When must the doors of a school bus be closed?

The requirement for the doors of a school bus to be closed at all times when the bus is in motion is based on safety procedures designed to protect the passengers aboard the bus as well as those outside of it. Keeping the doors closed while the bus is moving minimizes the risk of passengers accidentally falling out and helps to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the bus while it is in transit. This measure is essential for ensuring the safety of the students who are transported and maintaining a controlled environment within the vehicle.

In contrast, keeping the doors open when the bus is loading or unloading passengers is a common practice to facilitate the entry and exit of students; however, the doors must be securely closed before the bus begins to move to mitigate any risks. Stopping at a red light does not change the necessity for safety protocols, nor does daytime operation alone dictate the need for the doors to be opened or closed. Therefore, it is crucial for school buses to adhere to the standard of keeping doors closed while in motion to enhance overall safety.