If a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on a two-lane road, what must you do?

• A. Stop in both directions until the lights stop, unless a median or barrier separates traffic
• B. Continue through with caution
• C. Stop only in your direction
• D. Speed past to clear the bus

Answer: (A)

Red flashing lights on a school bus mean children may be crossing or loading, so you must stop to protect them. On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions is required to stop until the bus turns off its red lights and the area is clear. You should stay back at a safe distance, usually about 20 feet, and only proceed when the lights stop flashing and the bus resumes movement. The exception is if there’s a median or physical barrier separating the directions of traffic; in that case, traffic on the opposite side does not have to stop, but you still must stop for the bus on your side.