<P> In New York State, an official estimate is that 50,000 vehicles pass stopped school buses illegally every day . However, as New York State requires traffic to stop for a school bus stopped on the opposing roadway of a divided highway, the estimate may include "New York violations" that would be legal in other states . The New York State Department of Transportation once recommended that the State Legislature exempt traffic from stopping for a school bus stopped on the opposing roadway of a divided highway, but this has not been done . </P> <P> In California, a vehicle driver approaching an intersection at which a school bus is stopped shall stop his / her vehicle at that intersection until the flashing red signal lights are no longer actuated . Supporters of this law may argue that children may dart out into an intersection, so traffic from the left and right must stop . Opponents may blame this law for being too vague (with regard to what exactly at an intersection means), non-standard and visitor - unfriendly (as compared with laws in most other places) and question how vehicular drivers can know and see if a school bus on a side road is loading or unloading, especially if buildings obstruct their vision . </P> <P> On a national basis, school bus drivers in the United States have reported a decrease in passing violators in recent years with improved warning devices . Despite an increase in traffic and school bus ridership, annual fatalities and injuries to children struck by other vehicles has decreased as well . However, it is unclear whether having reported a decrease in passing violators is due to difficulty to report or better compliance by motorists . </P> <P> When and where enforcement against violators becomes too hard, some residential streets may prohibit entry of vehicles other than school buses at certain times to effectively eliminate passing stopped school buses illegally . </P>

When do you have to stop for school bus