Even under the most favorable conditions, backing a school bus is an extremely dangerous maneuver. The bus can be difficult to control, and the driver's vision to the rear is seriously limited. When a driver thinks of BACKING, he or she should automatically think of DANGER. Backing has been and continues to be the cause of many needless accidents.
In order to ensure maximum safety when backing:
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Never back up without a monitor.
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Never back the school bus unless absolutely necessary.
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Turn on hazard lights.
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Place the assistant or some other responsible person at the inside rear of the bus to aid you in seeing what may be behind. (Some situations may require the assistant to be outside the bus.)
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Communicate verbally with the monitor before and as you back.
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Sound horn, back slowly, with no acceleration.
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Check the front, rear and sides while backing, using the side rear-view mirrors as necessary. Do not use the passenger mirrors to back.
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Pick up passengers before you back up the bus.