What mistake is most commonly made by school bus drivers in South Carolina, leading to collisions?

Misjudging distance is a common mistake that can lead to collisions for school bus drivers. This error typically occurs in situations where drivers are required to make precise judgments about their position relative to other vehicles or obstacles, especially when navigating tight spaces or interacting with traffic. Buses are larger than standard vehicles, which can complicate these judgments, leading drivers to either underestimate or overestimate the space needed for maneuvers.

For a school bus driver, accurately gauging distances is critical, particularly when picking up or dropping off students. Misjudging distance can result in unsafe interactions with other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. School bus drivers are expected to maintain a keen awareness of their surroundings and to employ their training continuously to ensure safety on the road.

Although other factors, such as distracted driving or improper turning, are also serious issues, misjudging distance has a direct impact on the physical dynamics of driving the larger vehicle, which is why this particular mistake is emphasized in safety discussions and training for school bus drivers.