What should you do when you see a school bus with flashing lights?

When you encounter a school bus with flashing lights, the appropriate action is to stop and wait until the lights stop flashing. This is critical for the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. School buses are equipped with these flashing lights to signal to drivers that they need to come to a complete stop, regardless of the direction from which they are approaching.

The purpose of this law is to protect children, as they can be unpredictable and may cross the road unexpectedly. Stopping ensures that you give them the time and space needed to cross safely, reducing the risk of accidents. It's also important to note that in many jurisdictions, failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing can result in significant fines and penalties.

Passing the bus at a normal speed, honking your horn, or only stopping if children are visible do not provide the necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment for those children getting on or off the bus. These actions could potentially lead to dangerous situations and violate traffic laws meant to safeguard schoolchildren.