After seeing some shocking footage on the news lately, we thought refreshing our minds regarding School Bus safety laws might be a good idea. We share the road with school buses so often, that sometimes we forget just how dangerous a situation can become if we’re not being attentive.

Everyday, nearly 1.5 children are transported to school in PA. Nationally, 19 school-aged children are killed each year in school bus related crashes. That being said, Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law is as follows:

• You must stop when you meet a school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended.
• You must stop when you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and arm extended.
• You must stop at least ten feet away from the school bus.
• You must wait until the lights are turned off and the arm is withdrawn before moving.

If you are convicted of breaking the School Bus Stopping Law, you will receive all of the following penalties:

• 60-Day Driver’s License Suspension
• Five Points on your Driving Record
• $250 Fine

Tips for Drivers

While in many ways obeying PA’s School Bus Stopping Law seems like common sense, accidents can happen even when we seem to be following the rules. Even if you follow all laws, you should still practice extra caution when driving near a school bus. Be aware that children may be running to or from the bus stop and catch you off guard. Remember that students riding the bus are just kids and you shouldn’t depend on them to cross the street safely.

For more information on this issue, visit the School Bus Safety section at AAA.

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