What must all drivers do when approaching a stopped school bus that displays stop signals?

When a school bus has its stop signals extended, it indicates that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus, which poses a significant safety risk for them. The law requires that all drivers approaching the bus from the rear must stop their vehicles. This mandate is in place to ensure the safety of children as they move to and from the bus, as they may unexpectedly cross the road, and stopping provides the necessary time for them to do so safely.

Additionally, in many jurisdictions, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction are also required to stop when the bus displays its stop signals, unless a physical barrier such as a median separates the lanes. However, the key point is that all approaching drivers, regardless of their direction, must be aware of the bus's signals and act to stop as needed to protect the safety of the children. This rule emphasizes the importance of vigilance around school buses and the need to prioritize child safety in these scenarios.