When should you activate your flashing red lights or stop arm on a school bus?

Activating the flashing red lights and stop arm on a school bus at least 60 meters from an intersection is crucial for ensuring the safety of children boarding and disembarking the bus. This distance allows adequate time for approaching drivers to react and come to a safe stop, thus minimizing the risk of accidents. The flashing red lights serve as a warning to other road users that the bus is loading or unloading passengers, signaling them to maintain a safe distance.

In scenarios with high traffic, the visibility of the bus's warning signals can be reduced, making it important to activate them well before reaching the intersection. By following the 60-meter guideline, the bus driver's actions foster a safer environment for students, who may be crossing streets or walking in close proximity to the bus. Properly adhering to this distance helps prevent potential collisions and enhances the overall safety measures surrounding school transportation.