GTPD Warns Drivers to Watch for School Kids

Students across the township returned to school Tuesday morning, marking the end of the long summer vacation for Gloucester Township Public Schools and Black Horse Pike Regional School District.

That means township roadways will experience an increase in pedestrian and school bus traffic.

The Gloucester Township Police Department wants to make sure those roadways are safe for students and you.

Motorists are reminded to be observant and avoid driving distractions such as tuning a radio, CD player or iPod, applying makeup or other personal grooming, reading, tending to children or pets, eating and drinking, programming a GPS, or using a cell phone while driving.

Motorists are also reminded to observe buses' flashing red lights.

State law dictates that motorists approaching a bus, or about to overtake one in a passing lane, must stop at least 25 feet behind the rear of a school bus that is picking up or dropping off children. It is not legal to continue driving until buses' flashing red lights are switched off.

Failing to observe the law will result in a five-point ticket if stopped by police.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Lt. Brian McKendry, of the police department's Traffic Services Bureau, at 856-374-5714.