Bensalem Police Launch School-Bus Safety Crackdown

BENSALEM, PA — In the wake of a bus-stop crash that sent a 12-year-old girl to the hospital with serious injuries, police in Bensalem are launching a campaign to crack down on drivers who pass stopped school buses.

Bensalem Township Police announced Tuesday that they are teaming up with the Bensalem Township School District for the effort. As part of the safety initiative, Bensalem police officers will be riding on school buses.

When a driver fails to stop for a bus's flashing stop signals, the on-board officer will notify a trailing police car, which will stop and cite the driver.

Failing to stop for a school bus carries penalties of up to a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension and five points on a driver's license.

"We're going to send a message to Bensalem that our children are Priority One," said Bensalem Public Safety Director Fred Harran in a video released to announce the effort. "This is our message to you: Help us keep our kids safe. Let's get them to school safe and let's get them home safe. They deserve it."

On Jan. 6, a 12-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle as she was getting onto a school bus at Bensalem Boulevard and Timber Lane. Police said the bus's stop sign and bar were activated at the time.

Last week, Kathleen Wesley, 35, of Croydon, was charged with aggravated assault while DUI in the crash.

The girl remained hospitalized as of last week, according to police.

Watch the video below: