When a school bus has its lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must:
Stop at least 10 feet away from the bus.
Pass if children have exited the bus.
Stop if the bus is on the opposite side of a barrier.
Drive slowly past the bus.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer:
Stop at least 10 feet away from the bus.
Explanation:
When a school bus has its flashing lights activated and its stop arm extended, it signifies that the bus is either loading or unloading passengers. This is a critical moment when children may be crossing the street, and it requires drivers to exercise extreme caution to ensure safety.
Legal Requirements:
Traffic laws in most jurisdictions mandate that drivers must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, regardless of the direction of travel. This applies to vehicles approaching the bus from either the front or rear, unless there is a physical barrier, such as a median or guardrail, separating opposing lanes of traffic.
Why 10 Feet?
The 10-foot distance provides a safe buffer zone where children can board or exit the bus safely and reduces the risk of drivers accidentally encroaching on the area where children may be present.
Exceptions to Stopping:
If there is a concrete divider, median, or similar physical barrier separating the lanes of traffic, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction are generally not required to stop. However, drivers should remain vigilant and drive cautiously in such situations, as children might still act unpredictably.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failing to stop for a school bus can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and points on your driving record. This is because violating the rule poses a significant risk to the safety of children.
Key Safety Considerations:
Children can behave unpredictably when exiting or boarding the bus, so drivers must wait until the bus retracts its stop arm and resumes motion before proceeding. By following this rule, drivers contribute to a safer environment for all road users, particularly young children who rely on school buses for transportation.