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

When you approach a school bus with its stop sign extended, the correct action is to stop until the sign is retracted and the bus begins moving. This is crucial for the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. The extended stop sign indicates that children are present and that vehicles must not proceed until it is safe to do so.

Stopping is not just a matter of safety; it is also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, designed to protect students crossing the road. In addition, driving past the bus at higher speed or attempting to slow down while continuing to drive could put children's lives at risk and could result in legal penalties such as fines or points on your driving record. Honking the horn is also inappropriate, as it could distract or startle children who are in the vicinity of the bus. Therefore, the safest and most responsible action is to come to a complete stop until the bus indicates that it is clear to proceed.