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

• A. Pass at a normal speed
• B. Stop, no matter which direction you are coming from
• C. Continue driving, just slow down
• D. Honk your horn

Answer: (B)

When you encounter a school bus with flashing lights, stopping is the appropriate action, regardless of the direction from which you are approaching. School buses use flashing lights and a stop sign to indicate that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus. The primary concern in these situations is the safety of the children, who may unexpectedly cross the street or road.

Stopping helps ensure that children can safely enter or exit the bus without the risk of oncoming traffic. This rule is strictly enforced to protect the lives of young students and is applicable in most jurisdictions. Failing to stop can lead to significant penalties and poses a severe risk to the children’s safety.

While other options may seem convenient—such as passing at normal speed, continuing to drive while slowing down, or honking your horn—none of these actions address the critical need for child safety and could result in tragic accidents.