What is the 'danger zone' around a school bus?

The danger zone is the area immediately around the school bus where students are at greatest risk of being struck, either by the bus itself or by passing traffic, and where the driver's direct vision is limited. It extends roughly 10 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on each side, and the area behind the bus, plus any space the driver cannot see directly and must view using the mirrors. Children are taught to stay out of the danger zone and to remain where the driver can see them. The driver must account for these blind areas before moving, because a child who drops something near the bus may be invisible from the driver's seat.