As the new school year begins, the Rockland County Department of Health is reminding parents, students, and drivers to make school bus safety a top priority.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about safe habits at the bus stop and on the bus. Children should stay at least ten feet — about five giant steps — from the curb, arrive at the stop five minutes early, and avoid running or playing while waiting. Boarding should only happen after the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver signals it is safe to enter.
Once inside, children should face forward after finding a seat and use handrails when entering or exiting. When getting off, students should take five giant steps away from the bus and make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front. They should never walk behind the bus or bend down near the wheels.
To further protect students, Rockland County has partnered with BusPatrol to install stop-arm cameras on school buses at no cost to taxpayers. These cameras detect drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses — a violation that has led to over 45,000 tickets since the program began in June 2023. Fines are $250 for a first offense, $275 for a second, and $300 for a third within 18 months.
“We all must work together to ensure students get to and from school safely,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Never pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and the stop-arm out. It’s both dangerous and illegal. Traffic must stop in both directions — even on wide, multi-lane roadways.”
Drivers are reminded to remain alert around school buses and during school arrival and dismissal times. Yellow flashing lights mean a bus is preparing to stop, and motorists should slow down. School buses also travel at slower speeds and must stop frequently, including at railroad crossings. Officials urge drivers to be patient, cautious, and free of distractions while behind the wheel.
For additional resources, residents can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, or the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.