Hudson Valley Police Reminds Residents to Not Pass Stopped School Bus

Police from Dutchess County are reminding residents it’s against the law and extremely dangerous to pass a stopped school bus.

The East Fishkill Police posted a reminder on their Facebook page. According to the post, passing a stopped bus with red flashing lights is a serious and dangerous offense.

“It’s extremely dangerous. Kids can come from either side of the road,” East Fishkill Police Chief Kevin Keefe told Hudson Valley Post. “There is a misconception by people that they don’t need to stop on divided roadways or very wide highways. People need to understand that it’s not just on the right side of the bus that children need to cross. Motorists need to pay attention and really stop for buses when they see the red lights.”

Drivers will likely be ticketed if they are caught driving passed a stopped school bus. A first offense could result in a minimum $250 find and 5 points on your license. “We do follow buses from time to time try and apprehend people that blow by them,” Keefe said.