What action must be taken before a school bus driver can proceed after a disruption or an emergency?

Before a school bus driver can safely proceed after a disruption or emergency, checking for approaching vehicles is essential. This action ensures that the driver is aware of any potential hazards on the road, which is particularly important in situations where the bus may be temporarily stopped or where students are getting on or off.

Assessing the roadway conditions allows the driver to make informed decisions about when it is safe to continue driving, thereby protecting the safety of the students on the bus and others on the road. Awareness of traffic conditions is a critical responsibility of a school bus driver, as children's safety is paramount.

While ensuring students are seated is also important, this is not directly focused on the external environment, which poses immediate safety concerns when resuming travel. Alerting parents may be necessary in some situations but does not directly relate to the immediate action required for safe bus operation. Turning on the bus lights is a safety measure that signals the bus's presence to other drivers, but it alone does not address the need to ensure a safe path before moving.