Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) is teaming up with the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) to remind motorists about the importance of school bus safety.
“I call on all drivers to take school bus safety seriously for the well-being of our children,” said Reilich. “Every motorist has felt some frustration when driving behind a school bus while running late for work or an appointment. However, I cannot stress more strongly the importance of stopping at a school bus with red flashing lights and stop arm extended. For the safety of our children, motorists need to be responsible and fight the urge to pass school buses.”
Failure to stop for a stopped school bus is a violation of section 1174 of the vehicle and traffic law and is punishable by serious fines and penalties, including the most points a motorist can receive on their license short of a DWI conviction.
“While the penalties for failing to stop at a stopped school bus are severe, the outcome could be much worse,” remarked Reilich. “I would like to remind drivers that every time a school bus stops, children are entering or exiting the bus. Failure to stop could lead to the death or injury of a child. We owe it to our children to follow the law and come to a complete stop for school buses. I am pleased to join with NYAPT in urging all motorists to “Stop 4 the Bus” and ensure that our children arrive safely at school and home.”