When does a school bus driver's responsibility for pupil safety begin?

The responsibility of a school bus driver for pupil safety begins at the point when the driver can see a pupil as the bus approaches. This is crucial because a significant part of a school bus driver's duties involves ensuring the safety of children as they move towards and away from the bus.

When a driver can visually identify a pupil, they become responsible for monitoring the child's actions and ensuring that they are safe as they board or exit the bus, particularly in high-traffic areas or where children may unpredictably move about. This heightened awareness allows the driver to take precautionary actions, such as slowing down, stopping, or even signaling to other drivers to ensure the immediate safety of the pupils.

The other options outline different moments in the bus journey but do not capture the proactive safety responsibility that begins as soon as the driver has visual contact with the children. By marking this moment as the trigger for responsibility, it emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive safety measures as a part of a school bus driver's role.