What action should drivers take when picking up students at a stop?

When picking up students at a stop, activating the stop lights and waiting is essential for ensuring the safety of the students. This action serves as a clear signal to both the students and other vehicles that a school bus has stopped to pick up or drop off children. The use of stop lights helps to create a safe environment by alerting drivers approaching the bus that they must stop and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion.

This practice is part of industry regulations and safety protocols designed to minimize the risk of accidents during these critical moments when children may be crossing the street or are otherwise in close proximity to traffic. It's important for bus drivers to maintain this protocol strictly, as it assists in protecting young passengers who may not be fully aware of traffic dangers.

In contrast, keeping the bus moving slowly, allowing students to cross the street freely, or using the horn to alert students do not prioritize safety in the same manner. Each of these options could potentially place students at risk by failing to ensure that all drivers are aware of the bus’s presence and the need to stop.