National School Bus Safety Week runs Oct. 19 through 23, and it's a good time for Conneaut Valley drivers to refresh on the rules — because the penalties for getting it wrong are steep.

Anderson Coach & Travel — in student transportation since 1937 — runs the buses for area districts including Conneaut that local families rely on every school day.

What Pennsylvania law requires

Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended — whether you're behind the bus, meeting it, or approaching an intersection where it's stopped. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.

The only exception: oncoming traffic may proceed if a physical barrier — a grassy median, guardrail, or concrete divider — separates the lanes. A painted center line doesn't count.

What it costs to pass

A conviction for passing a stopped school bus in Pennsylvania brings all three of the following:

• $250 fine (plus court costs)
• Five points on your driving record
• 60-day driver's license suspension

Buses with automated stop-arm cameras carry a $300 civil fine by mail, with no points — but an officer-issued citation hits your license and your record.

For students and parents

PennDOT advises students to arrive at the bus stop about five minutes early, stand at least five giant steps back from the road, and never run after a bus or cross behind one. Kids crossing in front should walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus so the driver can see them.