True or False: A school bus driver may allow friends or family to ride along on their route.

Answer: B — False

The statement is false because school bus drivers are not permitted to allow non-students, such as friends or family members, to ride along on their routes. This regulation is in place primarily for safety and liability reasons. Allowing unauthorized passengers can create distractions and potentially compromise the safety of the students being transported. Additionally, school buses are designed to carry a specific number of passengers, and accommodating extra individuals could exceed this capacity, leading to unsafe conditions. While there might be specific situations where extra seating is available, or in emergency scenarios, these do not justify the general practice of allowing friends or family members on the bus. The rules are clear that only those individuals authorized to ride the bus—typically students enrolled in the relevant school or program—should be on board. This policy not only ensures that the bus remains focused on its primary purpose of transporting students but also helps maintain a secure and regulated environment.