PennDOT: Be Vigiliant When Kids Board Buses

As the new school year begins, PennDOT reminds drivers to remain vigilant
as students and school buses return to the roadways.

“Our ultimate goal is to make sure everyone safely arrives at their
destination,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “Motorists should
avoid distractions and obey school bus and school zone traffic laws so we have
the safest possible environment for students boarding and exiting buses.”

By law, motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop at
least 10 feet from a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm
extended.

The only exception is when a driver encounters a school bus stopping 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 be
alert for students trying to cross the road to catch the bus.

Motorists convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law
face a $250 fine, five points on their driving record and a 60-day license
suspension.

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.
Violators face a fine and three points on their driving record.

Students are also 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.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law, school bus
safety tips and programs, visit PennDOT’s highway safety website,
www.JustDrivePa.org, and select the “School Bus Safety” link under the
Traffic Safety Information Center.