Final answer:
The amber lights on a school bus are a warning sign that the bus is about to stop for students to enter or exit, which is critical for pedestrian safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amber lights on a school bus serve as a warning to other drivers and pedestrians that the bus is about to come to a halt to either pick up or drop off students. Much like headlights on your car, these lights are designed to be highly visible, ensuring that other road users are aware of the school bus's intentions, which directly ties into pedestrian safety. When the amber lights are activated, other vehicles should prepare to stop, as the red lights and the stop sign will soon follow, allowing students to safely enter or exit the bus. This precaution helps mitigate the risks similar to those at a busy intersection where students must dodge traffic to get across. A traffic signal at an intersection acts in a similar way, by providing clear signals for when it is safe for pedestrians to cross. Therefore, when you see the amber lights of a school bus flashing, it is an indication that you should slow down and be ready to stop.