What must an operator do when encountering a stopped school bus with its visual signals activated?

When an operator encounters a stopped school bus with its visual signals activated, the law requires that they stop before reaching the bus. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. The visual signals, which include the red flashing lights and extended stop arm, indicate that the bus is actively loading or unloading students, and stopping is crucial to prevent accidents.

Failing to stop in this situation could have serious consequences, including legal penalties and the potential for injury to children, who might not be visible to the driver as they cross the road. This requirement is universally applied regardless of whether children are currently in sight, as the potential for unanticipated movement by children is a significant safety concern. In summary, stopping for a school bus with activated visual signals is a critical measure for ensuring the safety of students.