What is the proper procedure for a school bus driver when students must board at a stop that requires crossing the road?

Students crossing to board: When students must cross the road to board, the driver controls the process for safety.

Procedure: Stop the bus, activate red flashing lights and extend the stop arm (legally stopping traffic); ensure all traffic in both directions has actually STOPPED before signaling students; signal students to cross in FRONT of the bus (at least 10 feet ahead, where the driver can see them); watch the students cross and board safely; do not move until all are aboard and accounted for and the danger zone is clear.

Control: The DRIVER decides when it is safe for students to cross and signals them — students should wait for the driver's signal, never cross on their own.

Cross in front: Always in front of the bus (visible to the driver), never behind (blind spot, and traffic).

Watch for traffic: Even with red lights and stop arm, some drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus — the driver must verify traffic has stopped before sending students across; this is a high-risk moment; the driver's control of the crossing (verifying traffic stopped, signaling students to cross in front where visible) protects children at the most dangerous part of the route; illegal passing of stopped buses is a serious danger the driver must guard against.