EAST BRUNSWICK — Nationally, over the past 32 years, 414 students have been killed while in the process of being picked up or dropped off by a school bus. This equates to almost 13 deaths each year over the past three decades.
Because of these statistics, the East Brunswick Police Department (EBPD) is reminding motorists that they must adhere to rules for a stopped school bus, especially when the lights are flashing red, even if students are not visible.
The EBPD offered an overview of the laws for passing stopped school buses, according to state statute 39:4-128.1:
- On any highway or road, regardless of how many lanes it has, that is not divided by some type of physical barrier or safety island, drivers must stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights whether you are traveling in the same or opposite direction as the bus.
- On any highway or road that is divided by a physical barrier or safety island, drivers must stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights if you are traveling on the same side of the highway or road as the stopped school bus.
- On any highway or road that is divided by a physical barrier or safety island, drivers approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in the opposite direction and opposite side of the highway or road must slow down, then may pass the bus at 10 mph or less and must remain at that speed until completely past the stopped school bus.
- Travel no faster than 10 mph by a stopped school bus that is picking up or letting off students directly at a school, day camp or any school-related activity, located on the same side of the highway where the school bus is stopped.
- Drivers must remain stopped until all students are safely on the bus or have exited onto the side of the roadway and until the bus’ flashing red lights have been turned off.
A violation of these laws results in a $100 fine and up to 15 days in jail, or up to 15 days community service for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, violators can receive a $250 fine or more and up to 15 days in jail, according to the statement. Five points are added to a driver’s record for each offense.
The EBPD will be actively monitoring violations of these laws, as they pose a significant threat to the safety of the public, according to the statement.