The Shapiro administration posts results of Operation Safe Stop 2024, a statewide initiative aimed at enforcing Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law and raising public awareness about school bus safety. This report was conducted on October 23, 2024. The operation recorded 131 violations, a decrease from the 177 reported in 2023.
The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and stop arms out. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Safety is a huge concern when it comes to driving and students. There are many penalties for disobeying the School Bus Stopping Law. Violations can result in a $250 fine plus a $35 surcharge, five points on a driver’s record, and a 60-day license suspension. If caught by a stop-arm camera, the fine increases to $300.
The operation highlights the critical need for school bus safety and urges drivers to stay alert around school buses and children. Authorities stress that even one illegal passing of a school bus is unacceptable.
Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school free from fear or danger on the road. When drivers ignore school bus safety laws, they put innocent lives at risk. These violations are not just numbers-they represent potential tragedies that can be prevented through respect for the law. Protecting children requires a shared responsibility from every driver to ensure their safety remains a priority. Kamryn Bloom says, “I personally don’t see a bunch of people not stopping in my area where I get on and off the bus, but I have heard a ton of incidents where people have not stopped or slowed down near a bus stop. I’ve even seen videos where people have hit children, people, and the buses themselves because they either aren’t paying attention or don’t care.” Some ways to help are to stay alert, educate others, slow down, report violations, and be a role model to others. Some safety tips for students are to get to the bus stop early and stay away from traffic by a good distance. Other safety tips that would prevent harm is to never push or run on, off, or around the bus.
For more information on school bus safety and the school bus stopping law, visit PennDOT’s School Bus Safety Tips page.
Article: Shapiro Administration Announces Results of Operation Safe Stop 2024, Reminds Drivers to Drive Safely Around School Buses
