Why should a bus driver activate their lights and stop arms when stopped?

Activating lights and stop arms when a school bus is stopped is primarily a measure established to comply with state laws. These regulations are in place to enhance the safety of children getting on and off the bus. By turning on the lights and extending the stop arms, the driver creates a clear signal to other road users that they must stop and allow students to enter or exit the bus safely. This legal requirement underscores the importance of protecting children from traffic while they are in the vicinity of the bus.

Additionally, while alerting other drivers is an important aspect of this safety protocol, the underlying principle is adherence to state laws that dictate school bus operations. These laws are designed not only to safeguard children but also to standardize the behaviors of bus drivers across different regions, ensuring that everyone behaves predictably in these potentially dangerous situations.