Back-to-school time has arrived and, with hundreds of school buses hitting the road again throughout Bucks County, the TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program is reminding everyone of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.
The PA School Bus Stopping Law says motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended are required to stop in all directions at least 10 feet from the bus. The only exception to the law is when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway clearly separated by a divider, such as concrete barriers or grass medians. Even in this situation, motorists should remain watchful of students trying to cross the road to catch the bus.
“Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the community all need to play important roles in keeping our children safe while on and around school buses,” explained TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program manager Carly Wible. “The Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law is not just a legal requirement, but it is designed to prevent tragedies and protect our most precious passengers, our children.”
According to PennDOT, the penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law include a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension.
TMA Bucks also reminds everyone that students are exposed to traffic while waiting for buses or walking to the bus stop or school. Motorists are reminded to be cautious and alert when approaching a school bus stop and to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
In addition to watching for school buses, motorists should be alert in school zones, which become hubs of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Motorists are required to slow down to the posted speed limit of 15 mph in school zones. If convicted, PennDOT says violators face a fine and three points on their driving record.
