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

When a school bus has its flashing red lights activated, it is a signal for all traffic to stop, ensuring the safety of children getting on and off the bus. The correct distance to stop from a school bus with flashing red lights is 20 feet. This distance provides ample space for children to cross the roadway safely while ensuring that drivers have a clear line of sight and enough time to respond if necessary.

Stopping at this distance allows you to comply with traffic laws designed to protect the most vulnerable road users, reinforcing the importance of being aware of surroundings and the presence of pedestrians. Being too close not only violates these laws but could also lead to accidents involving children. Maintaining the proper distance serves to keep everyone safe, which is the primary goal of school bus safety regulations.