What action should you take when you see a school bus with its lights flashing?

When you see a school bus with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop and wait until the lights stop flashing. This is mandated by law to ensure the safety of children boarding or exiting the bus. The flashing lights indicate that children may be crossing the street or are nearby, and stopping is crucial to prevent accidents.

By stopping, you allow children the opportunity to cross safely without the risk of oncoming traffic. This law is particularly strict in order to protect some of the most vulnerable road users—school children. In general, drivers must remain stopped until the bus deactivates the flashing lights and retracts its stop sign, if applicable.

Options that suggest slowing down or passing the bus quickly compromise safety and fail to comply with legal requirements designed to protect children. Honking your horn is not an appropriate response and could distract or startle children during a potentially dangerous situation. It’s important to adhere strictly to these rules for the safety of everyone on the road.