Bucks County, Pennsylvania – As schools across the region prepare to welcome students back to classrooms, TMA Bucks is urging drivers to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law. With the return of hundreds of school buses on the roads, safety precautions are essential to protect children commuting to and from school.
The law mandates that drivers must halt their vehicles at least 10 feet away from any school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Importantly, vehicles are required to stop from all directions unless the bus is situated on the opposite side of a divided highway that has a physical barrier such as a median or concrete divider. However, authorities caution that even in these cases, children may cross the roadway unexpectedly.
Carly Wible, manager of the TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program, emphasized the shared responsibility for child safety. “The Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law is not just a legal requirement,” Wible stated. “It is a vital measure to help avoid tragedies and to ensure the protection of our children.”
Violating this law comes with significant consequences. According to PennDOT, offenders face a $250 fine, a $35 surcharge that supports the School Bus Safety Grant Program, five demerit points on their driving record, and a potential 60-day suspension of their driver’s license. Additionally, school districts have the option to use stop-arm cameras to catch violators, resulting in a civil penalty of $300 without affecting points on the driving record or insurance premiums. Notably, the North Penn School District imposes this $300 fine on violators.
Safety isn’t limited to the vicinity of school buses; caution is crucial in school zones and at crosswalks as well. State law dictates that motorists must slow down to 15 mph in designated school zones. Failing to comply can incur penalties, including fines and three points on a driving record.
Moreover, children are also vulnerable while walking to and from school or waiting at bus stops. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, keeping an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists, and to always stop at marked crosswalks.
To promote awareness and safety, TMA Bucks provides free educational programs on various highway safety topics tailored for schools and daycare centers. Those interested in scheduling a session can reach out to Carly Wible at [email protected] or call 267-895-5186.
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