In a memo sent to school administrators on March 27, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) encouraged districts to take part in a nationwide survey pertaining to motorists illegally passing school buses.

The survey is sponsored by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. The survey is designed to lead to improved safety measures, by focusing on the time when children are getting on and off buses, when they are most vulnerable to accidents. Participation is voluntary.

Data will be collected on a state-designated representative school day. On Wednesday, May 3, districts are asked to have their bus drivers, or their contracted bus drivers, use the survey form to report any instances of motorists illegally passing school buses. Drivers who have no illegal passes should also submit the form.

Survey results should be reported no later than May 31, 2017. For further information, please see the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services website.