How far back should you stop from a school bus that is loading or unloading children?

When you encounter a school bus that is loading or unloading children, it is essential to stop a safe distance away to ensure the safety of the children. The correct distance is 30 feet from the school bus. This distance allows for an adequate buffer zone, making it less likely that a driver will inadvertently endanger a child who may be crossing the street to board or after exiting the bus.

Maintaining this distance also gives the bus driver a clearer view of the road and the area around the bus, which can help in assessing traffic and ensuring that all children have crossed safely before departing. Drivers should always be vigilant in these situations, as children can be unpredictable near school buses.

In contrast, smaller distances such as 15, 25, or even larger distances like 50 feet are not appropriate because they may either not provide enough safety space or, in the case of 50 feet, could unnecessarily disrupt traffic patterns without additional benefits to safety. Hence, stopping 30 feet away balances the need for safety with practical driving habits.