What must a driver do when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights?

When a driver approaches a school bus displaying flashing red lights, the correct action is to stop and wait until the lights are no longer flashing. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children getting on and off the bus, as they may unexpectedly enter or exit the roadway. Ignoring this signal can lead to serious accidents and is considered a violation of traffic laws.

Stopping is crucial because it provides a safe environment for children, allowing them to cross the street safely without the threat of oncoming traffic. The flashing red lights serve as a warning to drivers that they need to halt their vehicles, regardless of the direction from which they are coming, and this rule applies whether the bus is on the same side of the road or across multiple lanes of traffic. Thus, waiting until the lights stop flashing is essential for ensuring the safety of children as well as compliance with legal regulations regarding school bus safety.