Credit: Reba Spike / Unsplash.com
Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, and Whitpain police have all posted reminders to area drivers
As Wissahickon School District resumes the 2024-25 school year this week, students are flocking back to their schools. This means that area residents need to keep an eye out for pedestrians, big yellow school buses, and carpooling parents, especially at the start of school and its conclusion each day.
Such changes make it an ideal time to review some safety tips for all involved. Perhaps, it is a “back to school” for all, and not just our excited student body. Firstly, let’s take a refresher course on the Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law!
According to state law, motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have a red, flashing light and stop arm activated. Drivers must stop behind the bus, as oncoming traffic, or if meeting a bus at an intersection with the same distances required in each case.
Until the stop arm is folded and the lights subside, drivers are not to move from the stopped position. You are to wait in place until all children have reached a safe space.
“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,” notes the law.
At any time following or otherwise encountering a school bus, all drivers should use caution. You should expect frequent and closely located stops. Keep an eye out for children, as some may be of a height below easy visibility over your vehicle’s hood.
Any persons criminally violating the school bus stopping law are subject to a $250 fine, with a $35 surcharge which is deposited in the School Bus Safety Grant Program account. You will also be punished with five points on your driving record, as well as a 60-day license suspension. The law also allows for civil violations to include fines of $300, which can be instituted by a school entity. For more information on the required laws that must be followed around stopped school buses, visit the instructions here.
Surrounding police departments have also taken time to educate drivers during this crucial time of year. Let’s hear their lesson plans in the making now.
Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department’s Chief Paul D. Kenny took to Crimewatch to issue a reminder to area residents.
“The new school year is starting, with school buses back on the roads and kids walking to school,” said Kenny in an Aug. 26 post. “This is always a busy time, so it’s important to drive carefully and stay alert, especially in school zones and near bus stops.”
Kenny said that alert drivers, carefully following traffic regulations can go a long way at keeping everyone in the community safer.
Image courtesy of Lower Gwynedd PD“Remember to follow speed limits, watch for crossing guards, and be mindful of children who may be walking or biking to school,” said the Chief. “Safety first!”
Ambler Borough Police Department’s Chief of Police Jeff Borkowski echoed the same sentiment.
“This is extremely important, and it is done to keep children safe,” said Borkowski of the bus stopping laws via an Aug. 19 Crimewatch post. “Officers will be out enforcing violations during the first couple weeks of school to make sure drivers are stopping for the school buses.”
Borkowski also noted that obeying posted speed limits will help in curbing any accidents.
“Remember all streets in the Borough of Ambler are 25 mph,” he said.
Whitpain Township Police Department took to social media to remind area citizens of the need for alertness and careful driving as schools resume.
“We ask that motorists be alert and pay attention to the roadway,” said the Whitpain Police Facebook post on Aug. 26. “Please keep your speed down and eyes up.”
Whitpain added that Wissahickon Schools are not the only students heading back at this time of year.
“St. Helena School will be starting back next Wednesday [Sept. 4],” said the same post.
