Pay Attention and Follow the Law
Promoting Safety Through Education and Enforcement
The safest way to transport children to and from school is by school bus. In fact, students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA).
However, while buses are loading and unloading students, kids become vulnerable to injury. This is largely due to an increasingly high incidence of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses. According to the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT), it is estimated that 50,000 motorists pass stopped school buses with red lights flashing statewide each school day.
Taking Action
Efforts to Improve School Bus Safety
Operation Safe Stop
Operation Safe Stop is an education and enforcement program to create awareness about the dangers of passing stopped school buses. This year, Operation Safe Stop Education and Enforcement Day will take place on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
School Bus Safety Laws
Effective August 19, 2019, school districts and municipalities are authorized to use stop-arm cameras on school buses. Tickets given by these cameras can result in fines of $250 for a first violation up to $300 for each violation in and 18-month period.
School Bus Safety Week
Every October, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, along with state and local safety partners, participate in National School Bus Safety Week. The goal is to engage parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
Contact Information
School Bus Safety Program Inquiries
Aubrey L. Feldman, MPH, CPH, CHES®, CPST
Child Passenger Safety Program Coordinator
Highway Safety Program Analyst II Governor's Traffic Safety Committee
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 410B
Albany, NY 12228
518-474-5111