How should a driver react to a child who attempts to dash across the street to board the bus?

When a child attempts to dash across the street to board the bus, the appropriate response is to sound the horn and prevent the child from crossing until it's safe. This action serves a dual purpose: it alerts the child to the potential danger of crossing the street in front of the bus and helps ensure their safety by giving them a visual and auditory warning.

Children often do not have a full understanding of traffic laws and the dangers associated with crossing streets. By sounding the horn, the driver can effectively communicate the need for the child to stop and assess the situation before crossing. It reflects a proactive approach to safeguard the child's wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when around a school bus, especially since children can be unpredictable.

In this scenario, simply ignoring the child's action or waiting for them to cross could lead to a perilous situation. Accelerating would pose a significant risk, increasing the possibility of striking the child and resulting in severe consequences. Thus, sounding the horn is the best way to maintain safety and ensure a responsible approach to handling such situations.