When a school bus stalls or breaks down on the highway, when should all passengers be evacuated?

The correct choice highlights the principle that the safety of passengers is paramount. When considering whether to evacuate a school bus that has stalled or broken down on the highway, the decision must be made based on whether the risk of remaining on the bus is greater than the risk associated with evacuating.

Evaluating the situation involves assessing potential dangers such as oncoming traffic, the location of the bus, road conditions, and the specific circumstances surrounding the breakdown. If the situation poses a greater risk to passengers while they remain on the bus—such as being hit by another vehicle or the bus being in a precarious position—then evacuation is warranted.

This emphasizes the need for bus drivers to remain vigilant and make quick decisions based on the dynamic nature of the surroundings. For instance, if the bus is positioned in a way that it obstructs traffic, causing vehicles to swerve or stop abruptly, it may create additional hazards. Therefore, the guideline encourages a thorough evaluation of risks before making the decision to evacuate, prioritizing passenger safety at all times.