How can a driver ensure student safety while loading and unloading?

To ensure student safety while loading and unloading, it is crucial for the driver to actively watch for traffic and maintain full awareness of the surroundings. This involves checking for oncoming vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians while ensuring that the students are safely boarding or alighting from the bus. By being vigilant and attentive, the driver can prevent accidents and provide a safer environment for the students.

Relying solely on communication methods, such as using the bus’s intercom, does not address the potential dangers present in the vicinity, such as passing vehicles that might not stop for the bus. Similarly, while mirrors are important for monitoring what’s happening around the bus, they are just one tool among many and don't replace the need for broader awareness. Ignoring distractions from students can lead to lapses in attention, which could compromise safety during these critical moments. Overall, active observation and awareness of traffic conditions are essential components of ensuring student safety at those times.