In light of recent serious accidents in the U.S. at bus stops, McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reminds motorists of bus safety laws.

“This week, there have been several reports of children being killed at bus stops by drivers who failed to follow traffic laws across the country,” Shaffer said. “None of these serious incidents have been in McKean County but our local police have received calls of drivers who have failed to stop for busses when children are entering or exiting a bus.”

Shaffer described what motorists are required to do when they come upon a school bus that is picking up or dropping off children.

“The vehicle code of Pennsylvania requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus when the red signal lights on the bus are flashing and shall not proceed until the flashing red signal lights are no longer activated and all children have reached a place of safety.”

Failing to follow the code can lead to other consequences for drivers. She asked anyone who sees drivers not being careful to come forward.

“Any bus driver, parent or driver who observes a violation is asked to report the violation to police for prosecution,” she added.

A further explanation of Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law can be found at https://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/School-Bus-Safety.aspx