What should the bus driver observe when pupils are unloading?

When pupils are unloading from a school bus, ensuring they cross safely is crucial for their protection. This involves carefully watching the children as they exit the bus and cross the street, paying attention to both their actions and any approaching vehicles. A bus driver must remain vigilant to ensure that the area around the bus is clear and that students are following safe crossing protocols, such as looking in both directions before stepping off the curb and crossing only when it is safe to do so.

Focusing solely on traffic or just on the passengers does not encompass the full scope of responsibility; the driver needs to simultaneously consider the behavior of the students and the conditions of surrounding traffic. Being attentive to whether students are quiet, while important for maintaining order, does not prioritize their safety as they are unloading and crossing. Thus, ensuring that students cross safely is the most vital aspect of the driver's responsibilities during this time.