Student Safety

I hope this letter finds you all enjoying the aftermath of Thanksgiving and looking forward to a blessed Christmas season.  I know that when we look outside it may not look like December is almost here, but it does start this week and with it, the inevitable snow will fall.

I am writing today as a matter of public service so to speak.  Over the last few months we have been receiving a good number of calls from our neighbors regarding traffic concerns in the morning and early afternoon, particularly along the Ambleside Drive entrance of the school.  Specifically the calls have mentioned cars passing parked school busses and traveling at accelerated rates of speed.  I know that there is some confusion, particularly about passing school busses on Ambleside as there is a permanent partition in the road.  I checked with Chief Deputy Steven Preisch of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department who confirmed that, under section 1174 (a) and (c) of the New York State Traffic Law it is illegal to pass a school bus if it is stopped with flashing lights regardless of a divider in the street or not.  Additionally, Chief Deputy Preisch informed me that there is a minimum fine of $250 and/or up to thirty (30) days imprisonment. 

I know that you all share my concern for the safety and wellbeing of our children so please remember that you cannot pass a school bus with lights flashing, even if there is a permanent divider in the road.  Also, please let me know if you have any concerns with something you see.  And, as always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.