The Pennsylvania State Police would like to remind motorists to slow down and to use extra caution with the start of the new school year.
Motorists will observe students walking to and from school as well as to and from bus stops. School buses will also be picking up and dropping off children.
“Please adjust your driving schedule appropriately during the morning or afternoon commute,” state police said. The following is a list of safety reminders for students and motorists.
Students
- Never walk close to the front or sides of the bus. The bus driver may not be able to see you.
- When crossing the street to get on the bus, always look left, then right and left again.
- If you drop something near or under the bus, do not retrieve it until you have informed the bus driver. Otherwise, he or she may not see you.
- Wait until the bus stops, the doors open and the bus driver says it’s OK to board before stepping onto the bus.
Motorists
- Yellow flashing lights on a school bus indicate it’s preparing to stop and pick up or drop off students. Motorist need to slow down and prepare to stop.
- Red flashing lights and a stop signal arm indicate that the school bus has stopped and that students are getting on or off. You must stop your vehicle at least 10 feet before approaching the bus. You are not permitted to proceed until the red flashing signal lights aren’t any longer activated.
- Motorists can be fined $250 for improperly meeting or overtaking a school bus. Additionally, a conviction will result in a 60-day driver’s license suspension and assessment of five points on the driver’s record.
- Police obey all posted speed limits, especially in school zones where penalties for speeding are enhanced.
“Police drive carefully, buckle up and together we can making the 2017-18 school year safe for all students,” state police said.