The New York State Police (NYSP) conducted stepped-up checks Wednesday of drivers who illegally pass school buses stopped at bus stops. The effort was part of the annual Operation Safe Stop initiative, which aims to improve the safety of children on their way to and from school.
During the morning runs to school and the afternoon trips taking students home, police cruisers followed buses in school districts including Chenango Forks, Maine-Endwell and Chenango Valley.
Officers paid particular attention to drivers who did not stop behind and in front of a bus while children were boarding or getting off. According to estimates from the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, about 50,000 cases of illegally passing or going around school buses occur every day across New York State.
Under New York State law, drivers must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its STOP sign extended. The requirement applies to vehicles approaching from both directions, including on multilane roads.
Illegally passing a stopped bus carries a fine starting at $250 for a first offense, plus five penalty points. Penalties for repeat violations can be significantly higher.
Editor: JŁ
Source: Nowy Dziennik
