What is the purpose of the "Danger Zone" around a school bus?

The "Danger Zone" around a school bus specifically refers to the area where children are at the highest risk of being harmed by vehicular traffic, particularly when they are boarding or alighting from the bus. This region extends several feet around the bus and includes areas directly in front, behind, and alongside the vehicle, where a child may be difficult to see. As children often run or move unpredictably in this zone, it is crucial for drivers to be especially vigilant and to respect school bus signals and laws designed to protect young passengers.

Understanding this concept helps reinforce the importance of safe driving behaviors in proximity to school buses, especially when they are stopped to load or unload students. This awareness is key for both drivers and the community to ensure children's safety, and it underscores the need for motorists to be cautious in these critical areas. The other options do not encapsulate the primary reason for the "Danger Zone," as they either mischaracterize its function or pertain to aspects not directly related to child safety.