By Christen Lengyel, Contributor, of The Center Square
Republished by Travels With The Post
(The Center Square) – Despite stiff penalties and potential for deadly accidents, many drivers in Pennsylvania still ignore school bus stop arms. It’s hard to know the full scope of the problem but, if one-day data collection is any indication, it seems widespread.
Moreover, pedestrian accidents overall saw an increase in the state last year, it indicates.
That’s according to a review by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The department offered results and commentary on the problem following its annual school bus education and enforcement program, “Operation Safe Stop,” on Oct. 23 (2024; Wednesday).
That same day, a driver hit a 12-year-old in Lancaster County crossing the street to board a bus. Additionally, a 16-year-old in Centre County was struck while walking to school.
“With every violation of the school bus stopping law, there is potential for a catastrophe,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said during a Nov. 13 news conference.
What State Law Requires
State law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from school buses with stop signs out and red lights flashing. This year police officers and bus drivers, across 22 of 500 school districts, reported 131 violations in a single day.
Although down from 177 violations last year, officials believe the problem is far more extensive. “Witnessing so many violations in just one day, it’s clear that ensuring the safety of our students traveling to and from school must remain a priority in our communities,” Carroll says.
One way to increase enforcement of the law includes installing stop arm cameras on school buses. If a car passes the bus when the stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing, the camera captures the image. It is then reviewed by the school district involved and local police.
The cost of camera systems, according to vendors, range from $300 to $900 each depending on features and quantities purchased. Money received under the PennDOT School Bus Safety Grant Program can cover some camera expenses. That money also can be used for education and safety training.
Stiff Penalties for Violators; Safety Cautions for Students
Penalties for violating the law are steep, including a $250 fine, a $35 surcharge, 60-day license suspension, and five points against the driver’s record. For violators caught by stop arm cameras, the fines increase to $300. Of that amount, the school district receives $250; the overseeing police department, $25; and PennDOT, $25.
“There is never a valid excuse for passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing,” observes Cpl. Zeina Black, permits and bus safety unit supervisor for the Pennsylvania State Police.
Black notes that 1.4 million Pennsylvania students require buses to get to and from school daily. Students are encouraged to:
- Be aware of their environments;
- Stay away from the curb or roadway; and
- Never run after a bus that’s departing.
Photo by Alla Serebrina on Deposit Photos, used by Travels With The Post under license
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