South Colonie joins the National Association for School Transportation to celebrate 2022 National School Bus Safety Week: October 17-21, 2022.
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other inte
rested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
Starting today, new technology that was recently installed on the district’s fleet of buses will issue warnings to those passing school buses illegally.
“We know how dangerous it can be for our students when drivers go around school buses when they are stopped and we are hoping that this step will encourage drivers on the road to be more considerate of their actions in regards to the children in our community,” said South Colonie Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “We are honored to be partners with Albany County and BusPatrol to lead the Capital District in implementing this technology that will only improve the safety of students but keep parents and guardians feel more confident when sending their children to school each day.”
School bus transportation plays a critical role in the education of our nation’s students and is the direct link between a neighborhood and the classroom. More than 25 million children ride the yellow bus every school day, and National School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder for students, parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety at the forefront.
“The camera technology will go live today and warnings will be issued,” said Dr.Perry “Beginning in November the warnings will be turned into tickets.”
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus in New York State. According to the New York DMV, traffic approaching from either direction must stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. The fine for a first-time violation is $250. More about this program led by Albany County Can be found here.
In observance of 2022 National School Bus Safety Week, please see these tips from NAPT to keep our children safe at the bus stop all year long: NAPT Tips For Keeping Children Safe at the Bus Stop.