How should you respond if you see a school bus with its lights flashing?

When you see a school bus with its lights flashing, stopping until the lights stop flashing is the correct response. This signals that the bus is either picking up or dropping off children, which creates a potentially dangerous situation as children may be crossing the street or getting on and off the bus. Stopping allows for the safe passage of these children, ensuring they are protected while they are in the vicinity of the bus.

In most states, including Maine, laws are in place that require motorists to stop for a school bus when its red lights are activated. Failing to stop could lead to severe penalties, as well as putting children's lives at risk. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the bus's signals and to adhere to traffic laws designed to protect young pedestrians.