When driving a school bus in strong winds, decreasing speed and holding the wheel firmly is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle. High winds can cause the bus to become unstable, and reducing speed helps minimize the effects of wind gusts, which can push or sway the bus. By slowing down, you enhance your ability to react to sudden changes and maintain a safe trajectory on the road.
Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel allows for better control and helps to counteract any force exerted by the wind. It ensures that you can quickly make necessary adjustments to your steering, keeping the bus aligned in its lane and preventing accidents.
Other strategies, such as accelerating or shifting your weight, would not provide the stability and control required in such conditions and are not advisable. Relaxing your grip on the steering wheel could lead to oversteering or losing control of the bus, which is especially dangerous in high winds.