A Letter from Chief Ron Dziezgowski
CHIEF RON DZIEZGOWSKI
Back to School Safety Starts with You!
West Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Hello Jefferson Hills:
I hope you had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to cooler weather. As students return to school, the Jefferson Hills Police Department( JHPD) reminds all motorists that every trip through our neighborhoods carries an important responsibility— protecting our children. Whether you ' re driving to work, running errands, or taking your own children to school, your attention behind the wheel can make the difference between a safe trip and a tragic one.
Stop for School Buses— It ' s the Law School buses are designed to safely transport our most precious passengers, but children are at greatest risk when they are boarding or exiting the bus. Pennsylvania law requires motorists to:
• Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
• Stop whether you are approaching the bus from the front, traveling behind it, or approaching an intersection where the bus is stopped.
• Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have safely crossed the roadway or reached a place of safety.
Remember that traffic traveling in the opposite direction must also stop unless the roadway is divided by a physical barrier such as a concrete median, guide rail, or grassy median.
Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm is not only illegal— it places children at immediate risk of serious injury or death. Please refer to the following chart which illustrates when you must stop for a school bus.
Slow Down and Drive Courteously
Aggressive driving continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes in Pennsylvania. Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe passing, running stop signs or red lights, and failing to yield create unnecessary dangers, especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods. PennDOT identifies aggressive driving as a major contributor to preventable crashes and regularly conducts statewide enforcement campaigns to reduce these dangerous behaviors.
36 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
Please remember:
• Obey posted school zone speed limits.
• Leave extra travel time to avoid rushing.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Watch carefully for crossing guards, school buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
• Be patient during morning and afternoon school traffic.
Put the Phone Down
Distracted driving is just as dangerous as impaired driving. Under Pennsylvania ' s Paul Miller ' s Law, drivers may not hold or use a handheld mobile device while operating a vehicle— even when stopped at a red light or in traffic, except for emergency calls. Hands-free technology may still be used for phone calls, GPS navigation, and music. As of June 5, 2026, violations are subject to a $ 50 fine( first offense), plus applicable court costs and fees.
The safest practice is simple:
• Put your phone out of reach before you begin driving.
• Set your GPS destination before starting your trip.
• If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. No text message, email, or social media notification is worth risking a life.
We All Share Responsibility
Children can be unpredictable. They may run into the street, cross between parked vehicles, or become distracted while walking to and from school. By slowing down, staying alert, and following Pennsylvania ' s traffic laws, every driver helps create a safer community.
As another school year begins, the JHPD asks every resident to do their part:
• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arm.
• Slow down in school zones and obey the directions given by crossing guards.
• Eliminate distractions.
• Drive with patience. Together, we can help ensure every child arrives safely at school and returns home each day. We appreciate the cooperation of the community adhering to the safety guidelines presented in this article. For questions or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the JHPD via 911. Thank you and God Bless!
Chief Ron Dziezgowski