What should you do if you approach a school bus with flashing red lights?

When you approach a school bus that has its red lights flashing, it is crucial to stop and wait until the lights stop flashing. This law is in place to protect children who may be entering or exiting the bus. The flashing red lights serve as a warning that children are present and that it is unsafe to proceed.

Stopping ensures that you give children the time and space needed to cross the street safely, as they may be in the vicinity of the bus when the lights are active. Following this protocol is not only a legal requirement in many regions, including the Maldives, but also a fundamental aspect of safe driving practices focused on child safety.

The other choices promote actions that could endanger children and violate traffic laws. Passing the bus while it's loading or unloading children creates a risk of an accident. Honking at the bus driver could confuse or distract them, and driving in the opposite lane without stopping does not guarantee safety for children who might be crossing the street. Thus, stopping is the appropriate and responsible action to take in this situation.