What should a driver do when driving a school bus in high winds?

When driving a school bus in high winds, it’s essential for the driver to keep a strong grip on the steering wheel and anticipate gusts. High winds can cause significant and sudden shifts in the bus’s trajectory, especially since school buses are taller and more susceptible to side winds than regular vehicles. By maintaining a firm hold on the steering wheel, the driver can better respond to these gusts, making necessary adjustments to stay in control and ensuring the safety of the passengers.

Anticipating gusts involves being aware of how wind speed and direction can change while driving, especially in open or exposed areas. This proactive approach allows the driver to react swiftly to any disturbances, ultimately enhancing vehicle stability.

Driving at higher speeds would increase the risk of losing control, while reducing speed and steering with one hand would likely compromise maneuvers needed to effectively navigate the road in high-wind conditions. Pulling over may be a consideration in extreme cases, but maintaining control while continuing to drive safely is often the best immediate response when wind conditions are challenging.