EDITORIAL: Motorists: Heed school bus laws
School buses are rolling again, making their morning and afternoon rounds through our communities’ neighborhoods.
We remind motorists to keep an eye out for children waiting at bus stops, walking along roads and crossing streets – and be ever mindful of the state’s school bus laws.
“Most people aren’t getting behind the wheel thinking they’re going to put a child in danger, but ignoring a school bus’ flashing red lights or stop arm can have serious consequences,” Emily Stambaugh, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Safety Press Officer, told the media last week.
“When you see a school bus, slow down, give yourself time to react, and be ready to stop.”
​Last year, Pennsylvania recorded 237 school bus crashes resulting in seven fatalities – the highest number in five years.
According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, the jump in crashes coincided with a rise in dangerous behavior near student transit.
Citations for illegally passing a school bus increased by 16%, and violations for speeding in school zones was up 8%.
With that, we offer drivers a few reminders of school bus laws:
– A yellow flashing light means the bus is about to stop and pick up or drop off passengers;
– Stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and stop arm activated;
– Stop when behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped;
– Wait until children have reached a place of safety before proceeding.
Drivers traveling in the opposite direction may proceed without stopping if physical barriers such as grassy or concrete medians or guide rails separate oncoming traffic from the bus.
“Drivers need to remember that those red lights and that stop arm aren’t just a suggestion – they mean stop,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Kalee Barnhart said at the press briefing. “Troopers will be out in full force enforcing school bus safety laws as students head back to school.”
Violators are subject to a 60-day license suspension, $250 fine and five points on your driving record.
Let’s make this a productive school year for everyone.
Abide by the law so everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound.