District News

"Back to School" driving reminders

It is that time of the year for our kids to be heading back to school.

This summer has passed by quickly and since June, we have become used to having less traffic on the road; having plenty of daylight to drive to and from work because the sun raised early and set later; and, being able to make better travel time getting to and from work.

Now, as responsible drivers, we have to be more aware.  We must pay better attention because children will be waiting on the side of the roads for a school bus to pick them up.

In addition, during this time of the year, we get a lot of morning fog.  A child walking to a bus stop may be hard to see.

If you are approaching a school bus and the yellow lights are flashing, be prepared to stop.  The bus driver is indicating that he is approaching a bus stop and is about to pick-up or drop-off students.

When the bus’s red flashing lights are activated, YOU MUST STOP.  This includes school buses that are on the opposite side of a divided highway; on a multiple lane roadway; in parking lots and ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

The Bus Loops are closed to all motor vehicle traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

You failure to stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing will result in a ticket being issued.

“It is the policy of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office to require any person charged with “Passing a Stopped School Bus” to either plead guilty, as charged, or go to trial.” said Montgomery County District Attorney James “Jed” Conboy.  He went on to warn, “Motorists are reminded that the charge carries a minimum $250.00 fine and 5 points on their driver’s record.”

“Do not be surprised to see a Trooper following school buses and watching to see if someone passes a stopped school bus.  The school district and State Police take these complaints very seriously and a Trooper will promptly follow up on them.” said Trooper Wittner.

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