Statewide Operation Safe Stop Initiative to Be Held on October 18

| October 17, 2017

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. – Pennsylvania State Police Captain Bernard J Petrovsky, Commander, Troop C, Punxsutawney, wishes to inform the citizens of the Troop C area of the continued commitment and participation of troopers in Operation Safe Stop.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; Pennsylvania State Police; Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association; Pupil Transportation Association of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials; and the Pennsylvania School Bus Association have again joined forces to plan Operation Safe Stop in an effort to raise public awareness about the potential consequences of illegal school bus passes and to reduce their occurrence.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2017, the 20th annual Operation Safe Stop will be conducted. Prior to this day, the transportation directors for local schools and school bus contractors have been asked to identify a list of trouble spots (routes or stops with a high frequency of violations), and transmit this information to their local Pennsylvania State Police station.

Troopers will then be assigned to watch these routes or stops and issue citations for violations committed by motorists. Citations issued for school bus violations can include a fine of $250.00 (plus costs), and result in a substantial operator’s license suspension.

A school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Following the law when driving near a school bus, will ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely.

The following are school bus safety reminders for students and drivers:

Students:

  • Never walk close to the front or sides of the bus, The bus driver may not be able to see you.
  • When crossing the street to get onto the bus, always look left, then right, then left again.
  • If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up until you tell the bus driver. Otherwise, he or she may not see you.
  • Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to board before stepping onto the bus.
  • Never speak to strangers at the bus stop, and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

Motorists:

  • Yellow flashing lights on the bus indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload. You need to slow down and get ready to stop.
  • Red flashing lights and a stop signal arm indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. You must stop your vehicle at least 10 feet before reaching the school bus. You may not proceed until the flashing red signal lights are no long activated.
  • You can be fined $250.00 for each violation when improperly meeting or overtaking a school bus. Additionally, a conviction will result in a 60-day driver’s license suspension and assessment of five points on the operator’s driving record.
  • Please obey all posted speed limits; especially in school zones, where the penalties for speeding are enhanced.

Children walking to school or school buses stopping for children could slow down your morning or evening commute. Adjust your driving schedule appropriately.

Remember, when the bus lights are flashing RED, you must stop a safe distance from the bus and remain stopped until the lights are deactivated.

Drive carefully and as always BUCKLE UP, it saves lives.


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Category: Local News, News, State News