Mamaroneck Avenue School students start new school year after fatal bus crash

It's the first day back to school for one Westchester community after a mother and son were fatally hit by a car when walking to school just a few months ago.

Six-year-old Michael and his mother, Molly Murphy Donovan, were hit and killed by a mini school bus while crossing Mamaroneck Avenue at the intersection of New Street on June 20. The two were on their way to school when they were hit by a mini school bus around 8:30 a.m. Michael died on the scene, while his mother died at the hospital.

As a result, local lawmakers took action to make changes to Mamaroneck Avenue. They include:

Trees and bushes cut back

Crosswalks repainted
New signage and crossing guards added for the school year
New traffic light pattern at the New Street intersection, stopping traffic in all directions when pedestrians have the right of way
Reduced speed limit of 25 mph on Mamaroneck Avenue between the I-95 entrance and Boston Post Road

Since the roadway is county owned, lawmakers from both the village and county worked together, adding what's called an all-pedestrian phase to the traffic light at the New Street intersection.

Police: Kindergartener and mother fatally struck by mini school bus in Mamaroneck

Mamaroneck roadway undergoes safety changes after tragic accident

"When a pedestrian pushes the button, all traffic will stop for a period of time so that pedestrians can pass through they'll be no vehicle conflict," said Charles Strome, the Intermin Manager for the Village of Mamaroneck.

As News 12 previously reported, the driver of the mini school bus, Edward Jones, will not be criminally charged. He is, however, being cited for several other infractions like failing to yield to pedestrians.