The summer has flown by and the start of the school year is just around the corner. Many local schools will be welcoming students back to the classroom next week and drivers should be aware of students walking and biking to school and as well as the increase in school bus traffic on local roads.
Law enforcement officers remind drivers that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, except on highways divided by a barrier. If the highway is divided by a barrier, motorists are only required to stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or biking to school. When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, be alert for young people who may not be thinking about getting to school safely.
Slow down and watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks, be mindful of children playing and gathering near bus stops. Stay alert, as children arriving late for the bus may suddenly dart into the street without checking for traffic. Yellow flashing lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop. Motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing and the extended stop arm is withdrawn before they can start driving again.
