What action must a school bus driver take when the bus is near its stop?

When a school bus driver is near a stop, activating the overhead amber lights is a critical safety measure. These amber lights serve as a warning to other drivers that the bus is preparing to stop, indicating that children may soon be getting on or off the bus. This action helps to alert surrounding traffic to slow down and prepare for the stop, enhancing the safety of the students.

The amber lights are a key part of the bus's safety signaling system. They transition to red once the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors open, at which point drivers must come to a full stop at a safe distance. This procedure is designed to protect children as they enter or exit the bus, reducing the risk of accidents.

Other options do not promote safety or proper protocol for stopping the bus. Accelerating to reach the stop quickly can jeopardize safety by not allowing enough time for nearby vehicles to react. Turning off all internal lights may create an unsafe environment for children as they are boarding or unboarding the bus in low visibility conditions. Making a U-turn at a stop is not a recommended practice, as it could create dangerous situations in the vicinity of the stop with moving vehicles. Activating the amber lights is the appropriate and necessary action to prioritize the safety of