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

When you encounter a school bus displaying its extended stop sign, it is critical to stop your vehicle regardless of which direction you are coming from. This law is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus.

Stopping for a school bus helps protect children who could unexpectedly enter the roadway. The reason for stopping in both directions is that children may cross the street in front of the bus or may not be visible to drivers in certain situations. Recognizing the seriousness of the stop sign ensures that drivers remain vigilant and allows children to move safely.

While slowing down and proceeding with caution might seem reasonable, it does not provide the level of safety required when the stop sign is engaged. Passing the bus quickly compromises the safety of any children who might be crossing. Lastly, only stopping if behind the bus does not consider the possibility of children crossing from the front or the sides, which can put them at serious risk of injury. Stopping in all directions reinforces the community’s commitment to child safety around school buses.