Police Teach Lessons In School Bus Safety In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA —Police rode along with West Chester Area School District students on school buses Wednesday to teach the children that Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop when red lights are flashing and a bus arm is extended.

“We receive complaints about vehicles that violate red lights on school buses.,” Officer Gary Frey, of the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department, said during a ride-along during National School Bus Safety Week.

“Some drivers are distracted because they’re doing other things that are taking them away from their important task of driving a vehicle.”

The West Chester Area School District transports over 17,000 school students per year, including students from private schools and special education services.

On Wednesday, West Goshen, West Whiteland, and Westtown-East Goshen police officers rode along with students and drove behind buses keeping an eye out for violators.

Those who violate the law are subject to a $250 fine, 5 points on your driving record, and a 60-day license suspension.

Michele Porco, the district's transportation manager, said keeping students safe is a collaborative effort on the part of bus drivers, police officers, parents, and other motorists.

“Student safety is their number one priority,” Porco said.

Whiteland police department traveled with students to Exton Elementary School, going over safety tips while riding the bus.

Officer Frey and Erin Grandizio from the Chester County Highway Safety departments joined students on their ride to Penn Wood Elementary School. Once they arrived, Frey and Grandizio handed out safety information to remind students to stay safe and alert.

No violations were reported on any of the bus routes that police monitored on Wednesday.