What does it mean if a school zone sign is flashing?

A flashing school zone sign indicates that there are likely children present in the area, signaling drivers to reduce their speed to ensure safety. The purpose of this sign is to alert drivers that they are in a zone where children may be crossing the street or waiting for school buses. It serves as an important reminder for drivers to stay vigilant and cautious, particularly during school hours when children are arriving or leaving school.

Understanding the implications of a flashing sign is crucial for maintaining safety in these zones. Each of the other options represents different scenarios but fails to directly connect to the primary objective of the flashing sign, which is to enhance the safety of children near schools by lowering vehicle speeds.