What is one important factor when stopping a school bus to pick up students?

One important factor when stopping a school bus to pick up students is the use of flashing lights and stop signs. When a school bus activates its flashing lights and extends its stop sign, it signals to drivers on all sides that the bus is stopping and that students may be entering or exiting. This is a critical safety measure designed to protect children as they approach or leave the bus, ensuring that vehicles traveling in both directions understand they must stop and remain stopped until the lights are turned off and the stop sign is retracted. This practice is essential for lowering the risk of accidents during student loading and unloading, creating a safer environment for children who may be unaware of potential dangers. The use of these signals is mandated by law in many states to foster safety awareness among all road users.