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Back to school safety reminders

It’s that time of year again!

Students are heading back to school, and with buses back on the road, State Police are reminding everyone to obey the school bus stopping laws.

Drivers are reminded to travel the 15 MPH speed limit through school zones when lights are flashing. Also, if the yellow or red lights are flashing on school buses and the stop arm is extended, drivers must stop. As for on the highway, while traveling the same direction as a bus, drivers must stop when the bus has its lights on, even if there is a lane to pass.

According to PennDOT, more than 1,000 drivers break the school bus stopping law every year, which can have deadly consequences.

Police will be out and about the start of the school session to make sure everyone is obeying the laws.

“We’re also going to be looking for people who are speeding in school zones, not wearing their seatbelts and looking for any children under the age of eight that are not in child safety seats,” Trooper David McGarvey warned. “So there are a lot of things troopers will be looking for as school gets back into session.”

If you are convicted of breaking the law, you could lose your license for 60 days, get five points on your record and get a $250 fine.