DMV Urges New Yorkers to Slow Down Near Schools and School Buses and Obey Traffic Rules to Keep Students Safe

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is spotlighting School Bus Safety Week to remind New Yorkers to always drive carefully and slowly near schools and school buses.

Every weekday in New York State, about 2.3 million kids get on and off school buses, and an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass school buses with red lights flashing. Several recent instances caught on video show drivers recklessly speeding past a stopped school bus and nearly hitting a child getting on or off.

During the week of October 19-23, expect to see increased law enforcement patrols around schools and school buses.

“It’s up to all of us to keep school children safe as they travel back and forth to school. Flashing lights on a school bus mean stop completely,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “DMV shares Governor Hochul’s commitment to the safety of New York’s families, and we also urge parents to talk to their children, especially younger kids about how they can be safe on and around school busses. We all need to do our part to ensure every child safely gets to school and back home safely every day.”

Younger children are especially vulnerable as they have less height and visibility so are more likely to go unnoticed by drivers.

Tips for Motorists Sharing the Road with School Buses and Students

School buses make frequent stops and typically travel at slower speeds. Be patient, slow down and be prepared to stop for them.
Yellow lights mean the bus is going to stop – so slow down!
Red flashing lights mean students are getting on or off the bus, so STOP! Watch for children who cross in front of the bus when the bus is stopped.
Obey reduced speed limits near schools.
Stop at crosswalks, especially in the morning and in the afternoon.
Watch for children running to bus stops or standing by bus stops, near school buildings and where there are signs for school zones.
School buses are required to stop at railroad crossings by law, so be prepared to stop at railroad crossings if driving behind a school bus.
Be distraction-free. Never use electronic devices while driving and be sure to actively focus on the road and your surroundings.

Tips for Students

Whether walking to and from school, taking the bus or riding a bike or scooter, it is important that students know how to protect themselves. Parents or guardians should remind young children and first-time students of these important tips:

Look carefully to the left, right, and left again when crossing the street.
When waiting for a school bus, wait at the bus stop, stand away from the curb.
When getting off the bus:
- Look both ways before stepping off the bottom step.
- Take five giant steps straight out the bus door and out of the danger zone, areas around buses where the driver can’t see you.
- Make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver to signal before you cross in front of the bus.
- Never go back for anything left on the bus.
- Never bend down near or under the bus.
Your school district probably has a school bus behavior policy. Your bus driver’s number one interest is your safety, so listen to their instructions for your bus ride. Sit quietly in your seat and limit distractions.

Learn more about school bus safety and other traffic safety initiatives on DMV’s website and the GTSC website. We also encourage you to follow the DMV conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn and see what is being discussed on GTSC’s Facebook, GTSC’s X and its Instagram channel.

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