Bus safety urged for motorists
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DUNCANSVILLE -- School is back in session, which means that school buses are back on the roads.
To spread bus safety awareness this fall, state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, hosted a school bus safety press conference at Fullington Bus Company Tuesday morning, with local representatives and police officers in attendance.
With more than 1.4 million students relying on school bus transportation across the commonwealth, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacob
Rhymestine said it's important for motorists to remain alert and patient when encountering a school bus on the road.
He said there is never an excuse for passing a bus with flashing lights.
"Whether you're a few minutes late to work or heading home, remember those few minutes are never worth risking a child's life," he said.
Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm lowered, according to the state website.
Vehicles must stop behind the bus, meet the bus and approach an intersection where the bus is stopped. Motorists in the opposing lane can proceed if a physical barrier separates them from the bus, such as a grassy median, guide rails or concrete barriers.
People most commonly ask Pennsylvania School Bus Association Executive Director Gerry Wosewick when they should stop for a school bus.
"If you're really not sure, just get off to the side of the road," he said. "You can always find out later, but the alternative is so much worse."
When area districts start school this fall, Wosewick said motorists should stay vigilant about buses starting from 7 to 9:30 a.m., and again from 1:45 to 4 p.m., excluding buses traveling for sports or other afterschool activities.
According to the state website, motorists are subject to criminal penalties for meeting or overtaking a school bus, including a $250 fine plus a $35 surcharge into the School Bus Safety Grant Program Account, five points on their driving record and a 60-day license suspension.
Failure to stop for a school bus with flashing lights is a civil violation and results in a $300 fine.
Rhymestine said cellphone use is also prohibited while operating a vehicle, even at a stop sign.
Vice President of Business Development at Fullington Trailways LLC, Michael Dull, is seen inside a Hollidaysburg Area school bus extending its arm and stop sign and turning on its flashing lights.
Mirror photo by Colette Costlow
Paul Miller's Law, which went into effect on June 5, 2025, prohibits drivers from using their phones at a temporary stop or red light, an additional enforcement to Pennsylvania's texting-while-driving ban, the website states.
"We want people paying attention to make sure that their children are safe and everybody to get to and from school without having to worry about a distracted driver going through the red lights," Rhymestine said.
Michael Dull, Fullington Trailways LLC vice president of business development, said they're proud of their team of bus drivers and staff who take the responsibility of transporting kids seriously each day.
"Safety is everyone's responsibility, and together, we can make a difference," he said.
Ward spoke about prioritizing safety at Tuesday's event, mentioning Senate Bill 1294, which ensures commercial drivers are properly trained, and Senate Bill 65, which increases the stopping distance from a school bus.
She encouraged drivers to slow down this school year for buses and local children.
"Every driver has a critical responsibility to keep children safe," she said. "Please slow down and stop for school buses."
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.