What is the best way to handle driving through water in a school bus?

Gently applying the brakes when driving through water is the most appropriate action to take in order to maintain control and safety. This technique helps to prevent hydroplaning, a situation where the tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, which can lead to loss of control. By applying the brakes gently, a driver can reduce speed effectively while still maintaining some level of control over the bus.

This approach allows for better assessment of the water's depth and condition while preventing the bus from skidding or sliding. It’s important to manage the braking in this scenario rather than making abrupt movements, which can destabilize the vehicle.

In contrast, accelerating through water can lead to loss of traction and increases the risk of hydroplaning. Driving as fast as possible can also create dangerous situations, as the water can create significant resistance that might cause the driver to lose control. While keeping the wheels straight is an important technique in general driving practices, it does not directly address the best strategy for safely navigating through water. Opting to apply the brakes gently while maintaining control is the safest and most effective way to handle this hazardous driving condition.