Monsey School Bus Accident Is a Painful Reminder to Put Children’s Safety First

Michele Mirman | Accident | July 13, 2026

A terrible crash in Monsey has left a family and a community grieving after a 7-year-old girl was struck and killed by a school bus while crossing Blauvelt Road.

This school bus accident is an unimaginable tragedy for the child’s family and everyone who knew and loved her.

There are no words that make something like this easier. Every parent understands the fear behind this kind of news. We cannot raise children without placing their lives, every day, in the hands of other people — bus drivers, motorists, schools, caregivers, crossing guards, strangers at intersections, and every driver who passes through a neighborhood where children live and walk.

And the truth is that motor vehicles are one of the greatest dangers children face.

Children are small. They are harder to see. They move quickly. They misjudge distance and speed. They may think a driver sees them when the driver does not. That is why adults — especially drivers — carry the greater responsibility.

If you drive a bus, a van, a carpool, or any vehicle with children nearby, safety cannot be routine.

It must be deliberate.

Slow down near schools, camps, playgrounds, houses of worship, and residential streets. Drive as close to the center of the street as possible. Check mirrors frequently. Look before turning. Look again before moving from a stop. Never assume a child has cleared the front, rear, or side of a vehicle. Be especially careful at blind spots. Do not rush because you are behind schedule. A few seconds can save a life. Buses transporting children must have an adult on board to supervise the children so drivers can devote themselves to driving. And most important, be present. Turn off the radio. Put the phone away. Tired? Overworked? Distracted? Angry? Sick? Don’t drive.

For parents and caregivers, the lesson is painful but important: teach children to make eye contact with drivers when they can, to wait for a clear signal, and to avoid crossing directly in front of or behind a vehicle unless they are sure the driver sees them. But we must be honest — children do not carry this burden. Adults must drive as if a child could appear at any moment.

A school bus accident like this raises serious questions about what happened, whether proper safety procedures were followed, and what can be done to prevent another tragedy.

These cases are not just about legal responsibility. They are about answers, accountability, and preventing the same tragedy from happening to another family, to another community.

Our hearts are with the Monsey family and everyone mourning this child.

We are here for you. Contact us at mirmanlawyers.com or call us at 212-227-4000.