How should you safely pass a parked school bus loading or unloading children?

• A. Pass slowly on the right side.
• B. Pass quickly to minimize delay.
• C. Stop entirely and wait.
• D. Do not pass; slow down and be prepared to stop; watch for children crossing behind the bus.

Answer: (D)

When a school bus is loading or unloading, children may step into the roadway from behind or around the bus and visibility is limited. The safest approach is to not pass the bus at all—slow down, be prepared to stop, and watch for children crossing behind the bus. Red lights and a stop arm indicate you must stop, and you should remain stopped until the signals are off and it’s safe to proceed. This minimizes the risk of a child darting into traffic. Rushing past or trying to beat the bus to save time is dangerous, while the correct action focuses on staying alert, slowing down, and waiting for a clear, safe moment to proceed.