| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2026 | Contact: Beth Cefalu, Director of Strategic Communications (845) 638-5645 |
NEW CITY, NY, – As the new school year begins, the Rockland County Department of Health reminds students, parents, caregivers, and drivers to make school bus safety a priority. Following these simple steps can help keep children safe on the way to and from school.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to teach students about staying SAFE as they head back to school:
Stay back from the curb at least 10 feet, or five giant steps. Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Never run or play near the bus stop.
Always board the bus safely once the bus stops completely, the doors open, and the driver tells you it is safe to get on. Use the handrails to help prevent falls.
Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
Exit the bus safely once the bus stops completely. Take five giant steps away from the bus and out of the driver’s blind spot. Make eye contact with the driver and wait for their signal before crossing in front of the bus. Look left, right, and left again for traffic before crossing the street. Never walk behind the bus or reach under or near it.
Watch the School Bus Safety video from the New York State Department of Transportation for more information.
To further protect students, Rockland County has partnered with BusPatrol to equip school buses with stop-arm cameras – at no cost to taxpayers. These cameras detect drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Since its inception in June 2023, more than 60,000 tickets have been issued. Violators are ticketed by mail and face the following fines:
- 1st violation: $250
- 2nd violation: $275
- 3rd violation: $300 (within 18 months)
“We aim for every child to arrive at school and return home safely each day,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Parents, caregivers, and drivers all have a role to play. Teach children safe bus habits, stay alert near bus stops, and always stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Taking a few extra seconds to follow the rules can help prevent a tragedy.”
Drivers: Stay alert near school buses
- Watch for children. Pay extra attention in the morning and afternoon when students travel to and from school. Slow down in neighborhoods and school zones, and by bus stops and driveways.
- Know bus warning lights.
- Flashing amber/yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop or unload children. Slow down and get ready to stop.
- Flashing red lights and extended stop arm means the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus in both directions, and remain stopped until the lights turn off and the arm folds back in.
- Flashing hazard/yellow lights in the rear or on the bottom means the bus may be stopped for a non-student drop-off, proceed with caution.
- White strobe lights on the roof improve visibility in heavy rain, fog, snow, or dark conditions. Proceed with caution.
- Be patient. School buses make frequent stops, travel at lower speeds, and stop at railroad crossings. Give buses plenty of space and time.
- Stay focused. Put your phone away and avoid other distractions while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and watch for children.
For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.