What does it mean if a school bus has its stop sign extended?

When a school bus has its stop sign extended, it indicates that children are either loading onto or unloading from the bus. This is a critical safety measure designed to protect children who may be crossing the street or approaching the bus. Drivers are legally required to stop their vehicles when the stop sign is extended to ensure that children can safely enter or exit the bus without the risk of being struck by a moving vehicle. Failing to comply with this requirement can lead to severe penalties and more, importantly, it poses a significant danger to the safety of the children involved. The context around this rule emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and cautious in the vicinity of school buses.