As all of the Indiana County-based schools are back in session, one familiar sight is returning to the area roads: school buses. State Police in Indiana County are reminding drivers that they need to keep some extra rules in mind when school buses are out.
One of the rules is that drivers approaching a bus that is stopped and has it’s stop arm extended and red lights flashing will stop at least 10 feet away from the bus, whether you are approaching the bus from behind or from the opposite direction. Also, drivers have to remain stopped at the intersection at which a school bus has stopped and has it’s red lights flashing and stop arm extended until the bus is back on its way. A violation of this law will result in a 60-day license suspension, a fine of $250, and five points added to the driving record. PennDOT says that if there is a physical barrier that separates oncoming traffic from the bus, like a grassy median, guiderail or a concrete median barrier, motorists in the oncoming lane of traffic can continue on without stopping.
State police also released some tips that kids can follow when waiting for the bus, such as waiting five giant steps away from the curb or roadway for the bus, not running after the bus after it has left the stop, walking at least ten feet in front of the bus so the bus driver can see you, never crossing behind the school bus, refraining from pushing when getting on or off the bus, staying in your seat, and never speaking with or getting into the car of a stranger.
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