What must a driver do when encountering a school bus with flashing red lights?

When a driver encounters a school bus with flashing red lights, the appropriate action is to stop until the lights stop flashing. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing red lights serve as a signal that it is not safe to proceed, and stopping is necessary to protect the lives of pedestrians, particularly students, who are present in the vicinity of the bus.

Stopping when the lights are flashing also complies with traffic laws aimed at reducing accidents and enhancing safety around school buses. It creates a safe environment for children who may be crossing the street or waiting to get on or off the bus. Only after the lights have stopped flashing and the bus has retracted its stop sign should drivers resume their journey.

Other actions, such as proceeding with caution or passing at a reduced speed, do not adequately address the potential dangers present when a bus is signaling for passengers' safety. Overtaking the bus on the left could lead to severe consequences, including accidents and injury to children. These practices are explicitly prohibited in order to prioritize safety around school zones.