What should a bus operator do when encountering a school bus with its stop sign extended?

When a bus operator encounters a school bus with its stop sign extended, the appropriate action is to stop the bus and wait until the sign is retracted before proceeding. This is rooted in safety regulations designed to protect children boarding or disembarking from the bus. When a school bus has its stop sign extended, it indicates that children may be present and an immediate stop is necessary to prevent any accidents.

By waiting until the signal is fully retracted, the operator ensures that they are adhering to the law, which mandates stopping for school buses in this situation. This cautious approach is vital for creating a safe environment for children, who may suddenly cross the street or be in the vicinity of the bus.

Taking any other action, such as speeding up to pass the bus or driving cautiously without stopping, undermines this safety principle and puts children at risk, which is why these alternatives do not align with best practices for bus operation.