When are school bus flashing yellow lights activated?

The activation of flashing yellow lights on a school bus serves a specific purpose related to safety. These lights are turned on to warn drivers that the bus is preparing to stop, giving them a visual indication to slow down and be cautious while approaching the bus. This is crucial since it indicates that children may be loading or unloading from the bus shortly thereafter.

The flashing yellow lights serve as a cautionary measure, alerting drivers that they should be prepared for the possibility of children crossing the road or boarding the bus. This phase is before the bus comes to a complete stop and activates its red flashing lights, which signal that children are safely loading or unloading. Therefore, the activation of the yellow lights when approaching a stop is fundamental in ensuring that surrounding traffic is aware of the impending stop and can take the necessary precautions to ensure safety.