What should a driver be aware of when encountering a school bus with flashing lights?

When encountering a school bus with flashing lights, drivers should recognize that traffic must stop in both directions. This rule is in place to protect children getting on or off the bus, as they may be in the roadway and not easily visible to drivers. The law mandates that vehicles must stop when the bus's red lights are flashing, and the stop sign arm is extended. This presents a critical safety measure to ensure that children safely cross the street or board the bus without the risk of being struck by passing vehicles.

It’s important for all drivers, regardless of their lane position relative to the bus, to stop, which reinforces a unified approach to safeguarding students. This law applies in both urban and rural areas, making it applicable to any situation where a bus is present with its lights activated. Understanding this law is vital for keeping children safe and maintaining proper traffic etiquette.