PUNXSUTAWNEY – The start of school is just around the corner, and Capt. David W. Neal, commanding officer of Troop C of the Pennsylvania state police reminds students, parents and motorists that the opening of school brings a need to exercise extreme caution on and around the state’s roadways.
Neal said parents should remind their children of the following rules to keep them safe when walking to school or to the bus stop.
1. Use the sidewalk if possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk well off the road, against traffic.
2. When crossing the road to get on or off the bus, always look left, right and left again to be sure there is no traffic coming.
3. Use intersections or road crossings where there are crossing guards if possible.
4. Don’t talk to or ride with strangers.
5. Walk with a friend if possible.
6. Set a safety spot to wait for the bus and stay in that spot until the bus comes to a complete stop.
Students should follow these rules when riding the bus.
1. Stay clear of the danger zone, an invisible area about 8 feet wide all around the bus. This is an area where the bus driver can’t see you from inside the bus. If you drop something inside the danger zone, ask the driver for help.
2. Any time the bus is moving, you must be seated.
3. Don’t throw anything when riding the bus.
4. Keep your head, hands and feet to yourself. Don’t pick on or bully other riders.
5. Don’t put anything outside the window, including papers, candy wrappers, arms, hands and heads.
6. Know where emergency exits are.
Motorists should consider the following facts when traveling during school time.
1. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus alert you that the bus is about to stop. Slow down and get prepared to stop.
2. Flashing red lights indicates students will be approaching, loading or exiting the school bus. When the red lights are activated, motorists must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus. You must remain stopped until the red lights are deactivated.
3. Motorists in violation for improperly meeting or overtaking a school bus can face a fine of $250 along with a 60-day suspension of operating privileges.
4. Motorists should obey all posted speed limits, especially those in school zones. Penalties are enhanced for violations inside a school zone.
Neal said, “Avoiding a fine or license suspension are imperative, but let’s not lose sight of the real important aspect of safe driving. Priority one should be keeping our children safe.”