What should you do when you see school zone flashing lights ahead?

• A. Accelerate to clear the area quickly.
• B. Ignore the lights if you are running late.
• C. Slow down to the posted speed limit and proceed with caution.
• D. Stop immediately, regardless of distance.

Answer: (C)

Flashing lights in a school zone signal that children may be nearby and a reduced speed zone is in effect. The safest action is to slow down to the posted school-zone speed limit and proceed with extra caution, watching for kids stepping into the roadway and obeying crossing guards or school signals. This helps you respond to children who might appear suddenly and keeps traffic moving safely around a school area. Accelerating to get through quickly increases the risk of a collision, ignoring the lights is unsafe and often illegal, and stopping immediately for no distance is not required unless a crossing signal or guard directs you to stop.