How should you approach a stopped school bus with its lights flashing?

When approaching a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, the appropriate and safe action is to stop and wait until the lights are turned off and any children present have safely crossed the street. This response is rooted in ensuring the safety of children, who may be getting on or off the bus.

Flashing lights are a signal that the bus is actively loading or unloading passengers, indicating that children may be nearby. By stopping, you allow these children the time and space they need to enter or exit the bus safely. This practice is not only a recommendation but a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, emphasizing the seriousness of the law regarding the safety of children around school buses.

Proceeding cautiously or attempting to pass the bus could endanger children who may not be visible to the driver or who are in the process of crossing the road. Avoiding any action that might cause unnecessary alarm or delays for other drivers is also important, but it should never come at the expense of child safety. Honking or rushing by the bus contradicts the established safety protocols and could lead to tragic accidents. Therefore, stopping and waiting is the most responsible and lawful action to take in this scenario.