In an effort to spread school bus safety awareness, members of the Pennsylvania State Police will be taking part in Operation Safe Stop this week.
The goal of Operation Safe Stop is to alert motorists of the dangers of passing stopped school buses that are loading or unloading students. As part of the initiative, troopers plan on riding school buses, observing violations, and reporting them via radio to nearby troopers on patrol.
Troopers say stopped buses with red lights active and the stop arm extended are being passed on both the left and right sides while students are getting on or leaving the bus, and each is a potential life-threatening situation for the estimated 1.5 million students transported to school daily.
The PA Vehicle Code requires drivers should stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus when the stop lights and arm are activated and shouldn’t move until both are no longer activated. Penalties for these violations could include a $250 fine, a 60-day driver’s license suspension, and five points on the motorist’s driving recod.
Troopers will be participating in Operation Safe Stop this Wednesday, the 19th.
