What is the recommended action when encountering a school bus with its stop arm extended?

When you encounter a school bus with its stop arm extended, the recommended action is to stop regardless of the direction you are coming from. This is crucial for the safety of children boarding or disembarking the bus. The extended stop arm signals that children may be crossing the street, and stopping ensures that you are not putting them at risk.

The law mandates that vehicles in both directions must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its stop arm out, unless there is a physical barrier like a highway median separating the lanes. This is to protect children who may be unexpectedly crossing the road. By stopping, you allow a safe environment for them to enter or leave the bus and greatly reduce the risk of accidents.