DUNCANSVILLE — With students across Pennsylvania preparing to return to classrooms, Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) today joined Rep. Scott Barger (R-80), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania School Bus Association and Fullington Auto Bus Company to remind motorists of their responsibility to remain alert around school buses.
Ward, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, hosted the press conference at Fullington Auto Bus Company in Duncansville.
“The commonwealth has long-standing laws and strict penalties to protect the safety of children entering or leaving a school bus,” said Ward. “As we approach the new school year, I encourage drivers to slow down and stop for school buses and school children.”
Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law prohibits drivers from overtaking a stopped school bus with its red signal lights flashing and stop arm activated. Drivers approaching a bus with flashing amber lights must slow down and be prepared to stop. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached a place of safety before proceeding.
“Now is the time for all of us to recommit to driving with patience and mindfulness to protect Pennsylvania’s children,” said Barger. “Our school bus operators have a tremendous responsibility to these young people, and those of us driving passenger cars need to do our part to ensure their jobs are not made any more difficult than they already are.”
“As students across Pennsylvania head back to school, we’re asking every driver to slow down, stay alert and remember that school buses are making frequent stops in our communities,” said Gerry Wosewick, PA School Bus Association representative. “School bus drivers work every day to safely transport Pennsylvania’s children, but keeping students safe is a responsibility we all share.”
According to PennDOT, approximately 1.5 million children are transported on Pennsylvania roads each day, traveling approximately 400 million miles to school each year. Children are needlessly injured or killed every year by drivers who pass stopped school buses.
“As residents of central PA, our most treasured possessions are the children and youth school students of all ages, and our priority should be their safety regardless of whether we see them in neighborhood parks or riding a school bus,” said Michael Dull with the Fullington Auto Bus Company. “When motorists see a yellow school bus, they should immediately slow down and look around for students alongside the road. Be alert and cautious. When the lights begin to flash, prepare to come to a stop from both directions.”
Violating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law can result in serious penalties. A citation issued by law enforcement for passing a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm activated carries a 60-day driver’s license suspension, five points on the driver’s record and a $250 fine. A violation involving a school bus equipped with an automated side stop signal arm enforcement system carries a $300 civil fine.
Learn more about Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law here.