What should a driver do when encountering a school bus with flashing red stop warning lights?

When encountering a school bus with flashing red stop warning lights, the correct action is to reduce speed and come to a complete stop. This is crucial for the safety of children boarding or disembarking from the bus, as the area around school buses can be particularly hazardous during these times. The law requires all vehicles to stop when the lights are flashing, as this indicates that children may be crossing the road.

Stopping ensures that children have a safe environment to enter or exit the bus without the risk of being hit by passing vehicles. After the bus has turned off its flashing lights, and you have assured that the way is clear, you can then proceed with caution. Following this rule not only protects children but also helps drivers adhere to the legal requirements for road safety in Tennessee.