Final answer:
You must typically stop 20 to 25 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights, though the exact distance can vary by jurisdiction. It's crucial to know your local traffic laws, and exemptions may exist in emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance at which you are required to stop from a school bus when it is dropping off or picking up children, and the red lights are flashing, is typically 20 to 25 feet.
This can vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to check your local traffic laws. If you're driving on a divided highway with a median, the requirement to stop for a school bus may only apply to traffic moving in the same direction as the bus.
In an emergency situation, such as having a pregnant woman in the vehicle who is about to give birth, some areas may have exemptions or defenses available if you proceed cautiously after stopping and inspecting the situation, but typically running a red light is illegal.
In most states, when a school bus is dropping off or picking up children and its red lights are flashing, you are required to stop your vehicle at least 10 to 20 feet away from the bus. The exact distance may vary by state, so it's important to check the specific laws in your area. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus.