Monthly Column_Rules of the Road When it Comes to School Bus Safety

‘Do not pass a stopped school bus– it’s the law’

As summer comes to a close, children across Erie County are preparing to head back to school, and the familiar yellow buses are once again appearing on our roadways. For most of the over 116,000 students in Erie County, the school day begins and ends with a ride on the bus. Many children will be going to school for the first time and may not be cautious when crossing the street or rushing to catch the bus. Older children are familiar with the routine but may forget to be careful in their excitement to meet up with friends. Unfortunately, each year, some bus rides to school end in tragedy, as children are injured or killed in school bus accidents when motorists fail to follow the rules of the road. 

According to New York State’s Traffic Safety Committee, roughly 50,000 vehicles illegally pass stopped school buses every day across the state. Although drivers are required to stop for a school bus when it is loading or unloading passengers, children should not rely on drivers adhering to this rule—a fact parents need to discuss with their children before the school year begins.

The rules of the road in New York State regarding school buses are clear-cut. Drivers must know and obey the “flashing signal[s]” that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of their actions. Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children; this is the time to slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms mean that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can drive again. When a school bus stops and its red lights are flashing, traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus, whether on a two-lane road, multi-lane highway, or divided highway.

All drivers should be aware that the fine for passing a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 to $400 and/or up to 30 days in jail for the first violation. Additionally, a conviction adds 5 points to your driver’s license and may lead to increased insurance premiums. If convicted of three violations within three years, your license will be revoked for a minimum of six months. It is clear that even one instance of passing a stopped school bus is not only reckless but also unacceptable, as it could cost a child their life

To ensure the safety of students traveling to and from school, Buffalo Public Schools launched a stop-arm enforcement program last year. Cameras have been installed on the stop sign arms of all district school buses to capture images of drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. This program enhances the enforcement of existing traffic laws that require motorists to stop for school buses that are letting students board or disembark. Motorists who violate these rules will face a minimum fine of $250.

Parents, it's crucial to have a conversation with your child about school bus safety. Teach them to stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb while waiting for the bus. They must wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the doors open, and the driver gives the signal that it is okay to board the bus. This small practice can make a big difference in keeping them safe. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the greatest risk occurs not while riding on the school bus but during boarding and disembarking. Children need to be reminded to be cautious in the “danger zone” around the school bus, which is the area within 10 feet in front of, behind, and on each side of the bus.

As the new school year begins in the coming weeks, I urge motorists to avoid distractions, slow down in school zones, and remain alert for children approaching or exiting school buses. If we all exercise a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can coexist safely, allowing everyone to enjoy the upcoming school year.