With school in session, Newtown Township Police Department urges you to use caution when driving. If you are driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. Please note that the following are reminders and NOT suggestions.
Never pass a bus if it is stopped to load or unload children
If the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus – Pennsylvania law requires at least 10 feet
You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving • Do not move until all the children have reached a place of safety
Be alert and slow down; children can be unpredictable If convicted, violators of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law will receive a 60 day driver’s license suspension, five points on driving record, and a $250 fine.