By County Executive Ed Day
As we head into a new school year, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of the most important responsibilities we share as a community: keeping children safe as they travel to and from school. Every school day, hundreds of students rely on school buses, and their safety depends on all of us following the rules of the road — especially when it comes to stopping for school buses.
As a father and former member of law enforcement, it has always boggled my mind that anyone believes their schedule is more important than a child’s safety. We teach our children to look both ways before crossing the street; adults behind the wheel should know better than to blow past a stopped school bus.
To combat this reckless behavior, Rockland County partnered with BusPatrol to launch a violator-funded program that equips school buses with stop-arm cameras at no cost to school districts or taxpayers. These cameras automatically record drivers who fail to stop when buses are picking up or dropping off students — ensuring accountability even when law enforcement officers cannot be everywhere at once.
Our Program Works — and the Numbers Prove It
• About 90% of drivers who receive a school bus stop-arm violation never receive a second one.
This shows that education and awareness truly change behavior.
• According to BusPatrol, the national average number of stop-arm violations per bus per day is 0.33 – Rockland County, is just 0.09 — a third the national average.
These numbers reflect a community that cares. Every driver who chooses to slow down, pay closer attention, and stop when a bus is loading or unloading children is doing their part to prevent tragedies.
A Simple Rule That Saves Lives
When you see the flashing red lights you must stop — from either direction — until the lights turn off and the bus begins moving again. This isn’t just a law; it’s a vital precaution to protect children who are crossing the street.
As buses roll out again this fall, let’s recommit to making Rockland County one of the safest communities for students. Your attention, patience, and willingness to follow bus-safety laws make a measurable difference.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure every child arrives at school and home safely.