Bus Safety Program
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Stop for the Bus. It’s Pennsylvania State Law.
WSD has partnered with BusPatrol to launch a new School Bus Safety Program in line with PA Motor Vehicle Code § 3345. As part of the program, all school buses that transport students within the school district will be outfitted with safety technology to make the ride to and from school safer for all. This technology includes photo enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop sign is deployed and red lights are flashing. Every incident is reviewed by a law enforcement officer before a violation notice is issued to the offender.
The safety of our children is a top priority. During Pennsylvania’s Operation Safe Stop, state authorities reported almost 200 violations in just one school day in 2023, equivalent to 31,500 violations in a 180-day school year. Wissahickon is no exception. This safety initiative will curb dangerous driving behavior around school buses to protect our students.
To speak to a representative about a safety violation, contact the AlertBus Customer Contact Center at 1-800-852-7741. Click the accordian options below to learn more about the program.
- How Does the WSD Bus Safety Program Work?
- When Should I Stop for a Stopped School Bus?
- What is the Penalty for Passing a Stopped School Bus in Wissahickon?
- Who Can I Contact about the Bus Safety Violations?
- Links and Resources
How Does the WSD Bus Safety Program Work?
When Should I Stop for a Stopped School Bus?
What is the Penalty for Passing a Stopped School Bus in Wissahickon?
Who Can I Contact about the Bus Safety Violations?
Links and Resources
Watch this video with the police departments of Whitpain Township, Lower Gwynedd Township and Ambler Borough to learn more about BusPatrol.
School Bus Safety Tips
- Caregivers should take an active role in promoting school bus safety with children.
- Children should always be walked to and from the bus stop.
- Get to the school bus stop five minutes early so students don’t have to run across the road to catch the bus.
- Children should be supervised at the bus stop.
- 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.
- Students should walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so the school bus driver can see them.
- Never cross the street behind the school bus.
- Students should wait until the school bus has stopped all traffic before stepping out into the road.
- When the school bus is moving, students should always remain in their seats. They should never put their head, arms or hands out of the window.
- Amber lights flashing on a school bus mean “caution.” When driving, watch for children on both sides of the road. Slow down and be prepared to stop.