PENNSYLVANIA — The Shapiro Administration on Monday announced the results of this year’s Operation Safe Stop, an initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across Pennsylvania. The event, which took place on October 18, is an annual enforcement and education drive designed to document violations of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law and emphasize the importance of safe school transportation.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, West Shore Regional Police, and West Shore School District hosted the press conference, presenting data from participating districts and law enforcement agencies.
This year’s Operation Safe Stop revealed a total of 176 violations of the School Bus Stopping Law, a change from last year’s 252 reported violations. PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services, Kara Templeton, expressed concern over the findings.
“While we’re certainly glad that violations decreased this year, one incident of passing a school bus is one too many,” said Templeton. “If we saw this many violations in just one day, it’s clear that safety for our students traveling to and from school needs to be a continued focus for our communities and that motorists remain vigilant while sharing the road with school buses and students.”
The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. This applies to drivers approaching from all directions. However, the law does not require stopping for buses on the opposite side of divided highways where lanes are clearly separated by physical barriers like concrete or grassy medians.
During the press conference, officials also shared important safety tips for students using school buses:
- Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early to avoid rushing.
- Stay away from traffic while waiting for the bus.
- Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or roadway to wait for the bus.
- Do not run after the bus if it has already left the stop.
- Avoid pushing when getting on or off the bus.
Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law also outlines penalties for violations, which include a $250 fine and five points on the offender’s driving record. If a school bus is equipped with a side stop arm enforcement system and a driver passes the bus while its red lights are flashing, the fine can increase to a total of $300. Violators also face a 60-day license suspension.
The announcement of the Operation Safe Stop results was attended by notable figures such as Craig Yetter, Deputy Press Officer for Driver and Vehicle Services; Cpl. Zeina Black, Permits Bus Safety Unit Supervisor for the Pennsylvania State Police; Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Department of Education Secretary; and Dr. Todd Stoltz, West Shore School District Superintendent.
As Pennsylvania continues its efforts to improve safety for students traveling to and from school, the Shapiro Administration’s Operation Safe Stop serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to the School Bus Stopping Law.
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