During a red light crossover stop, which students must the driver escort across the highway?

During a red light crossover stop, it is essential for school bus drivers to prioritize the safety of younger students, specifically pre-kindergarten and elementary students. These age groups may not yet fully understand traffic rules or have the cognitive ability to assess the safety of crossing the road without supervision. Thus, it is the bus driver's responsibility to escort these students across the highway to ensure they follow safe crossing procedures while being closely monitored.

The emphasis on escorting younger students aligns with safety protocols designed to protect children who are less likely to recognize potential dangers, such as oncoming vehicles. By actively guiding these students, the driver plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of accidents during a critical time when children are transitioning between the school bus and their destination.

Older students, such as middle school or high school students, generally possess a better understanding of traffic safety and may be equipped to cross the street on their own, although this does not eliminate the need for general safety supervision on the bus. However, it is specifically the younger, more vulnerable age groups that require direct support from the driver during a red light crossover stop.