When approaching a school bus that is picking up or dropping off students, what should other drivers do?

When approaching a school bus that is picking up or dropping off students, drivers must always come to a complete stop unless they are on the opposite side of a divided roadway with a barrier. This law is in place to ensure the safety of children as they enter or exit the bus. School buses are equipped with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, which indicates that all traffic must stop in both directions unless it is a divided highway.

Stopping completely allows drivers to observe any children who may be entering or exiting the bus and potentially crossing the street. Children can be unpredictable and are often focused on getting to or from school rather than oncoming traffic. By following the regulation to stop completely, drivers significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that children have time to safely board or depart from the bus.

In contrast, the other options fail to adhere to safety laws designed to protect children. Speeding past the bus creates a dangerous environment for children who may not be visible to the driver. Slowing down but continuing to drive, or maintaining a normal speed, also does not provide the necessary safety measures that stopping affords and can lead to tragic accidents. Therefore, coming to a complete stop is crucial for the safety of all students getting on or off the bus.