Who is responsible for ensuring passengers are safely seated before driving off?

The school bus driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers are safely seated before the bus begins to move. This responsibility is critical for maintaining the safety of the passengers, as bus drivers must adhere to safety protocols and guidelines designed to protect everyone on board. Ensuring that all passengers are seated properly helps prevent injuries that could occur during sudden stops or turns.

While other individuals, such as the school principal or transportation supervisor, may have roles in overseeing safety processes or policies, the direct responsibility for passenger safety inside the bus during operations falls squarely on the driver. Other passengers are not in a position to enforce seating arrangements; they can assist each other, but it is ultimately the driver's duty to ensure compliance before the bus is in motion.