When is a school bus allowed to back up?

A school bus is allowed to back up when the movement can be done with reasonable safety. This means that the driver must ensure there is a clear and safe area for the bus to back up without posing a danger to students, pedestrians, or other vehicles in the vicinity. The responsibility lies with the driver to assess the environment and make sure it is safe to perform this maneuver, taking into account blind spots and potential hazards that may not be immediately visible.

This approach emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and caution during the backing-up process, which is critical in maintaining the safety of children and other road users. By confirming that the action can be performed safely, the driver upholds the important safety standards that govern school bus operation.