What action should you take if you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights?

If you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights, the appropriate action is to stop your vehicle, regardless of the direction from which you are approaching. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing red lights serve as a signal that the bus is making a stop for children, and stopping allows for safe passage.

The importance of stopping extends beyond just the immediate area; all vehicles approaching from any direction are required to halt to provide a safe environment for children. This is a critical safety measure designed to protect vulnerable pedestrians who may be crossing the street to reach the bus or their homes.

Continuing to drive past the bus, whether at a slow speed or from the opposite side of the road, disregards the potential dangers for children nearby. Similarly, honking the horn does not convey a necessary action and does not replace the legal requirement to stop. Thus, promptly stopping your vehicle is the correct and safest response in this situation.