Sabine Konrad, a driver instructor for Visalia Unified School District, demonstrates some key steps designed to boost safety when crossing students in the loading and unloading process used by the state.
PHOTOS: California Loading, Unloading Safety
When unloading, do not step off the bus before sticking out the hand-held stop sign and checking both directions alongside the bus for hazards.
When preparing to cross students, use the bus as protection to check for traffic that is ignoring the flashing red light system before stepping into the middle of the road.
The bus driver's body should face the children who are crossing the street while the stop sign is facing traffic. (Shown here with Konrad are Juliana Rodriguez (center) and Sheila Freedenburg, both routers for the district, who volunteered to play the part of the students in this demonstration.)
It's important to take a look under the bus to make sure there are no potential hazards or even children under the bus.
As soon as the last student passes the driver, they turn their body 180 degrees with the students to watch them walk toward the bus while the stop sign is facing traffic. With their body turned sideways, the driver can watch the traffic and students at the same time.