What is the appropriate speed when you see flashing lights on the back of a bus?

The appropriate speed when you see flashing lights on the back of a bus is 40 km/h. Flashing lights are a signal that the bus is either picking up or dropping off passengers, which often includes children or other vulnerable road users who may be moving around the bus or crossing the road.

In such situations, reducing your speed to 40 km/h is essential for safety. It allows you enough time to react to any sudden movements from pedestrians and gives you the ability to stop safely if necessary. This speed limit is designed to provide a balance between maintaining traffic flow and ensuring that the safety of passengers is prioritized, especially in school zones or areas with high pedestrian activity.

The other speed options, although lower, may not be appropriate because they could lead to unnecessary delays in traffic and potentially cause confusion about the expected behavior of vehicles in this context. The designated speed of 40 km/h is recognized as the safest compromise in these scenarios, particularly in busy or child-populated areas.