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

When a bus has its stop arm extended, it signifies that students are either loading or unloading. This is a critical safety measure intended to protect children as they board and exit the bus. The extended stop arm acts as a clear visual signal for other drivers to stop their vehicles, creating a safe environment for children. Statistically, many accidents occur when drivers fail to recognize this signal and continue to drive without yielding to the safety of the children.

The other scenarios, such as making a delivery, stopping for maintenance, or waiting for traffic to clear, do not apply in this context. None of these situations require an extended stop arm, which is specifically designed for school buses to ensure the safety of students during the loading and unloading process. Recognizing this signal is vital for all drivers to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of young passengers.