On a multi-lane road with a median barrier clearly dividing traffic, when a school bus stops with red lights flashing on the side of the road you're traveling in, you should:

• A. Stop and do not pass until the lights stop flashing and bus resumes motion
• B. Proceed if you are on the opposite side of the barrier
• C. Speed up to beat the bus
• D. Turn around and take another route

Answer: (A)

Red flashing lights on a school bus mean children may be crossing, so you must stop. If the bus is stopped on the side of the road you’re traveling in, come to a complete stop and stay stopped until the lights stop flashing and the bus resumes motion. Do not pass the bus while its red lights are active—the danger to children is real, and this is the legal requirement in order to give them time to load or unload safely.

Keep a safe distance behind the bus, typically at least 20 feet, and be prepared for children to cross in front of the bus. Once the bus moves again and the signal is off, you may proceed with caution.

The other options would create a risk or violate the rules: passing while the bus is stopped endangers kids; speeding up to beat the bus is unsafe and illegal; turning around or taking another route isn’t a practical or justified response when the bus is in your lane.