Hudson Valley Law Enforcement Encourages School Bus Safety

Local law enforcement recently took part in Operation Safe Stop, an initiative aimed at raising awareness for school bus safety. Officers from Troop K barracks wrote 13 tickets, seven of which were for illegally passing a bus.

According to a press release, it is estimated that as many as 50,000 automobiles illegally pass school buses every day in New York State. The state police would like to remind you of the following.

It is illegal - and very dangerous - to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights located on top of the bus are flashing. Flashing lights mean the bus is picking up or discharging students.

You must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.

You must always stop for flashing red lights, even on divided and multilane highways and on school grounds.

The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail.

Worse yet, the memory of hitting or killing a child may be one you carry for the rest of your life!

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