What should you do if steering controls feel loose or unresponsive while driving?

• A. Continue to the next stop.
• B. Ignore the issue and keep driving.
• C. Turn the wheel rapidly to shake it loose.
• D. Stop as soon as safely possible, notify maintenance, and do not continue driving until inspected.

Answer: (D)

When steering feels loose or unresponsive, the vehicle’s steering system may be failing, and safety should come first. A loss or delay in steering control can make it hard to stay on course, avoid obstacles, or stop in time, which can put you and passengers at serious risk. The correct action is to stop as soon as it’s safe to do so, find a safe place off the road, and notify maintenance or dispatch that the steering is compromised. Do not continue driving until it has been inspected.

Avoid trying to “shake” the problem loose or pushing the wheel hard in hopes it will fix itself, and don’t press on as if nothing is wrong. Driving on with loose or unresponsive steering can lead to a loss of control and further damage. In a pupil transport scenario, prioritize getting to a safe location, then arrange for service before resuming any driving.