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 appropriate action is to stop regardless of the direction they are traveling. This is vital for the safety of children who may be entering or exiting the bus. The law typically requires all vehicles, whether approaching from the front or behind, to come to a complete stop when the bus's stop sign is extended, as this indicates that children are likely crossing the road.

Stopping ensures that children can safely board or disembark from the bus without the risk of being struck by passing vehicles. This regulation is in place to protect the most vulnerable road users—students—who may not be as visible or aware of their surroundings.

Options that suggest passing the bus at a slow speed, proceeding cautiously around it, or using the horn do not adequately ensure the safety of the children and often violate traffic laws designed to protect pedestrians. Therefore, stopping completely is the only correct and responsible action in this situation.