What action should a driver take if they encounter a school bus with flashing red lights?

When a driver encounters a school bus with flashing red lights, the correct action is to stop the vehicle and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing. This law is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus is loading or unloading passengers, and it is crucial for drivers to stop as a precaution.

Failing to stop could result in serious consequences, including endangering children’s lives and violating traffic laws. Traffic laws often require drivers to stop at a certain distance from the bus when the red lights are activated, typically at least 20 feet away, to allow children safe passage. This action not only protects the children but also reinforces societal norms around caring for the safety of vulnerable populations like school-aged children.

Considering the other options, they endorse unsafe practices that do not prioritize the safety of children. For instance, driving around the bus without stopping disregards the law and poses a significant risk to children. Honking the horn is not an appropriate response and does not contribute to safety. Finally, only stopping if children are crossing the street overlooks that children may be present in the vicinity of the bus, even if they are not currently crossing. Thus, stopping for