If you miss a student while on route, what is the best procedure to follow?

The recommended procedure when a school bus driver misses a student while on their route is to call dispatch and return to the student's home. This ensures the safety and well-being of the student, as they may be left in an unsafe situation if the bus driver continues on the route without addressing the missed stop. By contacting dispatch, the driver ensures that protocol is followed and that the situation is handled appropriately, which may involve coordination with school authorities or the student’s parents.

Returning to the student's home is essential not just for the child's safety, but also to maintain the school's responsibility for its students while they are under the bus driver's care. This practice upholds the significant duty of care that school bus drivers have in ensuring that students are transported safely to and from school.

Other options, such as ignoring the missed stop, waiting for the next stop, or contacting the parents directly, do not prioritize the immediate action needed in such situations and could lead to confusion about the child's whereabouts, increased anxiety for the parents, or a potential safety risk for the student.