As everyone is aware, schools open this week, so we urge drivers to be especially careful in the hours when the school buses are on the roads. Child pedestrians do not always act the way drivers expect, so be especially careful in the vicinity of schools and bus stops.

And in case anyone needs reminding, it is illegal to pass a school bus from either direction while its red lights are flashing. According to the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass a stopped school bus each day. In the past five years, 35 students have been hit and two were killed by motorists passing stopped school buses.

Even if a motorist doesn't harm anyone, the penalties for passing stopped school buses are onerous. For a first conviction, a motorist will receive a fine of $250 and five points on the driver insurance, and possibly up to 30 days in jail.

Be Aware - Drive With Care

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On the front page this week is an announcement of a fun poll to choose Nassau County's official bird. As might be expected, Garden City's own Rob Alvey is involved in the effort. Those interested in casting a vote can do so online at www.nassaucountyny.gov/bird/vote.php

The candidates are the tree swallow, the osprey and the American oystercatcher. (We were sorry the red-tailed hawk didn't make the list. You can see hawks hovering over the parkway or roosting on the light poles if you look.) Unlike other elections in the County, this one should prove to be less contentious than usual (although there are a surprising number of folks who feel passionately about birds in Garden City).

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Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher