Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is raising awareness of the startling amount of dangerous driving in school zones and around school buses. According to one study conducted by the New York Association for Pupil Transportation this past spring, there are an estimated 55,000 illegal passing of school buses per month statewide, which is more than a 48 percent increase in a five month period.

The DMV reports that there were over 47,000 tickets issued for speeding in a school zone and a fatality occurred right here in Nassau County from reckless driving. With over 90 other accidents involving injuries within a school zone, it is past time for stricter measures to be taken to protect our children.

“Too many drivers have a passive attitude when it comes to stopping for school buses and slowing down in school zones which can produce deadly consequences,” McDonough said, “Obeying traffic laws and remembering to be careful around schools and school buses is very important and I am calling on all my neighbors to be more aware of their surroundings and obey these important traffic laws that keep our children safe. The safety of our school zones and buses is all of our responsibility and I for one will do everything in my power to make sure they’re safe this school year.”

As the Chairman of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Public Safety and Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, McDonough has spearheaded such initiatives as traffic cameras and stricter reporting requirements for abuse in schools.