Immediately after stopping the bus, what is the first step a driver should take?

When a school bus comes to a stop, the first action the driver should take is to activate the alternating flashing red lights. This is crucial for the safety of the students boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing red lights serve as a signal to other drivers that they must stop their vehicles and remain halted until the lights are turned off. This helps ensure that children can safely cross the street or approach the bus without the risk of being struck by other vehicles.

While checking for traffic and signaling students are also important steps in the process, they occur after the red lights are activated. Opening the bus door should only happen once these precautions are in place, as the bus driver must first ensure that it's safe for students to approach. Activating the lights establishes the necessary warning for other road users, thereby prioritizing student safety before any further actions are taken.