Marblehead Police Alert: School's Back So Slow It Down

MARBLEHEAD, MA — After school bus sightings became more sporadic than routine in Marblehead over the past 18 months of the coronavirus crisis, police are now reminding residents and drivers commuting through the town to keep an eye out for the buses and follow all laws pertaining to them as school resumes a more normal schedule this fall.

Wednesday was the first day of school in Marblehead.

"In addition to our valued school crossing guards, extra officers will be on hand during the commute," Marblehead police said. "Most officers will be stationed with or near the schools and the crossing guards to observe, assist and enforce if necessary."

During a six-month period from August 2018 to March 2019, 12 children were killed and another 47 were injured while getting on and off school buses nationwide. Bus stop-arms were extended at the time, which means motorists were required to come to a full stop.

There are some differences in laws from state to state. The law in Massachusetts requires stopping for a bus that has flashing lights and an extended stop sign, whether you are driving from behind or toward the bus. You can only resume driving when the lights stop flashing or the sign folds back in. The same rules apply to pupil transport vehicles, like vans, station wagons, or family sedans, that have flashing red lights and "SCHOOL BUS" signs on top.

"As with years past, you never know when an officer just might be riding the bus or trailing behind it in an unmarked unit watching for violators," Marblehead police said.

Failing to stop or illegally passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights can result in a $250 fine in Massachusetts, at minimum. A second offense by a fine of not less than $500.

That fine can go up to $2,000 and one can get a suspended license for up to a year for subsequent offenses (MGL 90-14).

Police also remind drivers that when a crossing guard steps into the roadway and raises the stop sign — whether with the assistance of traffic lights or not — all vehicles must stop until students are across the road and on the sidewalk.

Speed limits in school zones remain 20 mph, while the town-wide speed limit is 25 mph unless indicated otherwise.

"Patience is the name of the game with school traffic and commute times," police said. "Plan ahead, leave some extra time to get where you are going so there won't be as much stress or inclination to speed or run lights or stop signs."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)