In Wake of Tragic Bus Accident, a Reminder of Pa.'s School Bus Laws

A Bensalem teenager was killed Wednesday by a driver who failed to stop for a school bus, authorities said. In the wake of the tragic accident, a reminder of Pennsylvania’s school bus laws.

According to PennDOT:

• All motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Cars may not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
• Motorists must also make a complete stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
• If you are following or traveling alongside a school bus you must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.
• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping, but should still be alert.

If convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, punishment includes a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension. More than 1,000 motorists are convicted annually, PennDOT said.