As the school year is underway, motorists are reminded to follow traffic laws that keep students and others safe.

Washington Police Chief Jim Lester says it is unlawful to pass a school bus from the rear on a two or three-lane road when they are flashing red or amber lights, “As you’re approaching the bus or the bus is approaching you and you see that the amber lights start to flash that’s a good time to start stopping. If you see the flashing red or amber lights you’re not permitted to pass the school bus. So prepare to stop, stop a distance enough back so that you can see around the bus and so that you can see around the bus and so that also you can see the kids cross in front of the bus.”

Drivers approaching a bus both from the rear and the front must stop when the bus is stopped and the stop arm is extended. Lester also reminds motorists to put your phone down when driving, follow the school pick-up and drop-off procedures to avoid congestion, and stop and yield to pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk.