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

When you encounter a school bus with its stop sign extended, the correct action is to stop until the sign retracts. This is essential for the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. School buses are equipped with stop signs and flashing lights to indicate that students are getting on or off, and it is a legal requirement in most areas to halt your vehicle in these situations.

Stopping is crucial because children can be unpredictable; they may suddenly cross the road or move close to the bus without warning. By stopping until the sign is no longer extended, you are ensuring their safety and reducing the risk of an accident.

Continuing to drive at normal speed disregards the safety measures in place for school children, and honking your horn would not only be ineffective but could startle children and worsen the situation. Passing the bus quickly is a dangerous maneuver that can create a high-risk environment for those around, notably the children who are often unaware of their surroundings.