What must responding apparatus do upon encountering a school bus loading or unloading?

When a responding apparatus encounters a school bus that is loading or unloading, stopping is essential to ensure the safety of children entering or exiting the bus. School buses are equipped with flashing red lights to indicate when children are present and to alert drivers that they must stop. This law is in place to protect the safety of young passengers who may not be fully aware of their surroundings.

When a bus is loading or unloading, children could suddenly step into the roadway, and stopping provides the necessary time for both the operator of the responding apparatus and the children to react appropriately. It also reinforces the importance of adherence to traffic laws designed specifically to protect schoolchildren during these critical moments. This action not only aligns with legal requirements but also reflects a commitment to safety and awareness in emergency response situations.