How often should you check each mirror?

The correct approach for ensuring safety while operating a school bus is to check each mirror every time you operate the bus. Doing so allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings, which is crucial for safe driving. Regular mirror checks help you monitor blind spots, check for vehicles and pedestrians nearby, and ensure that students safely board and exit the bus. This consistent practice is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all passengers, particularly children who may not be visible in your direct line of sight.

Checking mirrors once a day would not provide the necessary ongoing awareness required while driving, as conditions can change frequently throughout the day. Checking every hour may lead to lapses in situational awareness, particularly when making stops or encountering pedestrians. Lastly, only checking the mirrors when changing lanes would be insufficient for overall safety, as many driving situations can arise that require vigilance beyond lane changes. Regularly checking mirrors is part of defensive driving and contributes to a proactive safety mindset while operating a school bus.