What should a bus driver do before starting their route?

Before starting a bus route, it is crucial for the driver to check the bus for safety and mechanical issues. Conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection allows the driver to identify any potential hazards or malfunctions that could compromise the safety of the students and the operation of the vehicle. This inspection should include checking the brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, emergency equipment, and overall condition of the bus. Prioritizing safety ensures that all preventative measures are taken to avoid accidents and ensure a safe ride for everyone on board.

Loading students, adjusting the entertainment system, or reviewing personal matters are not appropriate tasks to prioritize before commencing a route. Loading students should occur only after the bus is confirmed to be in proper working order, while adjusting entertainment or focusing on personal matters distracts from the primary responsibility of ensuring a safe trip. Thus, the pre-trip safety check is essential and directly related to the driver's duty of care towards students.