Thousands In New York State Will Break This Law

It is National School Bus Safety Week and across New York State, police agencies are reminding drivers of the need to be alert and aware of the traffic laws pertaining to busses.

The fall routine is underway and the weather is starting to change here in New York State. As the days get shorter, it becomes more important that ever to yield to busses, especially when the lights are flashing.

We spoke with the Erie County Clerk, Mickey Kearns about school bus saftey.

How far from a bus should your vehicle be from a bus with the red lights on? According to the law:

Motorists must stop their cars at least 20 feet away from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

According to an email sent to us from Erie County Clerk, Mickey Kearns, there are very specific rules about a divided highway and what to do when a school bus stops in New York State.

When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus: on a two-lane road, on multi-lane highways, or on divided highways.