Motorists approaching from behind when you are loading or unloading passengers with red signal lights flashing must stop at least how far behind your school bus?

When a school bus is loading or unloading passengers and its red signal lights are flashing, it is crucial for the safety of the children that motorists take the appropriate action. The requirement to stop at least 20 meters behind the school bus is in place to ensure a safe distance that maximizes visibility and minimizes the risk of accidents involving children who may be crossing the street or getting on or off the bus.

This distance allows for sufficient reaction time for both the driver of the approaching vehicle and any children who may suddenly appear in their path. Additionally, it gives enough space for other vehicles, including those that may be legally allowed to pass the bus under certain circumstances (like on a divided road), to do so without posing a danger to children.

Other distances mentioned, such as 5 m, 10 m, and 15 m, are inadequate for the safety measure designed to prevent accidents during these critical moments of passenger loading and unloading. The law is strict in this regard, and adhering to the 20-meter rule is essential for protecting the most vulnerable road users, children.