Final answer:
You must prepare to stop when a school bus has flashing amber lights, as it indicates that the bus is stopping to load or unload children. It is part of traffic laws designed to ensure safety by controlling vehicle speeds and behavior at intersections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flashing amber lights, you must prepare to stop. These lights indicate that the bus is about to stop to load or unload children. Once the red lights start flashing and the stop arm extends, you must stop. This rule is mandatory to ensure the safety of children getting on and off the bus. It is similar to stopping at a red traffic light regardless of circumstances, although exceptions might apply in emergency situations, such as when you have a pregnant woman in the vehicle who is about to give birth. In general, traffic laws are implemented to slow down vehicles at intersections and prevent accidents, promoting safety for all road users.