What must a school bus driver's emergency stopping system be capable of if the engine becomes inoperative?

The emergency stopping system of a school bus must be capable of immediately stopping the vehicle if the engine becomes inoperative. This requirement is critical for ensuring the safety of the children passengers and other road users. When a bus's engine stops, the ability to bring the vehicle to a halt without delay is necessary to prevent potential accidents that could occur due to loss of control.

In the event of engine failure, especially on busy roads or in populated areas, having a reliable system that can stop the bus immediately minimizes the risk of rolling into hazardous areas, such as intersections or toward obstacles. This capability is a key safety feature that ensures both the safety of the passengers on the bus and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians around the bus.

While options that suggest gradually reducing speed, sending alerts, or providing escape routes can contribute to overall safety, they do not meet the urgent need to stop the bus swiftly in a critical situation. Immediate stopping is the primary concern during engine failure to mitigate risks and protect everyone involved.