Final answer:
Drivers in both directions must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children at an intersection, with the exception of roads divided by a median. This rule is enforced to ensure the safety of students and other pedestrians.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a school bus is stopped at an intersection to load and unload children, drivers traveling in both directions are generally required to stop. The only exception might be if the road is divided with a physical barrier or median; then only the drivers on the same side as the bus must stop. The purpose of this rule is to ensure pedestrian safety, particularly for students who may be crossing the road to get to or leave the bus. This is a critical aspect of safe driving near schools and in residential neighborhoods where school buses are likely to be present.
Moreover, it is important to obey traffic signals, like red lights, to ensure the safety of all pedestrians and drivers. In some cases, traffic signals also contribute to managing the speed of vehicles through intersections, further enhancing safety around areas where buses and pedestrians are present.