What should a driver do if they encounter a school bus that has its red lights flashing?

When a driver encounters a school bus with its red lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop at least 25 feet away. This is a crucial safety measure designed to protect children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus is actively loading or unloading passengers, and stopping ensures that children can do so safely without the risk of being struck by a moving vehicle.

Remaining at least 25 feet away allows enough space for children to cross the road safely if needed and provides time for the driver to react if unexpected situations arise. This law is in place to reinforce the message that school zones are areas where extra caution is required to protect the safety of young pedestrians.

In contrast, passing the bus at high speed can jeopardize children's safety and is a violation of traffic laws. Continuing to drive normally ignores the warning signals and places children in danger. Honking the horn could frighten children and doesn't address the necessity of stopping for their safety. Therefore, stopping appropriately is the best course of action.