Many school districts will start the new year this week, and for much of the area, that means buses will be back on the road.
Tomorrow is the start of the school year for Marion Center and River Valley, with Penns Manor, Purchase Line and Homer-Center starting the following day. United, Armstrong and Indiana will start classes next week. Drivers are reminded that when a school bus has stopped to drop off or pick up students, with the stop arm extended and the red lights flashing, that they must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus when they are behind or in front of it. They must also stop when approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Those travelling alongside the bus must also stop until the bus stop is completed. If there are physical barriers separating the two lanes, like a grassy median, guide rails, or concrete median barriers, oncoming traffic can continue without stopping.
Drivers could be penalized by having five points added to their driving record, fines and a 60-day license suspension if they are caught. State police will be dedicating a portion of their shifts to following buses as they pick up or drop off students, specifically looking for those violating the rules for meeting or overtaking a school bus. They will also do domestic checks of the public and private schools in the area, which may include walk-throughs by Troopers and sometimes eating lunch with students.
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