Final answer:
The bus's flashing red signals must remain active when students are boarding or alighting to ensure their safety. Traffic signals play a similar role in pedestrian safety at intersections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The front and rear alternating flashing red signals on a school bus should remain flashing when the bus is stopped to load or unload students. These flashing lights are a safety measure which indicates to drivers that they need to stop, maintaining a safe environment for students to enter or exit the bus. It is particularly vital in ensuring pedestrian safety, as it allows students and others to cross the intersection or street safely.
Installing a traffic signal at an intersection can also contribute to safety improvements by regulating vehicle speeds and providing controlled pedestrian crossing points. This is evidenced by situations when many vehicles speed through an area without regard to the posted speed limit, creating a risky environment for pedestrians. A well-placed traffic signal ensures that both pedestrians and vehicles can navigate intersections with reduced risk of incidents, as seen in the case of the intersection of Clay Street and Eagle Avenue.