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

When you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights, stopping and waiting until the lights stop flashing is the appropriate response. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus is either loading or unloading children, and it is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students who may be crossing the street. By stopping, you help prevent accidents and injuries that could occur if a child were to suddenly enter the roadway while you were passing the bus.

In California, the law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing, regardless of the direction from which you are approaching the bus. It is also important to be aware that the stop is required even if there are no children visible at the moment. This safety rule aims to establish a protective zone for children getting on or off the bus, as they may unexpectedly enter the street from in front of or behind the vehicle.

The other options suggest actions that ignore the safety protocol established for school buses, which can lead to serious consequences and endanger the lives of children. It is crucial for drivers to recognize the significance of the flashing red lights and to comply with stopping to ensure a safe environment around school buses.