After unloading students, what should the driver do before pulling away from the stop?

Before moving away from a stop, the driver must be certain no student is in the danger zone. This means counting the students who unloaded, making sure any who had to cross the road have completed the crossing and reached safety, and scanning all the mirrors and the area around the bus for any child who may have dropped something or lingered. Only when the driver is sure every student is clear and accounted for should the bus move. Many fatal school bus incidents involve a child near the bus who was not seen, which is why this deliberate count-and-check step is required every time.