What should a driver do when encountering a school bus with flashing red lights?

When a driver encounters a school bus with flashing red lights, the appropriate action is to stop the vehicle until the lights are turned off. This rule is in place to protect the safety of children getting on or off the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus is either loading or unloading students, and stopping ensures that children can cross the road safely without the risk of being hit by a vehicle.

Stopping is mandatory not just legally but also morally, as it demonstrates the driver’s commitment to ensuring the safety of vulnerable pedestrians. When the red lights are activated, all traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop, with specific rules that may vary by state regarding how far away from the bus vehicles must stop. This action helps to prevent accidents and keep children safe as they move to and from their school bus.