When loading students at a bus campus, what is a required safety measure?

Having the bus turned off with the key out of the ignition is a critical safety measure when loading students at a bus campus. This practice helps ensure that the vehicle cannot be mistakenly put into gear, reducing the risk of accidental movement while children are boarding or disembarking. It also prevents the potential for carbon monoxide buildup inside the bus, which can pose serious health risks to children and drivers alike. Furthermore, turning off the bus promotes a safer environment by allowing the driver to focus entirely on the loading process without distractions associated with operating a running engine.

While maintaining proper ventilation is important, it should not come at the risk of having the bus running. Keeping doors open is not a substitute for ensuring the bus is safely turned off. Checking the weather is good practice for general safety, but it doesn’t specifically address the immediate safety of loading students on the bus. Thus, turning the bus off enhances the safety of the children loading and reduces the risk of accidents during this critical time.