According to state standards, how far must pupils walk in front of a school bus to safely cross the road?

The correct answer indicates that pupils must walk at least 10 feet in front of a school bus to safely cross the road. This distance is crucial for several reasons.

First, it ensures that students are far enough ahead of the bus so that the bus driver can see them clearly. Large vehicles like school buses have significant blind spots, and stepping into the driver's line of sight reduces the risk of an accident. By walking at least 10 feet in front of the bus, students are in a safer position to gauge whether the bus has stopped and that it is safe for them to cross.

Additionally, this specific distance contributes to better visibility for both the driver and the student. School buses are designed with safety features, and part of that design includes guidelines for how far away students should be when crossing. This practice aims to instill safe habits in students, reinforcing the importance of being aware of their surroundings, especially while navigating traffic.

When considering the other distances provided, they do not meet the safety standards established for this situation. A distance less than 10 feet may not ensure adequate visibility from the driver’s perspective or provide enough room for the student to safely cross.