything unexpected, such as a child darting into the street or a vehicle approaching too quickly. This practice emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and proactive about safety measures before allowing children to load or unload.

Other actions, such as sounding the horn or activating the stop sign, while important, are typically part of the procedures that follow checking surroundings to ensure a safe loading and unloading process. Turning off the engine can also be relevant but is generally done later in the process once the bus has come to a complete stop and children are safely disembarking. Checking mirrors and surroundings remains the primary step for the driver to take before any loading or unloading occurs.