There is an old slogan that usually pops up in the beginning of September: “School’s Open — Drive Carefully.” However, there are many drivers who ignore that message once the school year begins. Despite laws that punish motorists who fail to stop for stopped school buses, obey the speed limit in school zones or wait for children to cross the street, the problem still exists.
Ira Slavit, a partner with the Mineola law Levine & Slavit PLLC, a personal injury attorney and a road safety advocate, is urging motorists to be mindful of how they drive once school is back in session. “Many people are on the roads, not aware that the school year has begun,” he said. “Speeding through a school zone and passing a stopped school bus can have tragic results.”
In New York State, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus, but, according to the state’s Transportation Department, nearly 50,000 motor vehicles pass stopped school buses every day. First-time offenders may face a fine between $250 and $400 and/or up to 30 days in jail. Those who commit the infraction a second time may be fined between $600 and $750 and/or up to 180 days in jail. For a third or subsequent offense within three years, fines can range from $750 to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
Further, the Department of Pupil Transportation, which is part of the state’s Education Department, reported that children ages 4 to 8 (grades K-3) are the most susceptible to being fatally struck by a motor vehicle. Although this age group makes up less than 35% of the student population, 69% were involved in these fatalities.
“The height of these children may prevent the driver from seeing them over their own vehicles,” Slavit says. “I urge everyone to drive slowly when approaching a school bus, stop when the lights are flashing and wait until the red lights have stopped flashing. Let’s not have the school year begin with a tragedy.”