What must you do when a school bus has its lights flashing and arm extended?

When a school bus has its lights flashing and its arm extended, it signifies that children are either getting on or off the bus, and drivers must take this situation seriously to ensure their safety. Stopping at least 10 feet away from the bus is the correct action because it creates a safe distance between your vehicle and the children who may be entering or exiting the bus. This is a critical preventive measure as children are often unpredictable, and having more space allows for better visibility and reaction time should a child suddenly appear.

Maintaining this distance also adheres to traffic laws pertaining to school buses, which are designed to protect students. Disregarding this requirement could not only endanger children but also result in legal penalties, as failing to stop for a school bus when its signals are activated is against the law in most states, including North Dakota. Other actions, such as continuing to drive at the same speed or passing the bus, would completely undermine the safety protocols in place for school transportation.