Back-to-school season is a time of excitement and new beginnings—but it also brings serious safety concerns on our roads. Each year, children are injured or even killed during school bus pickup and drop-off, and nearly all of these tragedies are preventable. It’s time for all of us to do our part to protect kids where they’re most vulnerable: in school zones and around school buses.
When the school year begins, pedestrian traffic surges. Young students, often unpredictable and easily distracted, flood crosswalks and curbs. Crashes continue because drivers are rushed, distracted, or unsure about the rules. One of the biggest risks? Misreading (or ignoring) the school bus stop arm.
Here are 3 easy steps to remember and follow:
🚫 No distractions
🚫 No rushing
✅ Know the rules
In Pennsylvania, school buses transport about 1.3 million students daily on more than 21,000 buses. The system is safe when drivers follow the law. Unfortunately, studies suggest buses are illegally passed more than twice per bus, per day.
Here’s the rule:
🔴 Red Lights + Stop Arm = You STOP. (Unless there’s a physical median/barrier.)
Everyday shortcuts or bad habits can become deadly near schools:
Slow down. Stop completely. Always look for kids.
Protecting kids doesn’t take much—it’s about small, intentional choices:
Remember:
✅ No phone in school zones
✅ Full stop, every time
✅ Eyes up for kids at curbs
✅ Never pass a stopped bus
Parents can set the tone for safe school routines:
Heads up. Ears open. Phones down.
If a child is injured on or near school transportation, families don’t have to face it alone. At Marcus & Mack, we:
Don’t let one distracted moment turn into a lifetime of regret. This back-to-school season, commit to slowing down, stopping for the bus, and staying alert in every school zone.
Phones down. Eyes up. Drive like every child is yours.
Marcus & Mack is committed to keeping Pennsylvania’s kids safe.
📞 Call 1-800-HURTLINE
🌐 www.marcusandmack.com
Marcus & Mack is a respected personal injury law firm serving Central and Western Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, their attorneys are dedicated to vigorously advocating for victims injured by negligence.
Focusing exclusively on personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, trucking collisions, and other catastrophic personal injury claims, they’ve successfully helped thousands of Pennsylvanians secure the compensation and peace of mind they deserve.
Marcus & Mack remains deeply committed to community safety initiatives, believing that proactive education can save lives and build stronger, safer communities.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call (814) 788-4620 or visit MarcusAndMack.com.
Marcus & Mack