As school is set to start today and tomorrow for many districts in the area, school buses will return to the area roads. That means drivers need to take extra caution as they make their way around the area this morning and afternoon.
It is state law that vehicles need to stop at least ten feet away from a school bus when the bus is letting children off the bus. Drivers will know that that is happening as the red lights on the bus will flash and the stop arm is extended. This applies to drivers behind the bus and those in the oncoming lane of traffic as well. If the road is divided by a grassy median, guide rails or concrete median barriers, drivers in the opposite lane of the bus can continue to travel through. Also, cars approaching an intersection where a bus has stopped to drop off children are also required to remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer activated. Failure to follow these rules results in a $250 fine, a sixty-day license suspension and five points on your driving record.
Parents and Caregivers are also reminded to talk with their children about waiting at the bus stop, including waiting a few steps away from the curb for the bus, never running after the bus after it has left the bus stop, and walking at least ten feet in front of the bus when walking in front of it.
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