New School Year Nears In Livingston; Drivers Urged To Be Extra Careful

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The Livingston Police Department is reminding local drivers to be extra careful as a new school year approaches.

The return to class on Aug. 27 brings not only school buses, but pedestrians, bicycles and new drivers. And when school is in session, it will mean more potential hazards for drivers, officials say.

Speed limit reductions are posted in school zones, but it’s up to drivers to be alert when approaching any school bus. Here are some important things to keep in mind, Livingston police say:

• Focus - Pay close attention to the school bus and other traffic; follow traffic rules and be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Flashing Yellow Lights - When a school bus has yellow lights flashing, slow down and prepare to stop. This is true whether you’re behind the school bus or approaching from the opposite direction. Never speed up or pass a bus once the yellow lights are flashing.
• Flashing Red Lights - If you’re approaching a school bus that has flashing red lights – from either direction – you must stop at least 25 feet away from the bus.
• Extended Stop Arm - Stop; do not pass a bus in either direction on a roadway without a median when the Stop Arm is extended.
• Slow Down - Drivers approaching a school bus from the opposite direction on a roadway with a center or grass median – such as on Route 10 or Northfield Road – must slow down to 10 m.p.h., but are not required to stop.

In New Jersey, a driver convicted of improperly passing a school bus will receive 5 points and may have to pay a fine, may lose their license for 30 days, and may be sentenced to up to 15 days in jail or 15 days of community service.

“Even if you don’t see any students, never pass a stopped school bus or ignore the flashing red lights,” LPD Capt. Russell Mueller urged. “It’s against the law and doing so could result in tragedy.”

“We ask all our residents to exercise additional caution and be patient with school buses on the road and students crossing the street,” Mueller said.

“The beginning of the school year can be challenging for everyone as we adjust to the school traffic, but safety comes first,” the police captain added.

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