What should a bus driver do to ensure children's safety when approaching a bus stop?

To ensure children's safety when approaching a bus stop, a bus driver should slow down and watch for children. This action is crucial as it allows the driver to observe the surroundings carefully, particularly for children who may be crossing the street or playing near the bus stop. Slowing down gives the driver more time to react to any unexpected movements made by children, who may not always be aware of traffic or the need to stay at a safe distance from the roadway.

Maintaining a cautious speed is essential because children can act unpredictably. They might suddenly run to the bus or cross the street without warning as they are excited or distracted. This careful approach reduces the risk of accidents and contributes significantly to overall safety.

The other choices involve actions that could jeopardize safety: signaling with the horn might not effectively alert children about the bus, driving at full speed creates a high-risk situation, and ignoring the loading zone disregards the designated safety protocols for bus stops. Thus, slowing down and being vigilant is the best strategy to protect children in these scenarios.