School starts soon, keeping kids safe is a top priority

Area police departments are putting put out friendly reminders that school is starting up soon and they intend to take traffic safety very serious as area children are heading back to classes. School starts August 30 in Venango County and so buses will be back on the road  making stops to pick up and drop off children.

Also they remind motorists that active school zones have a maximum speed limit of 15 mph and they and many other departments intend to be out enforcing those limits for the safety of children.

They are also encouraging motorists to allow extra time for travel and to leave early as school buses will be back on the roadways and children will be picked up and dropped off. 

Passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is a violation of the Pa. Vehicle Code Title 75 Section 3345 and violators could face the following penalties:

*60-Day Driver’s License Suspension

*Five points on your driving record

*$250 Fine

To see photo examples and learn more about safely sharing the road with school buses visit www.dmv.state.pa.us

Share this information with friends and family as well as newer drivers who may even be driving into school zones as they head to classes.

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Students and parents can also take part in helping to insure safety by being aware of these tips from the Department of Transportation website.

School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus.
Please take a moment to review the following safety tips to help ensure our children arrive to and from school safely each day: 

• Get to the school bus stop five minutes early, so you won't have to run across the road to catch the bus. 
• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus. 
• Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. 
• Never push when getting on or off of the school bus. 
• Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so that the school bus driver can see you. 
• Be aware - Cross with Care! Wait until the school bus has stopped all traffic before stepping out onto the road. 
• When the school bus is moving, always stay in your seat. Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window. 
• Talk quietly; do not distract your school bus driver. 
• If your school bus crosses railroad tracks, be calm and quiet so that your driver can listen for a train. Always obey your school bus driver's instructions, so that he or she can make safe decisions. 
• Never play with the emergency exits. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions. 
• When getting off of the school bus, make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure so that they don't get caught on the handrail or the door. 
• Never cross the street behind the school bus. 
• If you leave something on the bus or drop something outside of the bus, never go back for it. The driver may not see you and begin moving the bus. 
• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. 

 
PennDOT is pleased to provide a school bus activity booklet (PDF) geared toward elementary students.