When is the best time for a bus driver to check for students after unloading?

The best time for a bus driver to check for students after unloading is before leaving the stop. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the children who have just exited the bus. Checking at this time allows the driver to visually confirm that all students have safely removed themselves from the immediate area around the bus and are not in harm's way, especially since young children may be less aware of their surroundings.

Conducting this check before driving away is an important part of a bus driver's responsibility to ensure that no students are left behind or are at risk of being accidentally hit by the bus as it departs. This practice is part of broader safety protocols designed to protect children during bus operations and is supported by regulations that emphasize vigilance during the unloading process.

While checking after placing the bus in park seems like a logical moment, it is essential that this check is done before any movement begins to ensure immediate safety.