HUDSON VALLEY- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles spent the week urging motorists to use extra caution around school buses and school zones as part of School Bus Safety Week.
About 2.3 million children board and exit school buses across New York each weekday, while an estimated 50,000 vehicles illegally pass stopped school buses with flashing red lights, according to the DMV. Recent videos have captured drivers speeding past stopped buses and nearly striking children.
Increased law enforcement patrols around schools and school buses are expected during the week.
“Flashing lights on a school bus mean stop completely,” said DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt, emphasizing that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.
The DMV reminds drivers to slow down when buses display yellow warning lights and to stop whenever red lights are flashing. Motorists should also obey school-zone speed limits, yield at crosswalks, avoid distractions, and watch for children near bus stops and school buildings.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review safety rules with children, including looking both ways before crossing, waiting for the bus driver’s signal before crossing in front of the bus, and staying out of areas where the driver cannot see them.
Officials stress that a few extra seconds of caution can help prevent serious injuries and ensure children get to and from school safely.
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