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

When a driver encounters a school bus with its stop sign extended, the proper action is to stop and wait until the sign retracts. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be boarding or exiting the bus. The stop sign signifies that the bus is actively picking up or dropping off students, and it is illegal to pass the bus during this time in order to protect the children.

In Ohio, as in many other states, all vehicles must come to a complete stop when the school bus's red lights are flashing and its stop sign is extended. This law aims to create a safe environment for children who may be crossing the street. Drivers should remain stopped until the bus reactivates its lights and retracts the stop sign, confirming that it is safe to proceed.

Options that involve passing the bus quickly or continuing at a slow pace jeopardize the safety of children and violate traffic laws. Additionally, honking the horn may create confusion or panic for children in the vicinity, which is not a recommended action. Understanding and adhering to these rules is crucial for all drivers to ensure the safety of students around school buses.