HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Highway Safety Network are reminding drivers, students and pedestrians about school bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week, observed October 19 through 23.
This year’s campaign theme is “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.”
Students are encouraged to stay at least 12 feet away from school buses when possible, keeping clear of the area around the bus where the driver may not be able to see them. They should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before boarding.
PennDOT and the Highway Safety Network also recommend that students wear bright or reflective clothing, carry a light in dark conditions and consider adding reflective tape to backpacks. Students should use sidewalks when available. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk on the shoulder facing traffic and avoid distractions such as cellphones and headphones.
Students should cross streets only at crosswalks, signalized intersections or locations where a crossing guard is present.
Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits in school zones and avoid distractions. Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is activated. This applies to drivers approaching from either direction, except when a physical barrier separates oncoming traffic from the bus.
Drivers convicted of violating the school bus stopping law face a $250 fine, five points on their driving record and a 60-day license suspension.
Additional information is available through PennDOT’s school bus safety webpage.
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