What signal should a school bus driver use before making a turn?

A school bus driver is required to use a turn signal before making a turn to ensure safety and communicate intentions to other road users. The use of a turn signal is a standard practice that alerts both vehicles behind and in front of the bus, as well as pedestrians, that the bus is preparing to change direction. This is crucial, especially around schools and in areas where children may be present, as it helps prevent accidents by allowing other drivers to adjust their actions accordingly.

While hand signals are often used by cyclists and other drivers, they are not commonly employed by larger vehicles like school buses. Emergency lights are activated mainly to indicate that the bus is stopping, usually to pick up or drop off students, and are not meant to signal a turn. The horn can be used to alert others of potential hazards but is not a substitute for signaling turns. Therefore, the correct and safest practice for a school bus driver is to always utilize the turn signal when making a turn.