When stopping to load students, how should the bus position itself?

When stopping to load students, positioning the bus completely off the road, if possible, is the safest option. This practice enhances the safety of the students and minimizes potential hazards. By being off the road, the bus reduces the risk of accidents from passing vehicles, allowing students to board or disembark without the worry of traffic.

In many jurisdictions, it’s crucial to provide a safe space where students can move freely without immediate exposure to vehicular traffic. This positioning allows drivers of other vehicles to have clear visibility of the bus and its signals, helping to prevent accidents.

While stopping in the middle of the lane or in the right lane might keep the bus operationally close to the curb, these positions do not provide the same level of safety for students. Additionally, pulling over to the left side of the road can create further risks, as students would need to cross traffic to board, which should be avoided. Thus, completely getting off the roadway is the best practice for maintaining maximum safety during student loading times.