Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 447.3 - General policy(a) A request for review of student walking routes should be referred to the appropriate engineering district as listed in Appendix A. Personnel of the engineering district will make the necessary study upon receipt of a written request from a school district and the district engineer will certify whether the route is or is not hazardous. The certification will be forwarded to the school district and to the Department of Education.(b) The Vehicle Code sets forth certain rights and duties for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. These rights and duties have been considered in the development of these guidelines. Accordingly, if a hazard exists solely because of failure of drivers or school students to obey the provisions of the Vehicle Code, the student walking route may be declared hazardous; however, the basis for the hazardous walking route determination shall be so noted on the certification and the problem brought to the attention of the municipality.(c) Road and traffic conditions shall be evaluated before any highway or section of highway is declared hazardous. The presence or absence of side walks shall be a factor in the evaluation but may not be the controlling factor. The criteria for road and traffic conditions may apply only to student walking routes, as defined in this chapter.(d) This chapter may not be construed to require school buses to stop at every dwelling in the event that a student walking route or a portion thereof is declared hazardous, since such a policy would increase the probability of bus-related accidents. A student may be required to walk up to 500 feet on a roadway designated as a hazardous walking route when the route is designated as hazardous in accordance with § 447.4(b) (relating to criteria).(e) If changes occur in the condition of a walking route that was previously inspected, a reevaluation of the route may be requested.The provisions of this §447.3 adopted August 1, 1980, effective 8/2/1980, 10 Pa.B. 3191; amended August 7, 1981, effective 8/8/1981, 11 Pa.B. 2777.