For Immediate Release

Monday, April 30, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Bedford Police Participating in Road Safety Event Tuesday

Operation Safe Stop Educates Public About Stopping for School Buses

BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski reports that the Bedford Police Department will be taking part in a public road safety campaign tomorrow to remind drivers about laws regarding illegally passing stopped school buses.

Operation Safe Stop is a public service project that will take place throughout the day Tuesday, May 1, in more than 20 New Hampshire communities.

Police presence will be increased on roads in Bedford and officers will be targeting drivers that violate the laws.

“Student safety and road safety are two of our biggest concerns as a department,” Chief Bryfonski said. “We ask anyone who sees a driver go past a bus with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended, to report it to us as soon as it is safe to do so. A  license plate number or description of the vehicle would also be helpful.”

The law states that drivers should slow down when they see the flashing yellow lights on school buses. This provides an opportunity for motorists to slow down and stop, or when too close to stop, the opportunity to continue past.

Drivers must stop no closer than 25 feet from the school bus whenever the red lights are flashing if:

• You are on a two-lane roadway (one lane in each direction)
• You are on a multiple lane roadway (three or more lanes), even if you are traveling in the opposite direction. (All lanes of traffic must stop going in both directions)
• You are in a school yard, with no dedicated loading area.

Motorists should always be watching for children who may be waiting for the bus or crossing the street.

Drivers who see another person drive through the school bus red lights and stop sign are asked to report the incident to police. Never attempt to stop, follow or engage the other driver.

Other communities participating in the event include: Atkinson, Bedford, Berlin, Brookfield, Concord, Chesterfield, Danville, Effingham, Keene, Manchester, Middleton, Milford, Nashua, New Durham, North Hampton, Ossipee, Plaistow, Sandown, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro.

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