What must you do when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing?

When approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing, stopping your vehicle is essential to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that the bus is actively letting students in or out, and it is a violation of traffic laws in South Carolina to pass the bus during this time. Stopping not only complies with legal requirements but also protects children who may be crossing the road or near the bus. This precaution is vital, as children can be unpredictable and may not be fully aware of traffic.

The other options may suggest actions that could jeopardize the safety of students. For instance, slowing down and passing with caution might not be safe, as it does not account for the potential presence of children in the area. Continuing at normal speed poses a significant risk as well, given that the situation requires an immediate halt. Honking the horn is also inappropriate; it could startle a child into moving unexpectedly, creating danger rather than enhancing safety. Thus, the requirement to stop is crucial for both adherence to the law and the protection of children in school zones.