As School Busses Return to Local Roads, This Could Save Lives, and Money

 The summer vacation season is quickly winding down. School resumes in the Phoenixville Area School District one week from Monday (August 26) ad private schools also go back to class within the next few weeks.

That means school buses will also return to the roadways in a matter of weeks, and PennDOT wants you to get ready for the return of school busses to your morning commute.

Here are some important reminders about school bus rules of the road:

Under state law, motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended must stop at least 10 feet from the bus.

Failing to do so can earn drivers a $250 fine, five points on their license and a 60-day suspension.

It's not necessary to stop if the school bus is on the other side of a median or a barrier on a divided highway.

In a school zone, vehicles must obey a 15 mph speed limit and keep an eye out for pedestrians. Breaking this rule can lead to a fine and three points on a driver's license.

Read the full PennDOT release here. For an animated illustration of where and when to stop, visit drivesafepa.org.

The PennDOT website also offers detailed, graphic illustrations of who must stop for school busses and specifics of the school bus law.