Which of the following is an important safety procedure for school bus drivers?

Monitoring distractions within the bus is a crucial safety procedure for school bus drivers. Ensuring that the environment inside the bus is conducive to safe driving means actively managing behaviors of students that could divert attention away from the road. Distractions might include loud conversations, horseplay, or instances of students not wearing seatbelts. A bus driver's focus must remain on driving safely and being aware of the conditions around them, which can be hindered by distractions. Properly handling these situations can prevent accidents and ensure that all students are kept safe during transportation.

Other options describe actions that would compromise safety: disregarding traffic signals can lead to severe accidents; allowing late students to board at any stop increases risks as children may rush or dart into traffic; and speeding up when children are boarding not only endangers those getting on the bus but also puts the driver at risk of not being able to react appropriately. Thus, managing distractions within the bus is paramount to maintaining a safe atmosphere.