Ridgefield students are returning to the classroom today for the start of a new academic year.  The Ridgefield Police Department is urging drivers, parents and children to prepare for back to school safety.  Motorists should be aware of increased “back to school” bus, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic, and to be alert for children who may be hurrying to and from school.  Under state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following the school bus. The yellow flashing lights are a warning to drivers that the bus will be stopping to pick up and/or drop-off students. Drivers should anticipate that the red flashing lights will come on shortly after as the bus comes to a stop. Fines for passing a standing school bus that has its flashing red lights activated starts at $470 for a first offense.