Some area police departments will be keeping tabs today on school bus safety issues.
Today, State Police and Blairsville Borough Police are taking part in Operation Safe Stop, which is meant to educate the public about proper rules when dealing with a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off students. Police departments will increase patrols today around bus stops and bus routes to make sure that safety rules meant to protect students riding the bus are adhered to.
Drivers are reminded that if the bus stops with red lights flashing and the stop-arm extended, they must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus whether approaching from behind or in the opposing lane. Drivers approaching an intersection where the school bus has stopped to drop off of pick up kids must also stop and wait until the flashing red lights are no longer on. State police say that they have heard reports not just locally but nationally of drivers passing buses on both sides when the bus has stopped to pick up children, and that presents a very dangerous situation for kids.
If convicted of violating section 3345 of the vehicle code, a driver could face a $250 fine, a 60-day driver’s license suspension and five points on their driving record.
Comments