Why is proper adjustment and use of all mirrors vital for safe school bus operation?

The importance of proper adjustment and use of all mirrors lies primarily in the need to observe the danger zones around the bus. These zones are critical areas where children may be present and where the driver might have limited visibility. Ensuring clear visibility of these areas helps prevent accidents, especially during boarding and unloading times when children are most vulnerable. The mirrors enable the driver to see not only around the bus but also to monitor the behavior of students as they interact with the bus, such as when they are getting on or off.

In this context, checking fuel levels, maintaining visibility of passengers, and ensuring proper lane positioning are essential aspects of bus operation but do not directly address the safety concerns related to the immediate surroundings of the bus, particularly in regard to the safety of children. Thus, while those elements contribute to overall operational safety, the primary reason for mirror adjustment focuses on awareness of the danger zones and preventing potential hazards during school bus operation.