Drivers are being reminded that school buses will be back out on area roads very soon.
Marion Center and River Valley school districts will start session on August 20th, with Penns Manor, Purchase Line and Homer-Center starting the next day, and United, Armstrong and Indiana school districts starting the following week. Parents are reminded that students should be at the bus stop five minutes early and be on the proper side of the road to catch the bus. When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and from the curb, and if you must cross in front of the bus, stay 10 feet in front of it to make sure the driver sees you.
Drivers are reminded that they must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus that has stopped with the stop arm out and the red lights are flashing. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Those following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. If there are physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
Violators could get points on their license, fines and may have their license suspended for sixty days.
