What should you do when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

When you approach a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights, the correct course of action is to stop your vehicle, regardless of the direction you are traveling. This is crucial for the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. The law requires all vehicles to halt when a school bus is stopped with its red lights activated, as this indicates that children are likely present in the vicinity, making them vulnerable to traffic.

Stopping ensures that you allow children the time and space to cross the street safely. This law is designed to protect young pedestrians, who may not always be aware of their surroundings or the potential dangers of traffic. Failing to stop can result in serious penalties, including fines and points on your driving record, due to the importance of this safety measure.

In some scenarios, such as when you're on the opposite side of a divided highway, you may be allowed to proceed with caution, but this guidance only applies to specific road configurations. Always remember that with a stopped school bus, the safest approach is to stop your vehicle completely to ensure the safety of all children.