What should drivers do if they encounter a stopped school bus with its lights flashing?

When approaching a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, drivers are required to stop and wait until the lights are turned off. This is crucial for the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing lights are a clear signal that children could be present and that drivers must take extra precautions to ensure their safety.

Stopping at this signal helps to prevent accidents and ensure that children can move safely to and from the bus. The law mandates this behavior to protect vulnerable pedestrians, especially in school zones where children are likely to be present. As such, waiting until the lights are off is essential; only then is it safe to proceed. This regulation underscores the importance of vigilance when it comes to school buses, emphasizing that the safety of students is the top priority.

Other options, such as passing the bus quickly or honking to alert the driver, do not provide a safe environment for children and could lead to serious accidents. Proceeding with caution could also result in danger if the vehicle does not stop, as the driver may misjudge the situation. Therefore, stopping is the only appropriate and legal action in this scenario.