What should a driver do when encountering a school bus with its stop arm extended?

When a driver encounters a school bus with its stop arm extended, the law requires them to stop and wait until the bus has turned off its stop signal. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. The stop arm serves as a clear signal that children are crossing the roadway, and drivers must halt their vehicles to provide a safe environment for these students.

Failing to stop when the stop arm is extended can result in significant penalties, including fines, points on the driver's license, and a heightened risk of accidents involving children. This rule applies regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching the bus. Compliance with this law is crucial for protecting the most vulnerable road users - schoolchildren.

Drivers should always wait patiently until the stop arm is retracted and the bus has resumed its normal operation before safely proceeding, thus reinforcing the responsibility every driver has to ensure the safety of others on the road.