(WBRE/WYOU) — Keeping children safe at school bus stops, that's the goal of proposed legislation in Harrisburg.
State Senator Lisa Baker introduced the legislation which calls for increased penalties for drivers who pass school buses that have their warning lights and safety mechanisms engaged.
28/22 News has obtained exclusive video of several close calls as local students were getting on or off school buses.
The full bill can be viewed online.
It's a matter of life or death according to a state senator who wants to stiffen the penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses.
Buses that have the red warning lights activated as well as other safety mechanisms.
I'm told that the number of near misses like this one is a growing problem. This little girl was almost hit by a car as she walked to her stopped school bus.
Senator Lisa Baker says something has to be done to protect our children.
That video recorded by Alison Wynder as she waited for her eight year old son to cross Coal Street in Wilkes-Barre after he got off his school bus. He was hit by the car and suffered minor injuries.
"You can't even look at that video," Mehalshick asked.
Wynder stated: "No! I can't," as she held back tears.
The I-team obtained video of two near misses also in Wilkes-Barre. Watch as this girl is nearly hit by a car as she walks to her stopped school bus. Its red warning lights were flashing, the bus driver lays on horn to warn her.
Also in Wilkes-Barre, a young girl is nearly hit by a jeep. Again, the school bus has it's red waring lights activated. The bus driver again sounds the horn to alert the driver and the girl.
"I encourage the public to take a moment when you're behind a bus or near a bus, use extra caution. Don't try to get around the bus if you're in a hurry. One life lost is too many lives lost," stated Sen. Lisa Baker (R) 20th District.
Senator Baker introduced Senate Bill 65 which, among other things will, increase stopping distance from 10 to 15 feet behind a school bus, increase first time offender fine from $250 to $500, and repeat offenders required to take safety classes.
"We see the near misses al the time and this is our chance to say let's focus, let's make this a priority, and let's protect or kids who are on school buses," voiced Sen. Baker.
Janelle and Matthew Davison run Student Transportation of America in Wilkes-Barre say something has to be done.
"It happens all the time, today early in the morning we had two incidents. Cars came running through red lights. It's more frequent than it really should be," argued Matthew Davison.
"Help us help us to help your children. Help us to keep your children safe, learn the laws, read up on it, and look into what you can do differently, what you can do better," added Janelle Davison.
Janelle Davison tells us that one of the biggest problems they are seeing are distracted drivers. They are not paying attention, and that she says can have tragic consequences.
