What is the protocol if you encounter a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing?

When you encounter a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing, the correct protocol is to stop your vehicle and wait until the lights stop flashing. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who are boarding or disembarking from the bus.

The flashing red lights indicate that children may be crossing the street, and it is crucial for drivers to come to a complete stop to provide a safe environment for them. Failing to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing lights can lead to serious accidents and is also against the law, often resulting in significant fines and penalties.

Other options, such as passing the bus at high speed, honking your horn, or proceeding with caution without stopping, do not comply with traffic laws designed to protect children. Each of these actions poses a risk to the safety of children and other pedestrians, making stopping the only appropriate action in this situation.