School's Back In Session: Stop For Buses With Flashing Lights

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — School is back in session after the holiday break, so please remember to stop for stopped school buses. Most school bus-related deaths and injuries occur while children cross the street after getting off the bus.

Under New York State law, it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to discharge or receive students.

But drivers still do it.

For example, there have been numerous complaints in Putnam County about motorists passing buses illegally, said Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley. "We are asking community members to help gather information about those vehicles violating this law by getting license plate numbers, the location of the violation and a description of the car and motorists whenever possible. We need to work together to insure the safety of our children."

School buses activate yellow flashing lights to alert motorists that they are preparing to discharge or receive students. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign arm signals to motorists that a school bus is stopped and children are either boarding or exiting the bus.

When red flashing lights are activated, traffic is required to stop in both directions on undivided highways, regardless of the number of lanes, to allow students to get on or off.

Passing a school bus with red lights is not only dangerous, but it is illegal and punishable with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. Five points may be assessed to one’s driver’s license, and penalties can also include possible imprisonment (up to 30 days for the first offense and 180 days for a third or subsequent conviction).

The area 10 feet around a school bus is where children are in the most danger of being struck by a passing vehicle. Drivers should stop their cars far enough from a school bus to give students the space necessary to safely enter and exit the bus.

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