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Knowing School Traffic Safety Laws Saves Lives

Approximately 1.5 million school kids are transported on Pennsylvania roads every day. It's not only the responsibility of parents and teachers to keep the road safe for school children, but of all motorists. It's essential to know the laws regarding school busses and school zones, plus follow general traffic safety laws. Tragedies occur when drivers and pedestrians don't know or follow the rules of the road.

School Zone Speed Limit

As a driver, the most important thing you can do to protect children in school zones is to slow down. The speed limit for school zones in Pennsylvania is 15 mph. If you're caught speeding in a school zone, you could face a fine of up to $500 and 3 points on your driving record. If you're caught speeding in a school zone a second time, you could lose your license for 60 days. School zones aren't usually that long - be patient. If you know you'll be in a hurry, take a different route.

Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law

• Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

• Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.

• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.

• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.

• Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

For more information on PA school safety traffic laws, see justdrivepa.org.

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