'Don't Pass School Buses With Lights Flashing': Green Brook Mayor

GREEN BROOK, NJ — Green Brook Mayor Patrick Boccio is reminding motorists to stop for school buses following the most recent tragic news of three siblings being hit and killed while waiting to get onto a school bus on Oct. 30 in Indiana.

"Sadly, there have been several tragic accidents this year, across the country, where children and adults have been killed and seriously injured by motorists who disregarded the requirement of stopping where there is a stopped school bus with flashing lights," Boccio said. "Nationally, over the past 30 years, almost 13 students per year have been killed while in the process of being picked up or dropped off by a school bus."

• See Related: Children Identified In Indiana Bus Stop Crash, Woman Arrested

In Green Brook, there have already been a number of reports of motorists passing stopped school buses with flashing lights this school year, according to Boccio.

"One such incident is one too much," Boccio said.

Boccio sent out a statement reminding motorist of the laws.

The Law in New Jersey (§39:4-128.1) requires the following:

1. On a two-lane highway, or other road not divided by some type of physical barrier, a motorist is required to stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights whether or not you are traveling in the same direction as the bus.
2. A motorist is required to stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights if you are on a divided highway and on the same side of the highway as the school bus.
3. Vehicles approaching a stopped school bus – but from the opposite side of a divided highway –that is picking up or letting off students may pass at 10 mph or less and must remain at thatspeed until completely past the stopped school bus.
4. Travel no faster than 10 mph by a stopped school bus that is picking up or letting off students directly at a school (or day camp or any school-related activity) located on the same side of the highway where the school bus is stopped.

Boccio also noted that Green Brook has been working on increasing the security for children on several fronts, immediate, short-term, and long term.

• We have increased law enforcement presence in areas where incidents have been reported.
• We have worked with Somerset County to provide temporary signs reminding motorists to stop when school buses are stopped with flashing lights.
• We are working with Somerset County to install permanent school bus stop ahead signs.

Fines, Points, and Surcharges

In New Jersey, passing a stopped school bus while its red lights are flashing is a serious driving offense.

In addition to the obvious danger of potentially killing or injuring a child or adult walking across the street to or from a stopped school bus, there are substantial fines, points, and surcharges that are associated with the offense.

Passing a stopped school conviction will result in a 5-point driver’s license penalty. The 5-point penalty is coupled with a $100 fine and up to 15 days in jail or up to 15 days community service for a first offense.

For subsequent offenses, violators can receive a $250 fine or more and up to 15 days in jail. Insurance surcharges are also in play.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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