As students head back to school, Northampton Township joins TMA Bucks and its Community Traffic Safety Program in reminding motorists to remain alert and follow Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.

Drivers approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended must stop at least 10 feet from the bus. This generally applies to traffic approaching from all directions. The exception applies when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway clearly separated by a physical divider, such as a concrete barrier or grass median.

Motorists are also reminded to:

• Stay alert for children walking to and from bus stops.
• Use extra caution when approaching school buses and bus stops.
• Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks.
• Slow down and obey posted speed limits in school zones.
• Never attempt to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended.

Violating Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law can result in significant fines, points on a driver's record, and a driver's license suspension.

Please help keep our students safe as they return to school.

For additional information about Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law, penalties, and school transportation safety, visit the TMA Bucks School Bus Safety webpage.