Car In Upstate New York Barrels Past Bus, Almost Hitting Young Boy

Aside from police cars, School Busses are probably the one vehicle I am constantly staying aware of on the road. These things are packed with people, and one wrong move could land you in a heap of trouble.

Read More: Saratoga Cty. Sherriff: Clifton Park Teenager Reported Missing

One Upstate New York man is learning that the hard way...

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Ignoring the Law

In March of 2026, disaster almost struck in New Baltimore, NY, just 25 minutes south of Albany. A school bus was making a regular stop, letting a 12-Year-Old boy off at his driveway at the end of a school day.

As he was exiting the bus, a driver decided they'd ignore every rule of the road and blaze past the side of the stopped bus, coming inches away from hitting the child. The driver is now facing multiple misdemeanors and felonies, such as first-degree reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless driving.

What to Know About Passing School Busses

You likely assume you're following the rules of the road, but sometimes we can forget. Rules of driving near a school bus are very strict, carrying massive penalties if broken.

The best way to stay safe near them is to stay alert at any given time. Make sure you're coming to a complete stop at last 20 feet behind a stopped bus, and do not pass a stopped bus for any reason whatsoever (we saw what happens when you don't). Traffic is required to stop in both directions to protect children crossing the street at their stop.

If you're ever in doubt, remember:

• Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop and unload children
• Flashing red lights mean the bus is currently stopped and unloading children.