What should school bus drivers check just before leaving a passenger stop?

Before leaving a passenger stop, school bus drivers must check the passenger mirrors to ensure that all students are safely on board and that there are no children in the vicinity of the bus. This is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing accidents as the bus prepares to move.

Checking the passenger mirrors allows the driver to have a clear view of the area around the bus, ensuring that all children are either seated or safely out of the way before the bus starts moving. This step is part of the safety protocol designed to protect the most vulnerable passengers—school children.

While monitoring engine temperature, fuel gauge, and door locks are also important tasks for overall vehicle safety and operation, these checks are typically routine pre-trip checks or related to ongoing vehicle performance. The critical focus just before leaving a stop is to ensure child safety.