What should you do if you encounter a stopped school bus with its lights flashing?

When you encounter a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, the correct action is to stop until the lights stop flashing. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. When a school bus is stopped and its lights are activated, it signals to drivers that they must come to a complete stop, regardless of the direction from which they are approaching the bus. This provides a safe environment for children to cross the street, as they may not be fully aware of vehicle movements or traffic rules.

Stopping until the lights cease flashing is crucial because the flashing lights indicate that there are children in the vicinity. Following this rule helps prevent accidents and ensures that children can safely enter or exit the bus. Driving past slowly or changing lanes could expose children to potential danger, and honking your horn is not appropriate in this circumstance, as it does not assist in ensuring their safety and may even startle them.