When approaching a stop where passengers will get on or off, what is the safe practice for the bus driver?

Passengers should be loaded and unloaded only at safe places — designated stops or fully off the roadway where possible — never in a spot that forces riders into moving traffic or leaves the bus blocking a lane unexpectedly. The driver signals well ahead, slows smoothly, and chooses a location with good sight lines, away from curves and hill crests. Stopping on the traveled portion of a highway, on a curve, or near an intersection creates a collision risk for the bus and danger for passengers stepping off. Smooth, predictable stops at proper locations are part of safe passenger operation.