What should all vehicles do when encountering a school crossing patrol indicating that students are ready to cross?

When a school crossing patrol is indicating that students are ready to cross, all vehicles are required to be prepared to stop. This is essential for ensuring the safety of children who may be crossing the street. The presence of a crossing patrol is a clear signal that the area is busy with pedestrians, particularly young students, and their safety must be prioritized.

Being prepared to stop allows drivers to respond quickly should students enter the crosswalk. This approach not only helps in preventing accidents but also reinforces safe driving behaviors in school zones where children may unexpectedly appear. Awareness and caution are vital in these situations, ensuring that drivers contribute to a safer environment for pedestrians.

Other options, such as speeding up or signaling intent to proceed, do not prioritize the safety of the students crossing and could lead to dangerous situations. Turning off headlights would not be appropriate as visibility is crucial in these scenarios, particularly for children who may not be as visible to drivers.