V’nishmartem Meod L’Nafshoseichem:                 A MUST WATCH! School Bus Safety Video

With the new school year opening up this week we urge all Drivers, Parents and Kids to watch this video, and read the safety tips!

Safety Tips: A Must for Everyone!

For Children:
• Do Not approach the bus until it comes to a full, complete stop and the door / stop sign is open.
• When you get off the bus, take five giant steps away from the bus, out of the danger zone.
• Cross in front of the bus, and make sure the bus driver can always see you.
• Never Never go back for anything.
• Never bend down near or under the bus.
• Never walk behind the bus, even when the bus is not in motion.

For Parents:
• Please go over the above rules with your children.
• Assure your children that you won’t get mad if they do not go back onto the bus for anything they may have left behind.
• Instruct your children to never look for school work they may have dropped under or near the bus.
• Make sure all drawstrings on backpacks and clothing are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings and / or aisles.
• Please be waiting outside Five minutes before bus’ arrival, do not wait until you hear the bus honk. If you are late, the bus cannot wait for you. Your friends are also waiting at the other stops. Routinely using the horn to alert children that the bus has arrived is not its proper use. Honking the horn is to be used as a danger signal to warn students that a car is approaching.
• According to the law, there is absolutely no eating or drinking on buses due to choking hazards (as has happened in the past). It is advisable not to send any food on the bus. If need be, please send food in a closed, sealed bag and advise your child that it should only be opened once she reaches school.

Parents Be Advised: The driver of a vehicle overtaking from either direction, even on divided or multi-lane roads, any school bus with its red lights flashing and / or stop sign arm out will be fined. Passing a stopped school bus is a 5 point violation, plus a $250.00 fine, for a first time offender!!

Remember, the drivers have nothing against you and are looking out for the safety of their passengers!!! Please work together with them to insure a safe, smooth ride to and from school!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe summer,

The Bus Drivers

DID YOU KNOW:

An estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day.
In the last 5 years 35 students were hit by motorists in New York State passing stopped school buses. Two students were killed.

THE LAW SAYS:

It is illegal – and very dangerous – to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights located on top of the bus are flashing. Flashing lights mean the bus is picking up or discharging students.
You must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.
You must always stop for flashing red lights, even on divided and multilane highways and on school grounds.
The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 fine, 5 points on your license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail.
Worse yet, the memory of hitting or killing a child may be one you carry for the rest of your life!

PENALTIES FOR PASSING A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS:

First Conviction you will get a minimum $250.00 fine and a maximum $400.00 fine, and it is punishable by up to 30 days Imprisonment.

Second Conviction (within 3 years) you will get a minimum $600.00 fine and up to $750.00 fine, and it is punishable by up to 180 days Imprisonment.

Third or Subsequent Convictions (within 3 years) you will get a minimum $750.00 and up to $1,000.00 fine, and it is punishable by Up to 180 days Imprisonment.

REMEMBER:

Yellow lights mean the bus is going to stop. Slow down!

Red lights mean students are getting on or off the bus.

STOP! STOP! STOP!

The goal of Operation Safe Stop is to proactively educate motorists about the dangers of passing stopped school buses.