What should a driver do if a student drops an item while boarding or exiting the bus?

When a student drops an item while boarding or exiting the bus, it is crucial for the driver to prioritize the safety of the child. Stopping the bus allows the driver to maintain control and ensures that the child can safely retrieve the item without risking injury. This action helps prevent any potential hazards that could arise from the student attempting to retrieve the item while the bus is in motion.

Allowing the student to pick up their item teaches responsibility and emphasizes the importance of safety around the bus area. It reinforces the protocol that students should never cross the path of the bus without permission and always be cautious when boarding or exiting.

Other options may fail to ensure the student's safety. Simply leaving the item means the child may try to retrieve it unsafely, while waiting for another student to pick it up does not address the immediate situation and can create confusion. Picking it up for the student might also set a precedent where the student relies on others to retrieve their belongings, which could lead to unsafe practices in the future.