Summer is winding down and that means it’s almost time for kids to go back to school!

Safe Kids wants to remind you that traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility and to follow Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping laws.

Each year, children are put in danger by drivers who pass stopped school buses. Help keep kids safe by making sure you stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

Drivers must stop when behind a bus, meeting a bus or approaching an intersection where a bus has stopped.

Penalties for violating PA’s School Bus Stopping Law include a $250 fine: 5 points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension.
If you have a child who rides a school bus, be sure they know:

Be aware — cross with care. Wait until all traffic is stopped before stepping out onto the road. Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so that the school bus driver can see you.

While on the bus, stay seated and talk quietly so that you do not distract the bus driver.

Parents and caregivers who drive their kids to school should make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up, no matter how short the commute is. Children under the age of thirteen should be seated in the back seat when possible.

This message is brought to you by Safe Kids PA, Lycoming County Partner and the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition.