Final answer:
Drivers must stop no less than 20 feet away from a school bus with flashing red lights, which allows for the safe movement of children around the bus. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure child safety, with the law imposing penalties for non-compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, it is crucial to stop at a safe distance to ensure the safety of disembarking children. The distance required to safely stop can vary depending on several factors such as the speed at which you're traveling, the road conditions, and your vehicle's braking capability. However, a general rule of thumb is that you should stop no less than 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away from the school bus. This distance allows enough space for children to enter and exit the bus safely. It is important to remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop sign arm is retracted. Violating this safety rule can lead to severe penalties, including fines and possible license suspension.
Understanding the necessity of stopping for school buses is a matter of both law and safety. Just as drivers are expected to stop at red traffic lights for general safety -- an expectation that responsible utility (RU) theorists might see as a guideline that could be overridden in extreme cases, like rushing a pregnant woman to the hospital at 4 am with no other cars around -- the law around school buses is similarly intended to prevent harm. However, when it comes to school buses, the stakes are particularly high due to the involvement of children, so the law is strict and clear about stopping regardless of the time of day or traffic conditions.