When are school bus drivers required to stop and secure the bus?

School bus drivers are required to stop and secure the bus when students are loading or unloading. This requirement is crucial for ensuring the safety of students as they enter or exit the bus. By stopping and securing the bus, drivers create a safer environment where children can get on and off without the risk of accidents or injuries from passing vehicles. This action typically involves turning on the bus's safety lights and ensuring that the road is clear before students can safely board or alight, helping to enhance safety during such critical moments.

While stopping at traffic lights is common for all vehicles, it does not specifically pertain to the unique safety needs of school buses and their passengers. The requirement to stop every half mile does not relate to safe loading or unloading of students, and stopping at every school zone is not a mandated action specifically confined to the process of loading or unloading students. Thus, the focus is appropriately placed on stopping and securing the bus during those moments when children are involved.