Drivers urged to stop for school buses

PENDLETON, N.Y. (WIVB) - Wednesday, News 4 will be hitching a ride with state police as they hunt for drivers who are putting school children's lives in danger.

Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour said, “I would highly suggest, if you see those yellow lights, that you prepare to stop. Cause those red lights are going to follow.”

Wednesday, law enforcement agencies across New York State will be out in full force making sure you don’t run the red lights of a school bus , in an effort to keep kids safe.

Starpoint Central Schools Director of Administrative Services Jonathan Andrews said, “The transportation program is the first thing the kids see before they come to school, and the last thing they experience when they leave school. And certainly one of my main focuses is to get the children here safe, and get them home safe.”

Officials estimate that 50,000 motorists pass school buses illegally each day, mostly because drivers are not paying attention.

Andrews said, “That's what tends to happen. They are not paying attention because they are talking on a cell phone or they are late for work, and the school bus in a hindrance to them.”

Officials want you to remember that these are children, and there is no other precious cargo in the world.

Executive Director of New York State Association for Pupil Transportation Peter Mannella said, “They get on that bus everyday, mom and dad let them go to school, and the idea that that bus will get them there safely.”