What should a driver avoid when following another vehicle in a school bus?

A driver should avoid driving too closely when following another vehicle in a school bus for several important reasons. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial, especially since school buses often stop frequently to pick up or drop off students. By keeping a proper distance, the driver allows for adequate reaction time should the vehicle in front suddenly stop or slow down. This reaction time is especially vital in a school environment, where unexpected situations can arise, such as children crossing the street.

Following too closely can significantly increase the risk of rear-end collisions, which could have severe consequences not only for the bus driver and passengers but also for pedestrians and other vehicles in the vicinity. In a school setting, ensuring the safety of young passengers is of utmost importance, making it essential to prioritize a safe driving practice that includes maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

The other options do involve unsafe practices as well but do not specifically pertain to the dynamics of following distances in the context of a school bus. Ignoring traffic signals could lead to severe legal repercussions and endanger everyone on the road, using high beams can blind other drivers, and changing lanes frequently can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents, but the immediate concern of following too closely is particularly critical in terms of maintaining safety