Over half a million Connecticut children head back to school over the week. Ridgefield Police urge all parents and guardians to discuss school, traffic, and personal safety with their children.
Police ask all drivers to be aware of “back to school” bus, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they travel on Ridgefield's roadways and to be alert to children who may be hurrying to and from school.
Under state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following the school bus.
The yellow flashing lights are a warning to drivers that the bus will be stopping to pick up and/or drop-off students. Drivers should anticipate that the red flashing lights will come on shortly after seeing the yellow flashing lights as the bus comes to a stop. The red flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is stopped and students are either getting on or off the bus.
Failure to obey this law not only puts our children at great risk, but it carries a hefty penalty for drivers.
Fines for passing a standing school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated starts at $470 for a first offense.
Let's help ensure the safety of all students as they travel back to school to begin the 2021-2022 school year.
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