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

• A. Pass it slowly
• B. Stop until the lights stop flashing
• C. Continue driving if there are no children present
• D. Honk to alert any children

Answer: (B)

When you encounter a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop until the lights stop flashing. This practice is in place to ensure the safety of children getting on and off the bus. The flashing lights are an indicator that children may be crossing the street or are in the vicinity of the bus, and stopping ensures that you do not put any child at risk. Illinois law mandates this stopping requirement to create a safe environment for students who may be unaware of oncoming traffic.

The other options do not prioritize the safety of children. Passing the bus slowly could still endanger a child who might unexpectedly cross the road. Continuing to drive if no children are present fails to acknowledge that even if children aren't currently visible, they may appear suddenly. Honking might scare children or cause confusion rather than alerting them to safety. Therefore, stopping until the lights stop flashing is the safest and legally required action.