What is the recommended action if you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing?

When you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing, the appropriate and recommended action is to stop your vehicle. This signal indicates that children are either getting on or off the bus, and stopping is crucial for their safety. It protects children who may be crossing the street or walking in the vicinity of the bus.

The law requires drivers to come to a complete stop when the red lights are activated, regardless of the direction of travel, unless there is a physical barrier like a median separating the lanes. This ensures that all children are safe from moving traffic during this critical time.

Other actions such as passing the bus, honking the horn, or driving slowly around it could endanger the children or violate traffic laws. Consequently, stopping is not only a legal obligation but also a key practice in promoting road safety around school buses.