What should you do if you see a school bus with its red lights flashing?

When you see a school bus with its red lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway. This rule is in place to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus. The activation of the bus's red lights is a signal that the bus is either picking up or dropping off children, and vehicles must come to a complete stop to ensure their safety.

Stopping in this situation allows children to cross the road without the risk of oncoming traffic. Although the regulations may vary slightly based on the type of road, the standard practice is to stop when the red lights are flashing. Recognition of the divided highway rule is also important; if you are traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway, where there is a physical barrier separating the lanes, stopping is not required since it is safe for the children.

In contrast, passing the bus, continuing to drive unless children are visible crossing, or honking your horn can create dangerous situations and are not compliant with traffic laws designed to protect children. Understanding these rules is crucial for maintaining safety in school zones and when interacting with school buses.