Stop for school buses, it's the law
Tuesday April 17, 2012 | By:Rikki Cason |
Throughout the state, this past Wednesday was designated as the 19th annual Operation Safe Stop Day. Since 1993, each year, school transportation officials collaborate with law enforcement to stop illegal passing of school busses.
It is estimated that 50,000 motorist illegally pass a school bus each day, which would equal once per school bus throughout the state.
Because of the creative work of fourth-grade student Jenna Bull in the Starpoint Central School District, the district was chosen as one of two sites to hold a presentation on Operation Safe Stop. Bull took second place in the state for a Operation Safe Stop bumper sticker contest.
New York Association for Pupil Transportation Executive Director Peter Mannella came to the district to speak about the program on Tuesday, the day before.
On Wednesday, members of law enforcement from around the state were on board buses and in marked cars on routes that have a history of illegal passing.
Though this is an annual day to remind drivers not to pass school buses, this initiative is something that should be at the forefront of every motorists mind. No matter how much of a hurry you are in, passing a bus that is flashing their red lights is a huge problem. There are approximately more than a dozen children killed by motorist each year throughout the United States, while trying to get on their bus or cross the street to load it and a motorist does not stop.
So whether you are behind a bus or approaching the school bus from the front, if there are red flashing lights and/or a stop sign … stop.
Though there are times where you get behind a school bus making numerous stops and it can be bothersome if in a hurry, it is the law. Safety aside, it also makes more sense, especially in these economic times, to stop and wait, then risk paying huge fines.
A first time fine is a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $400. A driver could also faces five points on their license and possible imprisonment of 30 days in jail.
A second offense in three years is a minimum fine of $600 fine to a maximum of $750. There is also the possibility of up to 180 days in jail.
A third offense in three years carries minimum fine of $750 to a maximum of $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
Worse and most important yet is the risk of hitting or killing a child. That is something that would stick with a person for the rest of their life.
It is estimated that 50,000 motorist illegally pass a school bus each day, which would equal once per school bus throughout the state.
Because of the creative work of fourth-grade student Jenna Bull in the Starpoint Central School District, the district was chosen as one of two sites to hold a presentation on Operation Safe Stop. Bull took second place in the state for a Operation Safe Stop bumper sticker contest.
New York Association for Pupil Transportation Executive Director Peter Mannella came to the district to speak about the program on Tuesday, the day before.
On Wednesday, members of law enforcement from around the state were on board buses and in marked cars on routes that have a history of illegal passing.
Though this is an annual day to remind drivers not to pass school buses, this initiative is something that should be at the forefront of every motorists mind. No matter how much of a hurry you are in, passing a bus that is flashing their red lights is a huge problem. There are approximately more than a dozen children killed by motorist each year throughout the United States, while trying to get on their bus or cross the street to load it and a motorist does not stop.
So whether you are behind a bus or approaching the school bus from the front, if there are red flashing lights and/or a stop sign … stop.
Though there are times where you get behind a school bus making numerous stops and it can be bothersome if in a hurry, it is the law. Safety aside, it also makes more sense, especially in these economic times, to stop and wait, then risk paying huge fines.
A first time fine is a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $400. A driver could also faces five points on their license and possible imprisonment of 30 days in jail.
A second offense in three years is a minimum fine of $600 fine to a maximum of $750. There is also the possibility of up to 180 days in jail.
A third offense in three years carries minimum fine of $750 to a maximum of $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
Worse and most important yet is the risk of hitting or killing a child. That is something that would stick with a person for the rest of their life.
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