Where should students be unloaded when on a multi-lane road?

Students should be unloaded on the right outside lane of a multi-lane road to ensure their safety. This practice minimizes the risk of students stepping into oncoming traffic. When students exit the bus and are directed to move toward the curb or edge of the road, unloading on the right side places them in a safer environment, away from fast-moving vehicles that may be using the left lanes.

Unloading in a parking lot, while potentially safe, may not be practical on a busy road where stopping in a lot is not an option. Within a school zone, even though it is usually safe due to reduced speeds and increased awareness, it is crucial to ensure that unloading occurs at designated points to maintain order and safety for all students. Loading and unloading on the left side lane can expose students to traffic hazards since they would have to cross lanes to reach the sidewalk or curb. Thus, unloading students on the right outside lane is the best practice for safety in this situation.