With many schools in the city of Philadelphia and in the suburbs of Pennsylvania starting this week, there will also be more motor vehicles, such as cars and school buses, traveling on Pennsylvania streets and highways.  According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Motor Vehicles, approximately 1.5 million children in Pennsylvania are transported by bus each day.  However, every year, children are injured or die as a result of drivers not stopping and/or passing stopped school buses. 

Last year, a 16 year old Bucks County high school girl died after being struck by an SUV.  The bus had stopped with its lights flashing and stop arm deployed while the girl attempted to cross Bensalem Boulevard.  An 18 year old driver failed to stop for the school bus and struck the girl. Source: www.philly.com (Bucks girl, 16, killed as SUV passes school bus)

Related: Who Is Responsible For A Recent PA Bus Accident That Led To 11 Injured?

School buses make frequent stops to pick up children, and it is crucial for drivers to stop.  Pennsylvania school bus stopping laws require the following:

• Drivers MUST stop when they meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended.
• Drivers MUST stop when they approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended.
• Drivers MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
• Drivers MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
• Do not move until all the children have reached a place of safety.

It is also important for parents to talk to their children about boarding and exiting the bus.  They need to remind them to stay alert when they are getting on and off the bus.  If they are with their friends, they need to avoid playing and running around with them when trying to get on or off the bus.   If they have to cross a street, they need to always cross in front of the bus.  Before crossing, they need to look to the left, right and then the left again to make sure no cars are approaching.

Help After Pennsylvania School Bus Accidents

If your child was injured in a bus accident, they have legal rights and may receive financial compensation for their medical expenses and pain and suffering.  If you would like to talk about a recent bus accident in PA, call Daniel J. O’Brien, an experienced bus and car accident lawyer licensed in PA and NJ.  Mr. O’Brien offers FREE consultations. 877.944.8396