What should a school bus driver do if a student drops something near the bus while loading or unloading?

DROPPED ITEMS NEAR THE BUS: A leading cause of school bus fatalities — a student drops something (paper, phone, toy) near the bus, bends down to retrieve it, enters the danger zone (often in front of or beside the bus, below the driver's sightline), and is struck when the bus moves. PROCEDURE: Teach students to NEVER pick up a dropped item near the bus without the driver's knowledge; the student should tell/signal the driver and wait for instructions; the driver ensures it is safe before allowing retrieval, or retrieves it/has the student leave it; the student should never bend down or reach under or close to the bus; DRIVER VIGILANCE: Before moving, ensure no student is retrieving a dropped item or is in the danger zone; watch for students darting back; count students; STUDENT EDUCATION: Part of school bus safety training for children — leave dropped items, get the driver's attention, never go into the danger zone; this specific scenario (dropped item → child in danger zone → struck by bus) is a well-documented fatal accident pattern; the rule to leave the item and alert the driver prevents children from entering the deadly blind spots around the bus.