With school beginning again, drivers are reminded to drive safely, pay extra attention around schools and bus stops, 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or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.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 hundreds of drivers are convicted for passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. In addition, some school districts have equipped school buses with stop-arm cameras, designed to capture and record violations.

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.

During the school year, drivers are advised to allow extra time for their commute. They should not use a cell phone while driving, and they should pay extra attention when approaching a school bus or crosswalk.

Parents and families should talk with bus riders about safety while boarding, exiting, or waiting for the bus, including standing back from the roadway while waiting, never running after the school bus if it has already left, never crossing the street behind a bus, and walking at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing.

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.