When should a school bus driver use the brake lights?

Using the brake lights any time a school bus driver is braking or slowing down is essential for ensuring the safety of all road users, especially children. The brake lights serve as a signal to other drivers that the bus is reducing speed, which allows them to react appropriately. This is particularly important in school zones or areas where children may suddenly enter the roadway.

When a bus driver applies the brakes, whether coming to a complete stop or simply reducing speed to navigate a turn, activating the brake lights alerts drivers behind them to maintain a safe distance. This precaution helps prevent rear-end collisions and enhances overall traffic safety.

In contrast, only using the brake lights in specific scenarios such as emergency situations or at stop signs does not provide adequate communication to other drivers, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, the practice of using brake lights consistently whenever braking or slowing down is crucial for effective road sharing and child safety.