Shapiro Administration reports increase in school bus law violations during Operation Safe Stop

The Shapiro Administration has announced the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual initiative focused on school bus safety in Pennsylvania. The program, which combines enforcement and education, aims to reduce violations of the state’s School Bus Stopping Law and promote safe driving near school buses.

Operation Safe Stop is a one-day event where law enforcement officers and schools work together to document drivers who do not comply with the School Bus Stopping Law. This year’s effort recorded 188 violations, an increase from last year’s 176 incidents.

Mike Carroll, Secretary of PennDOT, addressed the importance of the operation: "Operation Safe Stop is a critical reminder that we all share responsibility for protecting students as they travel to and from school each day."

Cpl. Zeina Black, Supervisor of the Permits Bus Safety Unit for the Pennsylvania State Police, said: "The number of violations we continue to see shows there is still much work to be done in educating drivers about their responsibilities around school buses."

Amy Lena, Deputy Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, added: "Student safety is our top priority. We urge everyone behind the wheel to remain alert and follow laws designed to keep children safe."

Dr. Todd Stoltz, Superintendent of West Shore School District, also commented: "We appreciate initiatives like Operation Safe Stop that raise awareness about student transportation safety in our communities."