***Editor’s Note: Link to video found https://youtu.be/IbafM0pI774 click here.

Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) applauds the State Assembly’s passage of A.4950B on Monday, May 13. The bill allows photo monitoring systems to be displayed on swinging stop signs on the sides of school buses, and would catch drivers who fail to stop when students are getting on and off their school bus. Under current law, a ticket for illegally passing a stopped school bus that is displaying a red stop sign can only be issued by a police officer that witnessed the violation. This bill would enforce existing law and prevent future injuries and deaths of children.

“Passing stopped school buses that display stop signs is illegal and extremely dangerous to children being transported to and from school every day,” said Byrnes. “It is estimated that 50,000 drivers pass school buses illegally in New York every day, and we cannot allow this alarming statistic to continue. This meaningful piece of legislation will enforce existing law and, most importantly, protect our children.”

On Thursday, May 2, Byrnes attended an event at East Irondequoit High School highlighting Operation Safe Stop Education and Enforcement Day. Operation Safe Stop is an initiative aimed at promoting school bus safety. Law enforcement across the state participated by riding in school buses, and driving in marked and unmarked patrol vehicles on bus routes that typically experience illegal passing. The event included a scenario of a student almost hit by a vehicle after getting off a school bus.

“Regardless of whether you are late to get to your destination, it is not worth a child’s life. Slow down, be alert and stop for school buses,” said Byrnes.