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You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving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.
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