Senator Kemp Hannon wants to remind drivers of the importance of school bus safety laws that protect our school children.

Each day, over 45,000 school buses transport more than two million New York children over one million miles of highways and local streets with an impressive record of safety. New York's record of school bus safety is among the best in the nation, due in part to tough safety standards the legislature has enacted.

This ongoing effort has resulted in several recently enacted school bus safety laws, including measures which require school buses to operate with headlights and taillights illuminated at all times of day or night, whether passengers are on board or not. The laws authorize the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to deny a registration or renewal application to a school bus operator if DMV officials believe such an application is intended to circumvent a previous suspension listed in a different company name.

Expand the Commissioner of Transportation's power to regulate the safety of all motor vehicles transporting passengers under the age of 21 from school and community residences to approved school programs. Require the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the State Education Department, to implement a program to educate motorists about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus, as well as alert them to penalties for such violations. Disqualify from operating a school bus, an individual whose license has been revoked or suspended for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in or out of state.

Drivers should slow down when they see a school bus with flashing yellow lights. State law requires drivers to stop when the red lights on a school bus are flashing, even if the bus is in the parking lot of a school. If the school bus driver waves you on, it is safe to proceed. When going in the opposite direction, drivers should stop at least 20 feet from a school bus to allow children to cross the road safely. Drivers who fail to stop when a school bus has its red lights on face costly penalties and even can land in jail.