How can a driver maintain a safe distance from students while loading?

Stopping 12 to 15 feet before reaching students allows for a safe buffer zone that helps ensure the children can load onto the bus without risk from the vehicle itself or oncoming traffic. This distance provides ample space for students to safely board the bus, as it reduces the potential for accidental injuries that could occur if the bus were to stop too close to the curb or the children.

Maintaining this distance also enables the driver to be in full control and aware of the students’ actions, ensuring that they can safely load and unload. In contrast to stopping directly next to the waiting students, which would pose a danger to them, or stopping only when students are seen crossing the road, the recommended practice prioritizes safety as students are often in unpredictable situations. The approach of stopping 5 feet from the curb might also not allow enough distance for safety, as it could still place students too close to the roadway. Hence, the practice of stopping 12 to 15 feet before reaching students is a crucial strategy for ensuring their safety during loading and unloading.