'Death Zone': Rules About Passing A Stopped School Bus In NY

After the Labor Day holiday weekend, classes will be back in session around New York for the new school year. That means drivers need to remember to follow a few rules of the road that have had the summer off along with students in the state.

And forgetting those rules — and being caught doing so — could carry stiff penalties for motorists or, even worse, cause a serious accident.

About 2.3 million pupils, or 10 percent of the nation’s students, are transported to school each day, according to the state Department of Education. One-third of them are transported on district owned buses, one-third ride contracted buses, and one-third of our students use public transportation.

An estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day, the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee said.

The greatest risk to children is approaching and leaving a school bus, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here's what you need to know — and what you should do — when you see a bus stopped with its flashing lights and extended stop-sign arm or you are driving by a school.

Passing a Stopped School Bus

In New York, it is mandatory for motorists to stop for school buses that have their red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following a school bus. Motorists must remain a minimum of 20 feet in front or in back of the school bus.

If the bus has its yellow lights flashing, that means the bus is preparing to stop.

By law, a driver approaching a school bus must stop from either direction when encountering a school bus in the process of loading or unloading students:

• On a public highway
• On multiple lane roads
• On opposite sides of divided highways
• On a public street
• On a private road
• In a parking lot
• On school property

Drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses with their red lights flashing face fines from $250 to $400 for the first conviction, $600 to $750 for the second (within three years) and $750 to $1,000 for the third or subsequent conviction (within three years). Five points on one’s license is given for each conviction. There is also the possibility of imprisonment for up to 30 days for the first and up to 180 days for the second and third convictions.

Speeding in a School Zone

Speed limits in and around schools are usually around 15 to 20 mph, during posted hours or when the speed limit lights are flashing. Penalties can be severe, according to the Rosenblum Law Firm. If a driver is 10 miles above the posted speed limit, they will be assessed three points and a $300 fine with an $85 surcharge. More than 10 mph above the speed limit, there is the possibility of jail time.

Safety Tips

The State of New York has tips for driving while sharing the road with school buses:

• Remember buses make frequent stops. Be prepared to stop for them.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing on the right or the left.
• Watch for children who cross in front of the bus when the bus is stopped.
• Look for children at bus stops and those running to bus stops.
• By law school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings.

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