Which signal must be used when turning a school bus?

When turning a school bus, the correct signal to use is the turn signal. This is essential for communicating your intended direction to other road users, ensuring safety for both the school bus passengers and nearby vehicles. The use of turn signals is mandated by traffic laws and is an important practice for all drivers, especially those operating large vehicles like school buses that carry children.

Turn signals provide a clear, visible indication to other drivers and pedestrians of your intention to turn left or right. This helps to prevent accidents by allowing others to anticipate your movement and react accordingly. It is a crucial part of defensive driving, where maintaining awareness of the environment and signaling intentions plays a key role in promoting road safety.

While hand signals can be used by cyclists and in some situations by other motorists, they are not practical for larger vehicles like buses. Emergency lights are used in situations requiring immediate attention or caution but do not indicate a turn. Hazard lights signify that your vehicle is stationary or experiencing trouble and do not serve the same purpose as turn signals in indicating a change in direction.