With school beginning again, local residents and drivers are reminded to be alert in school zones, pay extra attention to pedestrians, and follow Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law.

Under this law, motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, overtaking a bus, meeting a bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists should not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. Motorists 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or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.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 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.

The penalties for violating the School Bus Stopping Law can be significant, including a 60-day driver's license suspension, five points on one's driving record, and a fine.

According to PennDOT, each year more than 700 drivers are convicted for passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

Motorists are also reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 15 mph in school zones, which are particularly busy in the morning and afternoon hours during student arrival and dismissal.

In addition, students can do their part to stay safe while walking or crossing roadways by unplugging from phones and electronic devices; using crosswalks and intersections with crossing guards; making eye contact with drivers; wearing visible clothing, especially in the early morning and evening hours; watching for turning vehicles; and traveling in groups.

For more safety tips, visit http://www.penndot.pa.gov.