Now that two Rockland school districts have opened, and the rest will be opening later this month, expect to see many more school buses on the roads once again. David Christopher is the Executive Director the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, and says his group recently conducted a statewide survey of school bus drivers, and they estimate 50,000 motorists in New York illegally pass stopped school buses every day, endangering students and putting their lives at risk…
New York State law prohibits the passing of a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing regardless of your direction of travel, even if there is a multi-lane or divided highway. Penalties for a first-time offense include a fine up to $400, five points on your license and potentially 30 days in jail. Three or more convictions will cost you up to $1,000, mandatory revocation of your driver’s license and up to six months in jail.