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, stopping and remaining stopped until the sign is retracted is crucial for ensuring the safety of children. The extended stop sign indicates that children may be getting on or off the bus, and they may be crossing the street. By stopping, you are providing a safe environment for these children who may not always be aware of their surroundings.

Additionally, it is important to understand that in many jurisdictions, including Georgia, there are legal requirements that mandate drivers to stop for school buses with their stop signs activated, with penalties for failing to do so. This rule is in place to protect the most vulnerable road users—children.

Choosing to slow down and prepare to stop is insufficient because it does not guarantee the safety of the children, nor does it comply with traffic laws related to school buses. Passing at high speed or honking at the bus driver also poses significant risks and does not contribute to a safe environment for students boarding or disembarking from the bus. Ultimately, stopping and waiting is the responsible and legally required action that prioritizes the safety of children.