As we start another school year here in Orange County, the safety of our children remains our highest priority. Every morning and afternoon, thousands of students across the county depend on school buses to get them to and from school safely.
One of the greatest dangers our children face is from drivers who ignore school bus stop signs and flashing red lights. Passing a stopped school bus is reckless and irresponsible. Additionally, it is illegal in New York State. There are legal and financial consequences for drivers who pass a school bus that is stopped to drop off or pick up passengers, especially when the bus’s red lights are flashing.
Remember, the yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop for loading or unloading children. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. When a bus activates its flashing red lights, stops, and extends the stop arm, children are either boarding or exiting the bus. At that moment, drivers in both directions are legally required to stop.
According to the NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, 2.3 million children are transported by school buses every day across New York State. Data indicates that approximately 50,000 drivers statewide illegally pass stopped school buses on a single day. This is a very concerning number and greatly endangers our children.
To protect our students, many school districts in Orange County opted into the School Bus Safety Program. This program helped districts equip their school bus fleets with new camera systems designed to capture drivers and vehicles that unlawfully pass stopped buses.
As we all know, children can be unpredictable. They might suddenly cross the street, run across without looking to greet friends, or drop something and turn back for it. Do not assume that children see you. It is your responsibility as the driver to watch for them and keep them safe by being patient, slowing down, and stopping for the school bus. Allow extra time in the morning and afternoon for longer commutes, expect delays, and plan ahead. No destination is more important than a child’s life.
For more information or to contact my office, please visit www.orangecountygov.com and click on the Sheriff’s Office links or contact us at OCNYSheriff@orangecountygov.com.
