What is an appropriate action to take when approaching a school bus with flashing lights?

When approaching a school bus with flashing lights, the appropriate action is to stop immediately. This rule is in place to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus. When the lights are flashing, it indicates that the bus is either loading or unloading passengers, and it is crucial to ensure the safety of these children.

Stopping allows you to observe the area for any children who might be crossing the street or nearby. Children are often unpredictable and may not always follow traffic rules, so by stopping, you provide a safe environment for them to safely enter or exit the bus. This practice is not just a legal requirement but a critical aspect of road safety in school zones.

Other actions, such as checking for oncoming vehicles or attempting to proceed without stopping, are not appropriate because they could endanger children who are in the vicinity of the bus. Flashing headlights to get attention is not advisable and does not comply with the traffic laws concerning school buses. Stopping is the only safe and correct response to ensure that everyone is protected.