State And Local Police Outline Back To School Bus, Safety Tips

NORTH-CENTRAL CT — As children throughout the region begin school this week, state and local police are offering several safety tips.

Here is a sampling:

• The driver of any vehicle shall stop immediately and not less than 10 feet in front of or behind a school bus that is displaying flashing red signal lights.
• Drivers shall not proceed until the flashing red lights are turned off.
• If a school bus is loading or discharging students at or near and intersection, drivers are prohibited from turning toward the school bus from the crossing roadway.
• Drivers need not stop for a school bus on the opposite side of the road is there is a physical barrier between the lanes.
• Passing a school bus is a $465 fine for the first offense.

• Stop for a crossing guard holdung a stop sign.
• Students should lok both ways before crossing any road, even in a marked crosswalk.

The busiest hours are between 6 and 9 a.m. and 2 and 5 p.m., state police said.