What is the appropriate action when encountering a stopped school bus with its lights flashing?

When you encounter a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop and wait until the lights stop flashing. This is a critical safety measure to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus.

The flashing lights indicate that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus, making it vital for drivers to halt their vehicles and exercise caution. The law requires vehicles to stop when the bus's stop sign is extended and its lights are activated. This procedure helps ensure that children can cross the road safely without the risk of being struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The other actions, such as passing the bus quickly, honking to alert children, or driving carefully around the bus, do not prioritize the safety of the children and can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, stopping until the lights turn off is the only correct action in this scenario.