What protocol should a school bus driver follow regarding student pickup and drop-off locations?

A school bus driver must adhere to predetermined routes and designated stops for student pickup and drop-off to ensure safety and consistency. These established routes are designed with the students' safety in mind, as they take into consideration factors such as traffic patterns, safety of the pickup/drop-off areas, and the distance from students' homes to the bus stops.

Following these predetermined routes helps maintain order and predictability for students and parents, providing a sense of security. It also helps the bus driver manage the schedule effectively and ensures that students are picked up and dropped off in a timely manner.

In contrast, choosing random locations can lead to dangerous situations, such as letting students off in unsafe areas or creating traffic hazards. Allowing students to request changes mid-route can disrupt the schedule, potentially causing delays and confusion. Lastly, only dropping off students at their homes does not align with school policies, as designated stops are typically established for accountability and safety reasons.