Drivers Passing School Bus Plague in Chenango Forks

Officials in the Chenango Forks School District say there is a serious problem with motorists passing school buses that are stopped to pick up or discharge students and that have their flashing lights on.

During a news conference May 11, Superintendent Lloyd Peck released video from bus cameras clearly showing cars ignoring the bus’ deployed stop sign arm and flashing lights with one situation showing a car driving by just as a child was about to cross the street.

The district said there had been five cases of vehicle passing stopped buses in the district in the past month.

In New York, the fine for passing a stopped school bus with lights activated is between $250 and $500.

The district plans to release the video to the Broome County District Attorney’s office.