Local school districts, law enforcement and state leaders urge drivers to pay extra attention to protecting local children as school buses return to the roads with area schools opening in the the coming days.
Under Pennsylvania law, motorists must stop at least 10 feet away whenever a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended. This rule applies whether drivers follow behind the bus, are traveling alongside it, approaching from the opposite direction, or coming up to an intersection. Vehicles should remain stopped until the buses’ red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Do not proceed until all children have reached safety.
If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guiderails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in opposing lanes may proceed without stopping, according to PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services.
PennDOT explains what happens legally to drivers who ignore stopped buses: Failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension. Violators will also be assessed a $35 surcharge to be deposited into the School Bus Safety Grant Program Account. State law also permits school entities to install and operate a side stop signal arm enforcement system. These civil violations include a $300 fine, but do not result in points or impact your insurance rating.
Parents are reminded to ensure their children are at the bus stop early to avoid rushing. Students should stay where the bus driver can see them while boarding or exiting the bus.
For more information and tips on school bus safety, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website.
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