Who has the final authority to determine if weather conditions make roads unsafe for travel?

The school bus driver has the final authority to determine if weather conditions make roads unsafe for travel because they are the ones directly responsible for the safety of the students on their bus. As the individual operating the vehicle, the driver is best positioned to assess the specific road conditions they encounter, including visibility, road surface conditions, and any immediate weather effects such as snow, ice, or heavy rain that could impact driving safety.

While other authorities, like the school principal or district transportation supervisor, may have roles in decision-making related to transportation policies or overall safety protocols, it is ultimately the driver's responsibility to make real-time judgments on the road. This includes evaluating their own skill and comfort level in challenging weather conditions and prioritizing the safety of the passengers over strict adherence to schedules. They are trained to react appropriately to various stressful situations and make decisions based solely on the current conditions in the immediate environment.