How far behind a school bus with flashing red lights must you stop?

When a school bus has its flashing red lights activated, it is indicating that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus. The requirement to stop at least 20 feet behind the bus is in place to provide a safe distance for children to cross the street or approach the bus without the added risk of vehicles moving around. Stopping at this distance ensures that the driver has adequate time to react to any unexpected actions from children and minimizes the chance of an accident.

This distance is defined in traffic laws to ensure that drivers take the necessary precautions when encountering a school bus, prioritizing the safety of children. It reinforces the importance of being attentive to school zones and the presence of school buses when driving in residential areas and near schools.