Why is the left side of the bus considered more dangerous than the right side?

The left side of the bus is considered more dangerous primarily because of the increased risk posed by passing vehicles. When a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off children, the right side is often where children enter and exit, which is typically where the majority of pedestrian activity occurs. On the left side, however, there is a higher likelihood of vehicles overtaking the bus, particularly in urban or suburban environments where streets are not divided by a median.

Drivers may not always notice the bus or disregard the warnings such as flashing lights or extended stop signs, creating a dangerous situation for children who may be crossing or waiting to get on the bus. This makes it essential for bus drivers to be particularly vigilant about traffic on the left side to ensure the safety of passengers.

The other options—like increased numbers of pedestrians, bus stop proximity, and traffic signals—do contribute to general bus safety considerations but do not specifically address the unique hazards presented by passing vehicles on the left side, which is why that answer is the most relevant.