Practice question

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

  1. Slow down and pass carefully
  2. Stop your vehicle until the lights are turned off
  3. Continue driving as normal
  4. Honk your horn to alert the bus driver

Answer: B — Stop your vehicle until the lights are turned off

When you encounter a school bus displaying flashing lights, the correct action is to stop your vehicle until the lights are turned off. The flashing lights serve as a warning that children may be entering or exiting the bus, which is a time when they are especially vulnerable. Stopping ensures the safety of these children as well as complies with the traffic laws designed to protect them. In many jurisdictions, including the Maldives, failing to stop for a school bus when its lights are flashing can lead to serious penalties, as it poses a significant risk to children's safety. By stopping, you give children the necessary time to cross the road safely, either while boarding or after disembarking from the bus. Passing the bus while it is displaying flashing lights, as suggested by some of the other options, can endanger the lives of children and is typically illegal, emphasizing the importance of stopping in such situations.

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