With many area students returning to school this week, local safety agencies have been sharing back-to-school safety tips for drivers, particularly when it comes to school buses.
Drivers are reminded to watch for children, and slow down in school zones. Be alert for children walking to and from school, and keep a careful watch on crosswalks, corners, and sidewalks.
If you see a school bus with the yellow lights flashing, that is an indication that the school bus is about to stop. Don’t try and race around or pass the school bus.
When you see a school bus stopped with its Stop Arm extended and red lights flashing, it means you MUST stop, no matter which direction you’re coming from. This applies on ALL roads, unless you’re on a highway divided by a physical barrier like a concrete wall or median.
Passing a stopped school bus with its Stop Arm out is not only dangerous, it is against the law. You could face fines, a suspended drivers license, or even jail time. Most importantly, it puts community kids at serious risk.
The police department noted that if you are caught disregarding a school bus stop arm, you will be ticketed.
