According to the law, when should the warning lights on a bus be activated?

The activation of the warning lights on a school bus is specifically intended to ensure the safety of children as they board or disembark from the bus. By activating the warning lights when approaching a stop to load or unload students, the driver alerts other motorists that children may be entering or exiting the bus. This is crucial because it helps to create a safe environment by prompting drivers to slow down and be vigilant in the area surrounding the bus.

Moreover, this practice is part of the legal requirements governing school bus operations and is intended to minimize the risk of accidents during these potentially hazardous moments. Using the warning lights signals drivers to stop their vehicles and provides a visual cue that indicates students are near the bus, thus enhancing their safety during these critical times.

In contrast, activating the lights when approaching a school zone or during nighttime does not carry the same direct safety implications related to student loading and unloading. These scenarios might have different rules or less direct relevance to the immediate safety of boarding students.