PA SR179

Designates October 20-24, 2025, as "School Bus Safety Week" in Pennsylvania, in conjunction with PennDOT's participation in National School Bus Safety Week

Highlights current law requiring motorists to stop 10 feet from school buses with red lights flashing and stop arm extended, and remain stopped until lights stop flashing and all children reach safety

Cites NHTSA data showing 971 fatal school-transportation-related crashes from 2014-2023, resulting in 1,079 fatalities (averaging 108 deaths annually), with 70% of fatalities being occupants of other vehicles

Notes Pennsylvania's school bus driver shortage improved from 20-25% in 2023 to 10-15% in 2024, with recent legislation (Act 4 of 2025) expanding eligibility for drivers who use hearing aids

Encourages motorists, parents, and students to follow traffic laws concerning school buses and thanks school bus drivers for their work in safely transporting students