The Beaver Police Department wants to remind everyone that school is back in session. Please Slow Down! Back to School Means Sharing the Road since there will be extra traffic congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, and harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school. The Beaver Police Department focuses heavily on school safety. A critical element of school safety is our children getting to and from school safely. The Beaver Police Department wants to remind all motorists to SLOW DOWN and watch for children as they are commuting to school.
A reminder for all residents to pay attention to Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.
Beaver Police and FRYE Transportation have been working closely together to conduct enforcement details at bus stop locations in Beaver, Vanport, and Industry. Operation Safe Stop is designed to keep our communities children safe and to ensure that motorist are obeying the current school bus traffic laws.
- When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
- When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
- You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
- You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.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.
The penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law include: $250 fine, five points on your driving record, 60-day license suspension
Please drive safely and slow down especially in our school zones.
Pennsylvania Statutes Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3345. Meeting or overtaking school bus
a) Duty of approaching driver when red signals are flashing. Except as provided in subsection (g), the driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking any school bus stopped on a highway or traffic way shall stop at least ten feet before reaching the school bus when the red signal lights on the school bus are flashing and the side stop signal arms are activated under section 4552(b.1) (relating to general requirements for school buses). The driver shall not proceed until the flashing red signal lights are no longer actuated. In no event shall a driver of a vehicle resume motion of the vehicle until the school children who may have alighted from the school bus have reached a place of safety. The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection at which a school bus is stopped shall stop his vehicle at that intersection until the flashing red signal lights are no longer actuated.
(j) Penalty. A person who violates subsection (a) or (f.1) commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $250.
Crossing Guards: Please keep a watchful eye for our crossing guards. The crossing guards are posted at intersections and will assist students and parents who need to cross our busy roadways. Always stop when directed to do so by a School Crossing Guard or Police Officer. The Beaver Police Department reminds everyone with school back in session leave home early and expect delays, traffic is going to move slowly. The priority in any school zone is the safety of children. If you are running late you are going to be late! Drive slowly and avoid distractions, especially your cell phone. Always have your child use the designated crosswalk, this includes when you are walking with them. Remind your child to follow the school crossing guard’s instructions. If
you park on the side of the road, always have your child exit the car on the side away from traffic. The Beaver Police Department will be enforcing the speed limits in school zones and will be issuing citations for motorists who commit a violation.
