What should the driver do if a student drops something while crossing the road?

The correct approach is to ensure the safety of the student and to maintain control of the situation. When a student drops something while crossing the road, it is essential for the bus driver to prevent them from retracing their steps to retrieve the item until it's safe to do so. This involves keeping the bus stopped and signaling to the student that it's not safe to go back.

The driver is responsible for monitoring the scene and ensuring that all safety measures are in place before allowing the student to act. This prevents potential accidents, as the student might not be aware of oncoming traffic or other hazards if they attempt to retrieve the item without proper guidance.

Remaining stopped and signaling signals to the student that it’s safe and appropriate to retrieve their item only once the situation has been assessed ensures a responsible and cautious approach to handling crosswalk safety.