Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test

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

1. Pass the bus slowly

2. Stop your vehicle and wait until the lights stop flashing

3. Honk your horn

4. Continue driving at normal speed

The correct answer is: Stop your vehicle and wait until the lights stop flashing

When you see a school bus with its lights flashing, stopping your vehicle and waiting until the lights stop flashing is essential for the safety of children. School buses are equipped with flashing red lights to indicate that they are either loading or unloading students. This is a critical warning for drivers to halt their vehicles to ensure that children can safely cross the street or enter/exit the bus without the risk of being hit by an oncoming vehicle. By stopping, you are adhering to traffic laws designed to protect school children. It reflects a responsibility to be vigilant and considerate as many children may be unpredictable when they are near roads. Once the lights stop flashing and the bus retracts its stop sign (if it has one), you are clear to proceed safely. Following this rule contributes to a safer driving environment and reduces the chances of accidents involving children around school buses.