Gloucester Township Drivers Be Vigilant: School's Back In Session

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Gloucester Township Police Department is urging drivers to exercise caution and parents to discuss some simple safety tips with children before the start of the new school year.

Police remind everyone not to pass school buses. Yellow flashing lights mean slow down — don’t speed up — because the bus is preparing to stop. There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children.

Red flashing lights mean stop — and wait at least 20 feet behind the bus — because children are getting on or off the school bus. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.

Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.

The punishment is $100 for a first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses, and up to 15 days in jail, plus five points on your license and large insurance increases.

Police also shared the below video concerning school bus safety tips:

Camden County College is also back in session. Drivers are urged to use caution when driving in the area of the college and expect minor delays on Peter Cheeseman Road and College Drive.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office also provided the following tips:

• Motorists: Be aware of an increased number of school buses on the road and remember to NEVER pass a bus when its stop sign is extended. Be mindful of increased pedestrian traffic around schools, obey all speed limits, and exercise increased caution during school hours.
• Pedestrians: Crosswalk safety is a SHARED responsibility! Whether you are a student or a parent, remember to keep your eyes on the road and always look twice before crossing.
• Parents: Student drop off and pick up can cause traffic congestion! Drop your child off on the school side of the street next to the curb. If that is not possible, park your vehicle legally (never double park) and safely accompany your child to school by using designated crosswalks.