The final countdown for back to school is on and that means a lot of students across the state will soon be walking to school and hopping on a school bus.
According to the New York State Education Department and Department of Pupil Transportation, the youngest students are most at risk when it comes to school bus-related fatalities.
The smaller stature of younger children makes them more difficult for bus drivers and drivers to see. These younger students are also unable to see over or around objects such as parked cars or bushes because of their height.
Drivers passing stopped school buses continues to be a problem year after year despite the legal and financial consequences.
- First conviction - fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail
- Second conviction within three years - fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail
- Third conviction (or more) within Three years - fine of $750-$1000 and/or up to 180 days in jail
- Five points added to the driver's record for each conviction
Vehicle owners can also be fined even if they are not driving the car when it passes a stopped school bus. A law was passed in 2019 that authorizes school districts and municipalities to use stop-arm cameras on school buses to impose penalties on the owners of vehicles that pass a school bus while the school bus is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and red lights on the school bus are flashing.
- First violation - penalty of $250
- Second violation within 18 months - penalty of $275
- Third violation (or more) within 18 months - penalty of $300
Students who walk to school should always remember to:
- Look left and right before crossing the street
- Don't walk while using both earbuds
- Avoid texting, this may distract you and cause you to walk into harm’s way
- Pay close attention to your surroundings
- If a car stops to ask for directions or help finding a lost pet, don't get too close
- If someone calls out to you, approaches you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, quickly get to the nearest adult or business you trust and tell them what happened
Breanna Fuss spoke with New York State Police about the safety of students who are heading to and from school. Watch the interview for more safety tips.