During loading and unloading, how should a bus driver check their mirrors?

When loading and unloading passengers, particularly children, it is crucial for a bus driver to check their mirrors continuously. This practice helps the driver maintain full awareness of the surrounding area, ensuring safety for the children who may be crossing or near the bus. Continuous mirror checks allow the driver to notice any potential hazards or movements that could jeopardize the safety of passengers or other road users.

While occasionally checking mirrors might seem sufficient, it does not provide the level of vigilance required during the dynamic situation of loading and unloading. Similarly, relying on requests to check the mirrors, or only checking them at the start of the route, does not ensure ongoing awareness of the bus’s surroundings. Children may behave unpredictably, moving close to the bus without warning, making continuous monitoring essential for the safety of everyone involved.