When approaching a school bus with flashing lights from either direction, at what distance must you stop?

When approaching a school bus displaying flashing lights, the correct action is to stop at a distance of 5 metres from the bus. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of children boarding or disembarking from the bus. The 5-metre stopping distance provides enough space for pedestrians to move safely around the bus and allows drivers to react accordingly if children unexpectedly appear.

Maintaining this distance helps create a buffer zone, reducing the likelihood of accidents. It's also important to understand that in many jurisdictions, failing to stop for a school bus with flashing lights can lead to significant penalties, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these rules for the protection of children.