At what point should the driver's amber lights be activated to alert nearby traffic?

Activating the amber lights 200 feet before a designated stop is a critical safety measure to alert nearby traffic that the bus is preparing to make a stop. This early warning gives other drivers the time to slow down and prepare to either stop or pass the bus safely. The amber lights signal that the bus is about to stop for passengers, indicating to motorists that caution is necessary.

This practice is designed to enhance safety and minimize the risk of accidents involving students boarding or disembarking from the bus. Implementing this protocol effectively communicates the driver's intentions, helping to ensure that surrounding vehicles are aware and can react accordingly, thus contributing to a safer environment for children.

Other options, like activating the lights upon leaving the bus yard or at the bus stop only, do not provide the necessary advance warning to traffic and may compromise the safety of the students. Similarly, turning on the lights when entering a school zone lacks the specific distance indication that is essential for effective warning.