When approaching a school bus stop, how far in advance should you activate your overhead amber lights?

Activating your overhead amber lights at least 300 feet in advance of a school bus stop is crucial for ensuring the safety of children boarding or exiting the bus. This distance provides ample warning to other drivers to be alert and to prepare for the potential need to stop. By signaling early, you give motorists sufficient time to notice the bus and reduce their speed accordingly, which is essential in areas frequented by children who may unexpectedly step into the road.

In addition, the use of amber lights serves as a cautionary indicator that the bus is preparing to make a stop. It helps reinforce the importance of yielding to the bus, as it indicates that children may soon be crossing the road. Recognizing the correct distance for activating these lights is an important aspect of safe driving practices around school buses, aimed at preventing accidents and protecting the lives of young passengers.