What should a bus driver's primary responsibility be regarding pupil safety?

The primary responsibility of a bus driver regarding pupil safety is to ensure safe and legal operation of the bus. This encompasses a wide range of critical duties, such as adhering to speed limits, following traffic laws, performing pre-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in good working order, and being vigilant about road conditions.

By focusing on the safe operation of the vehicle, the driver creates a secure environment for all students on board. This not only involves driving practices but also includes being aware of the surroundings, ensuring that students are seated with seatbelts fastened if applicable, and safely loading and unloading students at designated stops.

Other responsibilities, such as enforcing school rules, communicating with parents, and supervising students' behavior, are important, but they are secondary to the fundamental duty of operating the bus safely. If a bus is not operated safely, the risk to pupils significantly increases, making the safe and legal operation the top priority for the safety of all students.