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

When you see a school bus with its stop sign extended, the correct action is to stop your vehicle. This is a crucial safety measure that protects children getting on or off the bus. The stop sign indicates that children may be crossing the road, and stopping ensures their safety as they enter or exit the bus.

By stopping, you are complying with traffic laws that are designed to ensure the safety of students, as many accidents occur when drivers fail to heed the bus's warning signals. The expectation is that all vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended, regardless of the lane you are in. Once the bus retracts its stop sign and the lights cease flashing, it is safe to continue driving.

The other choices do not align with proper safety protocol. Passing the bus cautiously could endanger the children and is illegal in this situation. Slowing down without stopping does not provide the required safety for children. Continuing to drive normally poses a serious risk and can result in severe consequences if an accident occurs. Thus, stopping your vehicle when a school bus has its stop sign extended is not only the correct answer but also a fundamental rule for protecting young pedestrians.