What should a motorist do if they see a school bus with its red lights flashing?

When a motorist sees a school bus with its red lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop and wait until the lights stop flashing. This law is in place to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus has stopped to allow children to safely enter or exit, and stopping is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.

By stopping, motorists help ensure the safety of children who are in the vicinity of the bus. Proceeding without stopping not only endangers children but can also result in significant legal penalties for the driver, including fines or points on their driving record. The law mandates that vehicles on both sides of the road halt when a bus extends its stop sign and activates its flashing lights, reflecting the importance placed on child safety in school zones.

As for the other options, continuing to drive at a reduced speed does not provide the necessary caution required in this situation. Passing the bus could endanger a child and is against the law when the bus is stopped with its lights flashing. Signaling the bus driver to proceed is not appropriate as it disregards the established rules regarding bus safety and could confuse the situation further.