When school is in session, everyone needs to be aware of the school buses and their precious cargo. Between unpredictable fall weather and neighborhoods teeming with children boarding and leaving buses, school bus safety becomes an important topic. Both motorists and bus passengers should take time to learn school bus safety tips.
Watch For Buses That Are Stopping
In New York state, it is illegal to pass a school bus that is parked and has its lighted stop sign deployed. Motorists who do not follow this law risk causing serious injuries to schoolchildren as they board or exit the bus.According to the NYS DMV, the legal and financial consequences for motorists who pass a school bus while it is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and red lights on the school bus are flashing, are as follows:
- First conviction - fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail
- Second conviction within 3 years - fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail
- Third conviction (or more) within 3 years - fine of $750-$1000 and/or up to 180 days in jail
Additional Bus Safety Reminders
There are a few things to keep in mind about school buses. For example, they have large blind spots, need more room than a compact vehicle to maneuver, and they take longer to complete a stop. When encountering a school bus, it is important to:- Slow down. Be patient as buses make their many stops to drop off and pick up children. Buses also stop at rail road crossings, so keep this in mind.
- Be alert. Keep an eye out for children that may be running to catch the bus before it departs, or children who have forgotten to take precaution of looking for traffic themselves.
- Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.