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AAA Urges Drivers To Be Careful Around School Bus Stops

by Mike Dougherty

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With back-to-school season in full swing, AAA is reminding drivers to be careful around bus stops.

Every driver knows it's the law, as well as common sense, to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading students. Yet every year students are hit by cars.

"We hear from a lot of bus drivers that distracted driving is a big problem. Some people are so distracted. They've got their nose in their phone, they're doing things they shouldn't be doing behind the wheel, and they blow through a school bus stop," said Jana Tidwill with AAA Mid-Atlantic.

She says it doesn't take much effort to slow down and pay attention.

Tidwill says stopping 10 feet away is the law, and that buffer zone is important to give children a chance to get across the street safely.

And because they're kids, she says it's on the adults to make good decisions.

"1.5 million Pennsylvania school students are transported everyday. It's important that they get to and from school safely," said Tidwill.

The most dangerous stop, she says, is the one right in front of the school.

Those who get caught violating the rules will be issued a $250 ticket and get five points on his or her license.

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