What must a driver do when meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

When a driver encounters a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights, it is crucial to stop before reaching the bus until the lights are turned off. This rule exists to ensure the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. Flashing red lights indicate that children are in a potentially dangerous area, and stopping allows them to exit or enter the bus safely without the risk of being struck by a vehicle.

Understanding this rule helps to reinforce the principle that the safety of young passengers is a top priority when it comes to school transportation. Other options, such as slowing down and proceeding or passing the bus quickly, do not prioritize safety and might endanger children who are close to the bus at that moment. Similarly, honking and proceeding with caution fails to acknowledge the legal obligation to stop and the potential hazards involved. Therefore, stopping until the lights are off is the proper and responsible action to take in this scenario.