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Sheriff’s Office Reminds Drivers that Schools are Open


Published: 9/5/2013

For More Information Contact:

Captain John Watterson
(845) 486-3860

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists that schools in the Dutchess County area are now beginning to open for the year, and to please be aware that school buses and young people will once again be out on the roadways. Drivers are urged to always use caution and drive carefully, but especially this time of year when kids are coming and going from school buses and bus stops. Motorists are asked to pay close attention and remember the following:

  • Coming to a complete stop is required by law of drivers approaching a school bus with it’s red lights on. This is required when approaching from either direction and also on divided highways.
     
  • The Sheriff’s Office has a strict zero tolerance for those stopped for passing a stopped school bus, and those stopped for it will be ticketed.
     
  • Passing a stopped school bus is a serious offense in NYS, and the penalties are severe.
     
  • When the lights on the bus are yellow, it means that the bus is about to stop. In this situation drivers are advised to slow down and prepare to stop for the bus; do not try to get past the bus before it stops.
     
  • Be aware that in some cases children may be standing near the edge of the roadway waiting for the bus; drive slowly and use extra caution in these areas.

Please follow the law and use caution while out on the roadways to keep our kids safe while going to and from school. The safety of our young people depends largely on the actions of the drivers out on the roadways, and it is vital that everyone do their part to help our youth have a safe and happy school year.