In connection with National Back to School Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network, and the PENNCREST School District in Crawford County are collaborating to emphasize the importance of pedestrian and school bus safety.
The PENNCREST School District, which includes elementary and high schools in Saegertown, Maplewood, and Cambridge Springs, joins many other schools in the region resuming classes next week. Motorists should be on the lookout for children walking to school and obey all traffic laws around school buses.
“Every morning and afternoon, our students depend on drivers to be their protectors. Safe driving around schools isn't just following traffic laws - it's safeguarding our community's future. Combined with strong safety measures in our schools, we create the comprehensive protection every child deserves,” said PENNCREST School District Superintendent Shawn Ford.
When driving in a school zone, drivers are reminded to obey the posted speed limit and eliminate all distractions in order to maintain full situational awareness.
Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law requires all motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from buses when their red lights are flashing and stop arms are activated.
Drivers must stop when behind the bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. However, they are not required to stop if a physical barrier - such as a grassy median, guide rail, or concrete median barrier - separate oncoming traffic from the bus.
Drivers cited by law enforcement for violating the School Bus Stopping Law can face a $250 fine, five points on their driving record, and a 60-day license suspension. For additional details on the penalties associated with violations, visit PennDOT’s website.
“Not every child rides the bus to school, so it is crucial to have drivers’ cooperation in helping get students who walk to school to their classes and back home safely,” said Mike Tautin, a Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator with Highway Safety Network. “Parents should also take the time to talk with their children throughout the school year about safety tips for walking to school or the bus stop.”
Students are reminded to walk on the sidewalk when one is available. If there is no sidewalk, students should walk on the shoulder against traffic and avoid using their cell phone or wearing headphones so they can be alert for oncoming vehicles.
To maximize visibility to motorists, pedestrians should always wear bright, reflective clothing and carry a light, especially in dark conditions. Students can also consider adding reflective tape to their backpacks.
Additionally, students should only cross the street at crosswalks, signalized intersections, or sections of roadway where a crossing guard is present.
When students arrive at their bus stop, they should stay at least 10 feet away from the curb and never chase after the bus. Students also should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the driver to signal it is safe before attempting to board.
For more information on pedestrian and school bus safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/District1.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Saxon Daugherty, sadaughert@pa.gov or 814-678-7095
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