When should a school bus driver open the door if the red lights are activated?

When the red lights on a school bus are activated, it indicates that the bus is either picking up or dropping off children, and that all surrounding traffic must come to a stop. It is crucial for the safety of children boarding or alighting the bus that traffic is halted before the driver opens the door. By waiting until traffic has stopped, the driver ensures a safer environment for the children to enter or exit the bus without the risk of being struck by a vehicle. This procedure adheres to safety regulations and reinforces the importance of vigilance in school bus operations, particularly in busy or urban areas where distractions may occur.

Opening the door immediately upon activation without confirming that traffic has stopped could lead to dangerous situations for children in the vicinity of the bus. It is also vital for the school bus driver to observe their surroundings and assess whether it is safe before facilitating the children’s access to the bus.