Introduction | Programs & Solutions | FAQs | Safety Tips for Drivers |
| October 20 - 24, 2008 is National School Bus Safety Week Friday, October 24, 2008 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in New York State. |
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School Bus Safety |  |
New York Legislators Announce School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
On April 5, the New York Senate adopted a resolution declaring October 24, 2008, School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.
The resolution was sponsored by Senator William Larkin, who sponsored similar resolutions in the past two years, and co-sponsored by 21 other state senators.
Recognizing school bus drivers for the safe transportation of more than 2 million children to school each day in New York, the resolution will be transmitted to Governor David Paterson.
The resolution also affirms the tremendous responsibility required to serve as a school bus driver. It notes that drivers ensure children are met by an adult at their bus stop or returned to school, and that drivers play a part in the fight against terrorism by reporting suspicious activity or people seen on their bus routes.
School bus driver Maureen Moore initially contacted Larkin about designating School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and has continued to work with his office in drafting the resolutions.
"The fact that so many other New York senators realized what an important job school bus drivers perform every day makes our day even more special," Moore said.
The appreciation day will be held during School Bus Safety Week.
Operation Safe Stop is a program that seeks to educate the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus.
Operation Safe Stop School Bus Safety Message
| According to New York State law, any child under 4 years of age, must be in a federally approved child safety seat, even if the child is riding in a school bus. See section 1229-c. (11) of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law. |
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What is the law regarding seat belt use on school buses?
New York State's school bus seat belt law requires all school buses manufactured after July 1, 1987 to be equipped with seat belts. New York State does not currently mandate seat belt use on school buses, but rather, leaves the a decision to each school district.
If you are unsure whether or not the use of seat belts on school buses is mandated by your locality, check with you school board.
Are children under the age of four required to be restrained in a car seat while riding on a school bus?
Yes. The law states that children under the age of four must be restrained in a federally approved car seat while riding on a school bus [Section 1229-c(11), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
Is advertising allowed on school buses?
Yes, but only in New York City.
Placards may be placed on school buses, subject to the following guidelines:
- The physical aspects of the placard are set in Motor Vehicle Regulations, Section 56.11. One placard, no larger than 2 feet by 6 feet, can be placed on the right side of the bus.
- The content of the poster must have a highway safety theme.
- By policy, the placards must be made of adhesive vinyl and meet other content requirements.
- The placards may be done in conjunction with commercial sponsorship. The revenue from the placement is subject to local school district and transportation provider agreements.
- The regulations require the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to approve the posters.
What is "Operation Safe-Stop"?
Operation Safe-Stop is a law enforcement and education initiative addressing the problem of motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses. This ongoing program takes a two-pronged approach, coordinating enforcement activities and public information efforts to target drivers who violate the law and to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing is both illegal and dangerous to the students who ride school buses. [Section 1174, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]
- Kids School Bus and School Zone Safety Page
- Back to School Safe Driving Tips
- NYS Education Department Pupil Transportation Services Unit
General School Bus Safety:
- School Bus Safety Page at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- National Association for Pupil Transportation
- New York Association for Pupil Transportation
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