South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

If you see flashing amber lights under a school warning sign, what action should you take?

1. Increase speed to pass quickly

2. Reduce speed until clear of the area

3. Stop immediately in place

4. Ignore the lights

The correct answer is: Reduce speed until clear of the area

When you see flashing amber lights under a school warning sign, it indicates that you are approaching a school zone where safety for pedestrians, particularly children, is a priority. The correct action is to reduce your speed until you are clear of the area. This reduction in speed gives you more time to react to any unexpected situations, such as children crossing the street or other vehicles making sudden stops. In a school zone, it's crucial to remain vigilant and prepared to stop, as children may not always be visible or may behave unpredictably. By slowing down, you help ensure the safety of students, parents, and school staff in the vicinity. It's essential to adhere to this guideline, as many schools have specific speed limits that are lower during school hours when these lights are activated. While other actions like increasing speed, stopping immediately, or ignoring the lights might seem appealing under different circumstances—each poses safety risks that could lead to accidents or harm to vulnerable pedestrians. Thus, reducing your speed is the safest and most responsible choice when encountering these signals.