1. It’s that time when school buses are everywhere. If a school bus has its lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must stop. The only exception is if you are on the other side of a highway divided by a concrete barrier or grassy median. If you are following or traveling alongside a school bus, the law also requires you to stop at least 10 feet away. Learn more about the school bus stopping law and penalties for violations at www.JustDrivePA.com.

 2. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a school bus driver or a partner in the transportation industry, it is important to assist in educating students about school bus safety. Motorists must stop when they are behind the bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. To help the public better understand Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping law, PennDOT’s highway safety Web site, .JustDrivePA.com now offers an interactive feature. Visit the sites Traffic Safety Information Center and click on the School Bus Safety link for further details. 

3. In 2013, 44 U.S. children died after being left unattended in motor vehicles. Never leave your child alone in the car, no matter what the weather conditions. On a hot day, a child’s temperature heats up to 5 times faster than adults. This tragedy is 100 percent preventable, always look before you lock. Remember heat stroke kills.

Seat belt/teen reminders 

1. With the new school year in full swing, PennDOT is reminding young drivers and parents/caregivers alike of the state’s laws regarding child passenger safety. Drivers or passengers under 18 years of age must buckle up. Children under 8 years old must be properly restrained. This is a primary law, which means that police will pull you over, write you a ticket and if convicted, you’ll have to pay a fine. To learn about recommendations on child safety seats as well as the state’s law for wearing seat belts over age 18, visit JustDrivePA.com.

2. All drivers should be aware of fall driving hazards as October and November approaches. Wet leaves, fog, sun glare, and frost are only a few of those hazards. Hunting and mating season also causes deer to become more active. PennDOT reminds driver to remain aware to changing driving conditions and avoid distractions especially in unfamiliar surroundings. To learn more information on fall driving, visit JustDrivePA.com.

3. With school back in session, PennDOT, Buckle Up PA, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds teachers and students that a new Traffic Safety School Program “Sit Back- It’s Elementary” has been developed. The materials are designed to provide lifesaving messages to Elementary School Students and reduce the number of unnecessary traffic related injuries and deaths. For more information on the types of activities the program offers, visit pasafetyedu.org.