Which of the following is true regarding the practice of chatting with riders while operating a bus?

The practice of chatting with riders while operating a bus is not allowed primarily for safety reasons. When a driver engages in conversation with passengers, it can lead to distractions that reduce their focus on the road. Bus drivers must maintain their attention on driving and monitoring the behavior of all passengers, especially in a school bus environment where the safety of children is paramount. Keeping communication to a minimum ensures the driver's ability to respond quickly to any unexpected situations that may arise on the road.

Engaging with passengers could also lead to delays in response time to hazards or disturbances that may occur. Consequently, the priority in operating a bus, particularly a school bus, is to ensure that all safety protocols are followed, which includes minimizing distractions from conversation during transit.