Final answer:
Drivers must stop for a school bus with red flashing lights at a distance that varies by state, commonly at least 20 feet, to ensure the safety of children.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a school bus has its red flashing lights activated, it indicates that the bus is picking up or dropping off students and that traffic in both directions must stop. The specific distance required to stop from a school bus with red flashing lights varies from state to state. However, a common distance required is to stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. This safety measure ensures that children can enter and exit the bus safely. It is crucial for drivers to adhere to this law to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of school children. To avoid any penalties and, most importantly, to ensure the safety of children, always come to a complete stop the required distance away when you see a school bus with red flashing lights and stop sign extended.
In emergency situations, traffic rules can sometimes be bent when the utility gained is significant, such as in the case of rushing a pregnant woman to the hospital at 4 AM. However, under normal circumstances, traffic laws must be followed to ensure public safety, including stopping for school buses.