Where should a school bus driver always unload students on a multi-lane road?

The correct choice for where a school bus driver should always unload students on a multi-lane road is on the right outside lane. This action prioritizes the safety of the students by keeping them away from traffic that may be speeding past the bus in the left lanes. By unloading on the right side, students can exit the bus and immediately move onto a safe walkway or shoulder, which decreases the chances of them having to cross traffic.

When school buses stop, they activate their flashing lights and extend their stop signal arm to alert drivers that children may be getting on or off the bus. Unloading in the right outer lane enhances visibility for both the bus driver and passing motorists, thus ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place to protect the students’ safety.

Other options suggest either unloading on the left side, the middle lane, or using the shoulder, which may introduce unnecessary risks. The left side presents hazards from oncoming traffic, and the middle lane does not provide a safe area for students to exit. Unloading on the shoulder could be problematic, especially if it's not adequately maintained or if students would still have to navigate past traffic to reach the safety of sidewalks or designated waiting areas. Therefore, unloading on the right outer lane aligns best with safety protocols