We love our kids! Help our youth return to school safely. Please come to a full stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights. Remember, all motorists approaching the bus from either direction must come to a full stop. Ontario County Public Health, the Ontario County Sherriff’s Office and STOP-DWI remind the public of the importance of following school bus safety laws.
Section 1174 of the Vehicle & Traffic Law states:
- When a school bus displays flashing red lights, all motorists approaching the bus from either direction must come to a full stop.
- Drivers must remain stopped until red lights are turned off and the school bus resumes motion, or until signaled to do so by the bus driver or a police officer.
- Simply waiting for kids to board the bus is not sufficient. Red flashing lights must be OFF.
- This law applies to quiet country roads and busy city streets. It also includes four-lane roads with medians.
There are stiff penalties for passing a stopped school bus when the red lights are flashing. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $400 and five “points” on your license. Even the largest fine, however, pales in comparison to injuring a child because of carelessness, impatience, or distracted driving.
Parents, take a moment to remind your children to obey the instructions of the school bus driver. Kids need occasional reminders about how to behave on the ride to and from school. The likelihood of accidents increases when drivers are distracted for any reason, including boisterous students.
For more information about school bus safety visit:
http://www.safeny.ny.gov/bktoschl.htm
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-buses
Section 1174 of the Vehicle & Traffic Law:
