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

When you approach a school bus that has its red lights flashing, stopping your vehicle is the correct action to take. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus is either picking up or dropping off students, and it is illegal to pass a school bus in this situation.

In many states, including Wisconsin, traffic laws require that all vehicles come to a complete stop when they encounter a school bus with flashing red lights. This rule applies to vehicles traveling in both directions unless there is a physical barrier separating the lanes. Stopping allows children to cross the street safely, as they may not always be paying attention to vehicles around them.

Taking any other action, such as speeding up, honking your horn, or waiting without stopping, does not adhere to these safety regulations and can pose a significant risk to the children near the bus. By stopping, you are playing your part in keeping the roads safe for young pedestrians.