What is the appropriate action when encountering a school bus with flashing lights?

When encountering a school bus with flashing lights, the appropriate action is to stop and wait until the bus resumes normal operation. This is crucial for the safety of children who may be entering or exiting the bus. Flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is either picking up or dropping off students, and it is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions to stop in these situations, regardless of whether children are currently visible.

Stopping not only protects the children but also aligns with traffic laws designed to enhance their safety. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus turns off its flashing lights and begins moving again, ensuring that all children have safely crossed the road if necessary and that they are no longer in the vicinity of the bus.

The other options do not prioritize the safety of children. Proceeding with caution or moving to the opposite lane could misjudge the situation and put children at risk, as they can sometimes dash into the road unexpectedly. Additionally, determining to stop only if other vehicles are present doesn't account for the safety of the children and may lead to dangerous situations.