Must you stop on a highway when a school bus has its lights flashing and signal arm extended?

When a school bus has its lights flashing and the signal arm is extended, it is indicating that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus. The safety of these children is the priority. Therefore, drivers must stop when approaching from either direction on a 2-lane highway, as this road configuration typically suggests a higher risk for children crossing the road in close proximity to the bus.

In the context of a 2-lane highway, the law requires all traffic to come to a complete stop regardless of the direction of approach to ensure the safety of the children. This means that vehicles traveling in both directions must be vigilant and compliant with this rule, reinforcing the essential principle of pedestrian safety.

On wider roadways, like a 4-lane highway, different laws may apply, and vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the bus may not be required to stop, as the lanes are typically separated, reducing the immediate risk to children. However, the scenario emphasizes the necessity for cautious driving and awareness of school zones and bus safety protocols for all drivers.