With school starting up in the Levittown area, Pennsylvania State Police have reminded the public that troopers will be keeping a watchful eye over traffic violations that happen.
In 2020, PennDOT reported there were 154 school bus crashes, resulting in 146 injuries but no fatalities.
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Troopers said drivers must adhere to:
- Yellow flashing lights on the bus indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload. Slow down and get ready to stop.
- Red flashing lights and a stop signal arm indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. You must stop your vehicle at least 10 feet before reaching the school bus. You may not proceed until the flashing red signal lights are no long activated.
- All posted speed limits: especially in school zones, where the penalties for speeding are enhanced.
Motorists who violate Title 75, Section 3345 “Meeting or Overtaking School Bus,” upon conviction, will be fined $250 and receive a 60-day driver’s license suspension and assessment of five points on their driving record.
AAA Mid-Atlantic urged drivers to limit distractions while driving, especially around school zones.
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“In addition to the typical increase in traffic that occurs at the beginning of each school year, the school bus driver shortage means buses taking longer routes, students waiting at bus stops for longer periods of time and more parents opting to drive their children to school,” said Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “While the return to school and our roads will look different this year, our responsibility for keeping students safe hasn’t changed.”
Tidwell noted that with the pandemic last year, there were not as many buses on the road, so drivers might be seeing more on their commute this year.
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“Drivers are out of practice when it comes to the rules of the roads with schools buses and students walking and biking to school,” she added. “It is critical that they remember those rules – and abide by them.”
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