What should a driver do when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

When approaching a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated, the driver is required to stop in both directions. This rule is implemented to protect the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing red lights serve as a clear indication that the bus is either picking up or dropping off students, and stopping ensures that children have a safe space to cross the road as needed.

In Nova Scotia, the law emphasizes the importance of caution around school buses to prevent accidents. If a driver fails to stop for a bus with its lights flashing, they not only risk serious consequences, such as fines or demerit points, but also endanger the lives of children. This requirement applies regardless of the lane of traffic the vehicle is traveling in, reinforcing the idea that all drivers must share the responsibility for ensuring the safety of children near school buses.