What should you do if you approach a school bus with its stop sign extended?

When approaching a school bus with its stop sign extended, the correct action is to stop your vehicle regardless of the direction of travel. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus. The extended stop sign indicates that children may be crossing the street, and stopping helps prevent accidents that could result in serious injury or fatality.

The law mandates that any vehicle must stop when a school bus has its stop sign activated and red lights flashing, regardless if you are driving in the same lane or in the opposite direction, provided that the road is not divided by a physical barrier. This highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious in school zones and around school buses to protect young students.

In scenarios where drivers may think it is safe to pass by the bus or only stop if they are directly behind it, these assumptions could endanger the lives of children. The rules are designed to minimize risks when children are present, promoting safety first and foremost.