The Minnesota School Bus Operators Association published the following reminder in its September 2010 newsletter, The MSBOA Operator.

"All buses must load and unload in the right lane of the roadway, at pupil stops on bus routes approved by the authorized person. Loading or unloading in a designated turn lane or in a lane immediately adjacent to a designated  turn lane is prohibited unless the turn lane is a required to cross  the road. Under these circumstances, the bus must stop at the extreme right-hand side of the turn land and the eight-light system and stop arm should not be used. Loading and unloading pupils within an intersection is prohibited."

MSBOA also gave the following checklist to help make informed decisions regarding school bus stop placement:

1. Examine potential safety issues in the waiting/loading zone.
2. What is the student's access to the stop? Is there a sidewalk?
3. Is there adequate visibility at the stop location for passing motorists? There should be 500 feet visibility in either direction for other vehicles/
4. Is there adequate distance for the activation of the school bus eight-way warning lights and stop sign?
5. Is the need for backing up the school bus minimized or eliminated?
6. Is the route designed to avoid travel into areas terminating at cul-de-sacs or dead ends?
7. Is the need for multi-stops within developments and heavy traffic areas minimized?

Another important factor is parental education. MSBOA recommended that school bus operators communicate to parents of student riders why centralized stops are used instead of door-to-door service and, except in special circumstances, why school buses do not enter cul-de-sacs.

For more information on MSBOA is available online.