(The Center Square) – Despite stiff penalties and potential for deadly accidents, many drivers in Pennsylvania still ignore school bus stop arms.
And it’s hard to know the full scope of the problem. But, if one-day data collection is any indication, it’s widespread.
This according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation after conducting its annual school bus education and enforcement program, called Operation Safe Stop, on Oct. 23.
That same day, a driver hit a 12-year-old in Lancaster County crossing the street to board a bus, while a 16-year-old in Centre County was struck while walking to school. Pedestrian accidents overall saw an increase in the state last year.
“With every violation of the school bus stopping law, there is potential for a catastrophe,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll during a news conference on Tuesday.
State law requires that drivers stop at least 10 feet from school buses with stop signs out and red lights flashing. This year, police officers and bus drivers across 22 school districts, out of 500, reported 131 violations in a single day.