If a school bus is off the roadway ahead of you with its yellow hazard lights flashing, what should you do?

When a school bus is off the roadway with its yellow hazard lights flashing, the appropriate reaction is to slow down and prepare to stop. This is critical for ensuring the safety of students who may be boarding or exiting the bus. The flashing yellow lights indicate that the bus is either actively loading or unloading children, or that it is preparing to do so.

As the driver, reducing your speed gives you more time to react to any unexpected actions from students, who may not be as visible or predictable. Even though the bus is not directly in your lane of travel, drivers must remain vigilant in these situations, as children may approach the road unexpectedly. It is always better to err on the side of caution and prioritize safety when it comes to interactions with school buses.

Other responses, such as speeding up to pass or slamming on your brakes, pose unnecessary risks. Ignoring the bus is also dangerous, as it disregards the warning of potential pedestrian activity nearby.