What is the correct response if a school bus driver realizes a vehicle is illegally passing the bus while its red lights and stop arm are activated?

ILLEGAL PASSING OF A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS: Despite red flashing lights and the extended stop arm legally requiring traffic to stop, some drivers illegally pass — a major danger to crossing students. DRIVER RESPONSE: Do NOT signal students to cross (or hold them if they're about to) until all traffic has actually stopped and it is confirmed safe; protect students from crossing into the path of a passing vehicle; ensure students wait for the driver's signal and verify safety before crossing; if a vehicle is passing illegally, keep students out of the danger zone/roadway; after the danger passes and it's safe, then proceed with the crossing; REPORT the violation (license plate, vehicle description) per district procedure — illegal passing is a serious traffic offense; WHY: Students struck by vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses is a known fatal accident pattern; the driver is the last line of defense — by controlling when students cross and verifying that traffic has truly stopped, the driver prevents children from stepping into the path of a passing vehicle; never assume traffic will stop just because the lights and stop arm are on — verify, and protect the students; this vigilance is a critical school bus safety responsibility.