What should you do when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing?

When approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing, the proper action is to stop your vehicle regardless of the direction you are coming from. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus, as it signals that they are either boarding or disembarking. When the bus's red lights are activated, it is an indication that it is loading or unloading passengers, and stopping allows for a safe environment for children who may be unpredictable as they cross the street.

This rule applies not only to traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus but also to vehicles coming from the opposite direction on undivided roadways. This means that every driver is expected to halt their vehicle and remain stopped until the bus turns off its flashing red lights and retracts its stop sign. It's vital to observe this protocol to prevent accidents and protect the wellbeing of young passengers.

In situations where other choices suggest actions like slowing down or continuing to drive, these would conflict with the regulations designed to prioritize pedestrian safety, particularly around school zones. Thus, stopping is not just a rule but a crucial action that contributes to the overall safety of children in the vicinity of school buses.