When pupils are unloading and crossing to the left side, what rule should be applied?

The 10-foot rule is essential for ensuring the safety of pupils as they unload from a school bus and cross to the left side. This rule instructs bus drivers and pupils to maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet between the bus and the crossing area. This distance allows for proper visibility, enabling the driver to see the children clearly, while also ensuring that children can safely navigate away from the bus and be aware of their surroundings.

When pupils are boarding or unloading, maintaining this distance helps prevent accidents by ensuring that drivers can see children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway. In addition, it sets a safeguarding protocol that pupils should adhere to, reinforcing the habit of looking for traffic and waiting for the driver's signal before proceeding.

Understanding the specifics of this rule is crucial for school bus drivers to effectively monitor the safety of children during these critical moments. The other options (5-foot, 15-foot, and 20-foot rules) do not reflect the standard safety practices established for unloading and crossing behavior around a school bus, which is why they are not the suitable response in this scenario.