What Are The Laws About Driving By A School Bus In New York State

There will be a larger police presence around Western New York as police across New York will be stepping up patrols.

The sunny and warm weather is here! That means it is time to get back outside and time to get the bikes out as well!

While we all dream of some fun in the sun, we still need to pay attention to what is happening around us.

Operation Safe Stop Day

Across New York State, there will be a push to remind people to be safe and follow the laws when they drive near stopped buses or buses with their lights on.

According to one report, "The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is supporting Operation Safe Stop Day, an annual event to promote school bus safety and educate the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus while its red lights are flashing".

As a father of four kids, I am always worried about the kids walking to school or riding their bikes to school. The truth is, more and more people are not paying close enough attention when they drive. We are all busy and distracted by so many things these days and it seems to take us away from focusing on the roads.

What Are The Rules?

Here in New York State, there are very specific laws about being around buses when they are dropping off or picking up students.

"When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus. You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus".