An important message for National School Bus Safety Week

It's National School Bus Safety Week and the White Plains City School District reminds everyone that the safety of our children is our utmost priority – so please drive carefully and always halt for stopped school buses.

Here are five tips for parents and drivers:

• Stay clear of the “danger zone” around school buses -- any side of the bus where the driver can’t see the child and, therefore, the child is in the most danger. These areas include 10 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on either side and behind the bus.
• Yellow flashing lights means slow down and red flashing lights means stop – on both sides of the road.
• Keep an eye out for children – especially near school buses.
• Teach your children safe school bus habits, including standing several feet back from the curb before boarding, wait for the bus to fully stop and use the handrails.
• Be patient! Passing a stopped school bus is illegal.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) reports that drivers illegally pass stopped school buses more than 39 million times every year. 

The WPCSD partners with the City of White Plains and its School Bus Safety Program run through BusPatrol. All buses that transport district students are equipped with stop-arm cameras to protect our students and deter motorists from illegally passing.

“About 50,000 drivers illegally pass school buses in New York State each day. That is a staggering number, and data from BusPatrol show up to a 30% reduction in offenses year-to-year when camera enforcement is utilized,” WPCSD Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca says.

The first violation carries a $250 fine, with an additional $25 for each subsequent violation in 18 months, up to $300. All fines are issued and collected by the city, not the school district. 

Find more information on the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration website and on the National Coalition for Safer Roads website.