Senator Felder (D – Brooklyn) joined Senator John Bonacic (R,C,I – Mt. Hope) to pass legislation to protect school children. Senate Bill S1634 amends the vehicle and traffic law by increasing the penalties for passing a stopped school bus.
“Passing a stopped school bus can, G-d forbid, kill or seriously injure children who may be getting on or off that bus,” said Senator Felder. “We must do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our children.”
“How can it be that current law provides that an individual convicted two or more times of speeding in a construction zone is subject to sixty days suspension of his or her driver’s license, but passing a stopped school bus two or more times does not carry the same penalty,” questioned Senator Felder. “This legislation guarantees that people who put school children at such grave risk will be punished for their selfish actions. It not only creates a safer environment for our children, but also gives their parents piece of mind.”
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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12 Responses
Great what about red lights and stop signs
There is a serious problem in Brooklyn of bus drivers keeping their blinking lights on while their driving, turning and other times they are not picking up children.
This act causes drivers to disrespect school buses blinking lights and to unfortunately pass them at all times.
IT SHOULD CARRY REVOCATION OF LICENSE AND AUTOMATIC JAIL TIME!!!! I WITNESSED SOMEONE NEARLY LOSE TWO CHILDREN THIS WAY!!! ITS NOT JUST A DRIVING ERROR! ITS NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE!!! HASHEM YERACHAIM ALAINU V’YISHMERAINU!!!!!
You probably want to give parents “peace” of mind, not “piece” of mind.
Passing a stopped school bus is a serious safety issue but I have my own issues with the school buses, one there are drivers who do not use the yellow warning lights ( I have seen sometimes when the bus driver does turn on the yellows, cars will speed up and pass the bus even going over the double yellow) but also the bus is parked and the driver forgets to shut off the red flashing lights. Besides for parents who hold the bus up to talk to the driver or teacher. ( I actually drove a school bus in Borough Park for two years).
THANK You…. thank you sen.Felder
There’s got to be some respect for the community on the part of the bus drivers too!
They do NOT need to sit in front of a child’s home for 2-3 min. with flashing lights which gives us all stress and the urge to pass the bus. Compound that with the repeat occurrence 3 or four times within a single block!
Bus drivers should not open the doors and blinking lights until child is ready to board!
Also, when the bus pulls up to the sidewalk in front of school, why must all driving stop!! Why can’t cars continue?
Aren’t we also people?
If the bus operators didn’t set the flashing lights when unnecessary then adherence to its application when necessary would be more respected.
In short, apply those flashing light when needed and not without thought!
And once we’re onto this, bus drivers may not place cell phone calls while transporting children. PERIOD
What about mentioning how the school bus drivers drive? When I was stopped at a red light, I had a school bus driver drive around me and go through the red!
Is the law to stop for flashing lights or when the driver puts up the stop sign?
I recently saw a bus use the lights but not the sign even though the bus had both.
I was very confused, as most other busses I’ve seen generally use the stop sign.
#9: I suspect the stop sign wasn’t working. I think there’s one switch for both. Perhaps Chaimy or another school bus driver can verify.
mommamia, the main thing is the lights. The sign has no legal basis under the law.
Dear Senator
Police + you have a rule which ALL you
violated you all time & now want write new bill( it is political game !)
HOW MANY CAR DRIVERS WAS FINED IN YOUR DISTRICT FOR PASSING SCHOOL BUSES ?
Before make this decision I advise you come from office & stay in front of school bus when children boarding
The rule very simple
Penalties for violating NY VTL § 1174
Upon conviction, a motorist is facing upon a first conviction:
Fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $400.00 (plus a court surcharge)
5 points on your driver’s license
Potential imprisonment of up to 30 days
A major insurance merit system violation
Upon a second conviction within 3 years of a prior conviction:
Fine of not less than $600.00 nor more than $750.00 (plus a court surcharge)
5 points on your driver’s license
Potential imprisonment of up to 180 days
A major insurance merit system violation
For a third conviction within 3 years of two prior convictions:
Fine of not less than $750.00 nor more than $1,000.00 (plus a court surcharge)
5 points on your driver’s license
Potential imprisonment of up to 180 days
A major insurance merit system
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POLITICIAN :
People need REAL ACION but not FAKE REACTION