Police Offering School Bus Safety Tips for Motorists

With Vernon schools starting Aug. 29 and 30, the Vernon Police Department has issued its annual set of bus safety guidelines for motorists:

• The public is urged to use caution when traveling in Vernon while students and bus drivers adjust to their routes and bus stops.

• It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with the red/amber lights flashing on a public highway, private road, parking area and school property. That includes stopping on a four-lane road such as Talcottville Road - Route 83 - even if traveling in the opposite direction as the bus.

• Drivers are prohibited from turning at an intersection in the direction of a school bus that is receiving or discharging passengers. Drivers must stop no nearer than 10 feet from the front or 10 feet from the rear of the bus in response to the flashing red/amber lights. 

The fine for violating state CT Statute 14-279 - passing a standing school bus - is $465, Vernon police said. Second and subsequent violations result in a misdemeanor summons to court, police said.

Residents can call Sgt. Kerry Reynolds at 860-872-9126 with any school bus-related questions.