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

When you encounter a stopped school bus with its flashing lights activated, stopping at least 25 feet away is critical for ensuring the safety of children who may be boarding or deboarding the bus. The flashing lights signify that children are potentially crossing the road, and by stopping, you provide them with a safe environment to do so.

This law is designed to protect some of the most vulnerable road users—schoolchildren. Stopping at this distance gives children enough room to cross safely and allows bus drivers and monitors to watch for their safety.

Other options, such as passing the bus or continuing to drive, neglect the serious dangers presented in such situations. Honking your horn, while may seem like a way to alert children, does not contribute to their safety and could potentially startle them or cause confusion. Therefore, stopping appropriately as mandated is the most responsible and safest action to take when approaching a stopped school bus.