Senator Fuschillo’s Legislation to Enhance Safety in School Zones Signed by Governor Cuomo

New Law Prohibits U-turns in School Zones

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced today that legislation he sponsored to enhance the safety of students and parents in school zones has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The new law enhances safety for students and parents by preventing drivers from making U turns within school zones.

     “School zones are highly trafficked areas where hundreds of students and parents are often walking or driving at the same time. Prohibiting cars from making U turns in a school zone will prevent accidents and improve safety for students and parents. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this legislation into law,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

     School zones provide a buffer zone around areas in which students are more likely to be travelling on foot and in cars. The zones limit speed to provide drivers and pedestrians additional time to assess dangers. Preventing motorists from making U turns in school zones will create more predictable traffic patterns in these areas, improving safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

      “Vehicle traffic patterns in and around schools at arrival and dismissal times are stressful enough without having cars making u-turns in those areas as well. When traffic runs in a predictable manner, students, faculty, staff and parents can rely on those traffic patterns. That keeps us all safer. Senator Fuschillo's continuing concern for our schools is no surprise to me. In fact, I've come to rely on it, as well all do. Nonetheless, every so often, he deserves to hear us say "thanks" and "well done," said Jay L.T. Breakstone, Trustee of Bellmore Union Free School District and Past-President of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association.

     The new law takes effect on November 1st.