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State Police Remind Westport Residents About Back-To-School Safety

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- State Police urge drivers, parents and children to prepare for back-to-school safety as more than a half-million Connecticut children head back to school.

Passing a school bus with flashing red lights — even in a school parking lot — can result in a hefty fine.

Passing a school bus with flashing red lights — even in a school parking lot — can result in a hefty fine.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris

Connecticut State Troopers urge all parents and guardians to discuss school, traffic and personal safety with their children. The troopers also caution drivers to be aware of "back-to-school" bus, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 

Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they travel on Connecticut’s roadways and to be alert to children who may be hurrying to and from school.

Also,  all resident state troopers and troopers on patrol will monitor school bus stops to help ensure the safety of all students as they head back to school to begin the 2015 school year.

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 children at great risk, but it also carries a hefty penalty for drivers. Fines for passing a school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated starts at $465 for a first offense. 

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