Why this season needs extra attention
When school starts, mornings get busy: more kids at crosswalks, more school-bus stops, and crowded drop-off lanes. Even with Vision Zero progress—the City reported the lowest traffic deaths on record in the first half of 2025, down 32% from 2024—everyday prevention around schools is still essential so your child gets to and from class safely. (NYC DOT – Vision Zero, 2025).
What New York law says (and how it protects your child)
Stop for the school bus.
Across New York State, you must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the STOP arm is out, no matter your direction or the type of road; wait until the bus moves again or the driver signals you to proceed. (NYS DMV).
School-zone speed cameras (24/7).
In NYC, school-zone speed cameras operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and issue violations only when a driver exceeds the posted limit by more than 10 mph—the aim is to prevent the high-speed driving that makes crashes more severe near schools. (NYC DOT – Automated Speed Enforcement Program Report).
What’s working in NYC right now (with local data)
Less speeding, fewer injuries.
City data show a 94% drop in speeding violations at camera locations since the program began, and on corridors where cameras were added in 2022 there’s been a 14% reduction in injuries and fatalities compared with similar locations without cameras. (NYC DOT speed-camera report / press release).
All-day protection.
Expanding enforcement to 24/7 has sustained safety gains at night and on weekends—times that historically see more severe crashes. (NYC DOT speed-camera report).
Safe Routes to School (SRTS).
A peer-reviewed NYC study found that areas with SRTS engineering upgrades saw a 44% drop in school-age pedestrian injuries during school-travel hours, while areas without the upgrades showed no meaningful change. (Columbia University /Pediatrics).
Quick checklist for families
Before leaving home
- Practice look left–right–left and making eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- If your child bikes or skates: a properly fitted helmet and reflective/high-visibility gear.
- Choose the safest route (marked crosswalks and signals), even if it takes a few extra minutes.
When driving near schools
- Obey posted limits and yield to pedestrians and crossing guards; remember that cameras ticket drivers who go >10 mph over the limit. (NYC DOT speed-camera report).
- No distractions—put the phone away, even while stopped at a red light.
- Anticipate turning conflicts and door openings in drop-off zones.
If your child uses the school bus
- Children should wait until the bus is fully stopped and the driver signals before approaching.
- Never cross behind the bus; if crossing in front, leave a safe distance and follow the driver’s signal. (NYS DMV).
What to do if an accident happens
- Health first: seek medical care immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Document everything: photos of the scene, signage, vehicles, and witness contacts.
- Notify the school and, where appropriate, file a police report.
- Contact an NYC injury lawyer promptly—deadlines can be strict, especially if a public entity is involved.
In New York City, 24/7 school-zone speed cameras and Safe Routes to School have measurable safety benefits for kids and families. Following the school-bus stop-arm law, cutting distractions, and planning safer routes can make every morning run calmer—and safer. If the unexpected happens, early legal guidance can protect your rights and your family’s recovery. (NYC DOT; Columbia/Pediatrics). NYCPubMed
our family at Helen Dalton is here to help yours. Schedule a free, confidential call with our team to understand your rights. We speak Spanish and are ready to listen.
