CRANBERRY TWP — Even though school is winding down for the year, law enforcement officials are being vigilant in reminding motorists to stop for school buses.

A sign appeared this week on Route 19 in Cranberry Township warning drivers to stop when a school bus has its lights flashing and sign extended. According to Chuck Mascellino, Cranberry police sergeant, the sign was put in place after police received complaints about drivers passing buses.

He said even though Route 19 is wide and the lanes are far apart, there is no median. According to state law, drivers in both lanes must stop for a school bus on a two-lane road, a four-lane road without a median, and any road with a center turning lane. Only when a physical median exists can drivers in the opposite lane proceed.

Physical medians include concrete and metal barriers, guardrails or concrete islands which are clearly marked.

“Even though its across four lanes of traffic, unless there's a raised median, traffic has to stop in both directions,” Mascellino said.

He said while there have been no incidents, buses dropping off students have reported oncoming traffic not stopping, resulting in the sign. He added this is not a new issue, as similar signage has been used in previous years.

“People need to be aware,” he said.

According to PennDOT, motorists must stop 10 feet away from a bus that has its lights flashing, and stay stopped until the lights are turned off. Failure to do so can result in a $250 fine, five points on a person's driving record and a 60-day license suspension. More than 1,000 motorists are cited for violating the law each year, and officials said if there is any doubt, stopping is the safest thing to do.