What action should be taken when approaching a bus that has its stop sign extended?

When you encounter a bus with its stop sign extended, the appropriate action is to stop your vehicle and wait until the sign is retracted. This reflects the law designed to protect the safety of children and other passengers who may be entering or exiting the bus. The extended stop sign indicates that it is not safe to proceed, as children may be crossing the road.

By stopping, you ensure that you are allowing passengers sufficient time to get on or off the bus safely. It also provides an opportunity for any children who may be in the vicinity to reach a safe location. Failing to stop when required can lead to serious accidents and potential legal repercussions, as failing to comply with the stop sign is considered a traffic violation.

The other options are not safe or legal actions. Increasing speed would create a dangerous situation, and honking does not address the need for safety. Driving cautiously around the bus also poses risks, as visibility might be limited, and children could unexpectedly dart out into the road. Thus, the best and safest action is to come to a complete stop until it is safe to continue driving.