What is the appropriate distance to stop behind a school bus when its lights are flashing?

When a school bus is flashing its lights, it is signaling that children are entering or exiting the vehicle. The appropriate distance to stop behind a school bus in such a situation is 20 feet. This distance provides a safe buffer zone to protect children who may not be fully visible to the driver and may unexpectedly cross the road. Stopping at this distance allows enough space for children to safely board or leave the bus while helping to prevent potential accidents.

While other distances may seem reasonable, they do not adhere to the safety guidelines established to ensure the wellbeing of children around school buses. The specific distance of 20 feet has been set to ensure maximum safety for those boarding or disembarking from the bus.