When approaching a school bus with warning lights activated while responding to an emergency, what should be your protocol?

Stopping at the bus until the lights turn off is the appropriate protocol when approaching a school bus with warning lights activated. This procedure is designed to ensure the safety of children who may be boarding or disembarking from the bus. The flashing lights indicate that children are present, and they could be in a vulnerable situation.

By stopping, emergency responders are adhering to traffic laws and prioritizing the safety of the children, as well as reinforcing the importance of respecting the designated stopping signs and warning signals utilized by school buses. This action minimizes the risk of accidents and helps create a safer environment around school buses during active loading and unloading times.

The other options do not address the critical safety concern of potential pedestrian hazards and could lead to dangerous situations. For instance, proceeding around the bus could endanger children, and signaling the driver or using a loudspeaker could distract from the priority of ensuring that all students are safely inside or away from the bus.