Shocking New Video Captures Drivers Passing School Buses in Orange County, NY

Orange County officials are sounding the alarm after releasing a new video that shows just how dangerous it’s become for kids getting on and off school buses.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, along with the Orange County Department of Emergency Services, has released a public safety video highlighting drivers who are illegally passing stopped school buses across Orange County, NY.

Drivers Passing Stopped School Buses in Orange County, NY

The video (below), which was released this week, is part of the County’s ongoing School Safety Program and features real footage captured by cameras mounted on the outside of school buses. The cameras, which are in place to catch drivers who ignore the stop sign and flashing red lights while children are entering or exiting the bus, are in place to protect kids.

“Protecting our children is a top priority, and this initiative adds a critical layer of safety for our children on their daily ride to and from school,” said Neuhaus. “This technology allows us to hold reckless drivers accountable and sends a clear message that the safety of our kids is non-negotiable. We urge every motorist to stay alert, slow down, and stop whenever a school bus has its red lights flashing."

School Bus Cameras in Orange County

Right now, more than 1,000 school buses across 14 Orange County school districts are equipped with these enforcement cameras, including:

• Newburgh Enlarged City School District
• Middletown City School District
• Washingtonville Central School District
• Kiryas Joel Village Union Free School District
• Warwick Valley Central School District
• Greenwood Lake Union Free School District
• Goshen Central School District
• Monroe-Woodbury Central School District
• Valley Central School District
• Minisink Valley Central School District
• Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District
• Port Jervis City School District
• Cornwall Central School District
• Pine Bush Central School District

Orange County School Bus Video

The video, which has been shared across the County's social media platforms, is not only eye opening its a bit disturbing.

As you can see in the video, there were a few really close calls that could have easily ended in tragedy.

School Bus Law in New York

Under New York State law, drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, no matter which direction they’re traveling. Each violation captured by these cameras resulted in a $250 fine issued directly to the vehicle owners for a first offense.

But for county officials, this isn’t just about tickets.

Emergency Services Commissioner Peter Cirigliano said the number of violations and close calls involving children is “difficult to comprehend.” He added that many drivers simply aren’t paying attention, and the goal of the program is to retrain motorists to slow down and stay focused whenever they see a school bus.

County officials are hoping that by releasing this video, it will help to educate drivers and prevent a tragedy before it happens.