The New York Association for Pupil Transportation released the results of a 2016 survey to measure the incidence of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses. Based on its findings, the NYAPT estimated that throughout the state, school buses are illegally passed 36,857 times.
NYAPT took these numbers to the state capital in Albany on Tuesday to press for the passage of legislation that will allow cameras to be mounted on school buses. The evidence from those cameras to be used to prosecute motorists who pass stopped school buses illegally.
“This is a time for action. We need to pass legislation—this year—that will help us apprehend and ticket motorists who blow by red lights in ignorance, distraction or indifference,” said Peter Mannella, executive director of the NYAPT.
The legislation has gained support from state Sen. Catherine Young and Assemblyman William Magnarelli, with NYAPT saying in a statement that its members believe the statute would pass in both chambers if it came to a vote.
For the 74 school districts that participated in the May survey, 2,001 school bus drivers reported they were passed a total of 1,480 times, including 61 passes on the right, passenger-side of the school bus.
“It is, quite frankly, frightening,” said David Adam, president of the NYAPT.
Conducted May 18, the illegal passing rate is almost double the estimated rates from a similar survey last October, when NYAPT kicked off its monthly, one-day count.
“We are seriously alarmed at these high levels of illegal passing,” Adam said. “These numbers mean that some 37,000 motorists disregarded the law and showed a disregard for the lives of our children.”
The video below is the new message from the NYAPT about the dangers of motorists passing stopped school buses. The video contains information about school bus safety and illegal passing by motorists, as well as reasons for us to have stop-arm cameras on school buses.
