Operation Safe Stop is a proactive approach to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus, when children are loading or unloading, is both dangerous and illegal. Law enforcement agencies, school transportation providers, pupil transportation associations, and PennDOT have combined efforts to raise public awareness about the potential consequences of these traffic violations and reduce the occurrence of illegal school bus passes.
On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, the 26th Annual Operation Safe Stop will take place. On this day, drivers will document any illegal passes occurring on their routes, and if possible, get identifying information regarding the vehicle and file the information with local authorities.
When driving, remember these simple rules:
• Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean slow down because the bus is preparing to stop. There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children.
• Red flashing lights mean stop because children are getting on or off the school bus. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
• Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop. Parents - talk bus safety with your children: Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Teach them to play it SAFE.
• Stay five steps away from the curb.
• Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
• Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.