Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer Blog

As part of National School Bus Safety Week, observed October 17 to October 21, Pennsylvania held its own component to the initiative with the fifteenth annual Operation Safe Stop. On Wednesday, October 19, the operation served as a community effort to educate, monitor, and enforce vehicle violations involving the passing of stopped school buses.

Under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle drivers are required to stop a minimum of 10 feet away from a school bus that has its red lights blinking and its stop sign protracted. Drivers are mandated to halt whether they are approaching the bus from behind, passing in the opposite lane of traffic, or navigating a crossing where a bus is stopped. Vehicle operators must stop until the warning lights have halted, the stop sign has been retracted, and all children have either exited or entered the bus to a safe location. There is only one exception to the rule: if physical blockades, like grassy areas, steel rails, or concrete medians separate traffic in opposite lanes, vehicles in the lanes opposite of the stopped bus can proceed.

Adhering to school bus traffic rules may seem obvious, but tragic accidents occur too often as a result of these kinds of situations. Back in late June of this year, 23 people (15 kids and eight adults) were injured in a Harrisburg car accident involving a bus and another vehicle. According to reports, after the vehicle attempted to pass the bus under unsafe circumstances, the two collided, causing the bus to flip over on its side.

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident that you believe occurred as a result of negligence or recklessness, contact the Pennsylvania school bus accident attorneys with Anapol Schwartz. Call (866) 735-2792 for a complimentary consultation with an attorney.

After a boy in Newtown was struck by a passing car upon exiting his school bus, as reported by Newtown Patch, residents are pleading with motorists to remember that school is back in session and to be very careful around schools and school buses.

Motorists are required by Pennsylvania state law to stop a minimum of 10 feet away from school buses that have their stop arm extended and red lights flashing. On roads with multiple lanes, vehicles that are driving alongside a bus that’s making a stop must stop as well.

For students and parents, Pennsylvania’s Traffic Safety Center offers the following tips to promote school bus safety:

• Arrive at the bus stop early and never run across the street to catch a bus.
• Stay away from traffic. Leave at least five huge steps between the curb and yourself while waiting for the bus.
• Never chase after the school bus once it has already left.
• Never push anyone when boarding or exiting the bus.
• Leave plenty of space, at least 10 feet, when walking across the front of the bus so the driver can see you.
• Don’t step onto the road until the school bus has stopped all traffic.
• Always stay in your seat when the bus is moving.
• Always obey the bus driver’s instructions regarding safety.
• Never play with or block the emergency exits with backpacks, bags, etc.
• When exiting the bus, be certain that all loose objects, including drawstrings are tucked away or fastened so they don’t become caught in the door or the handrail.
• Always cross the street in front of the school bus.

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, contact the school bus accident attorneys in Pennsylvania with Anapol Schwartz at 1-866-735-2792 for a complimentary consultation.