What should you do if you approach a school bus with its lights flashing?

When you approach a school bus with its lights flashing, stopping your vehicle is the correct action to take. This is primarily because the flashing lights indicate that children are either boarding or exiting the bus, and they may be in close proximity to the roadway. Protecting the safety of these children is paramount, and stopping your vehicle helps ensure that they have a safe environment while they are near the bus.

The law mandates that vehicles must come to a complete stop when a school bus is displaying its extended stop sign and flashing lights. This applies to vehicles traveling in both directions on undivided roads. By stopping, you allow children the opportunity to cross the road safely or to enter or exit the bus without the risk of injury from oncoming traffic.

Understanding this safety protocol is important not only for complying with state laws but also for fostering a safe community environment around schools.