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

When you see a school bus with its stop sign extended, you must stop your vehicle regardless of the direction you are traveling. This rule is in place to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus. The extended stop sign indicates that the bus is loading or unloading students, and stopping is critical to ensure their safety.

Even if you are traveling in the opposite direction and the bus is on the other side of the road, stopping is required in many states. This ensures that children, who may not be fully aware of their surroundings, can cross the street safely. The law reflects a zero-tolerance policy for the safety of children around school buses, emphasizing that drivers must exercise caution and patience in these situations.

This responsibility applies regardless of whether children are visibly present because they might be hidden from view or may suddenly appear while moving to or from the bus. Following this rule is necessary not only for the safety of the children but also to comply with traffic laws and to avoid potential legal penalties.