The Southern State is one of 10 or so limited access "Parkways" on LI, all constructed back in the 30's and all with low bridges. About once a week the cops have to pull a semi off of the Northern State Parkway. There are numerous signs at every entrance, especially heading eastbound out from NYC that say NO commercial traffic. No trucks, no buses, no trailers. This overpass was extra low at 7'7" but the majority of the overpasses are in the 10' range.
It's the responsibility of the driver to know his/her route. When I'm towing my TT in another state and see a sign that says NO TRUCKS, I heed it and follow the truck detour. It may be that the road has a low bridge, a sharp curve, is too narrow, too steep, etc.
Specific to this bus driver, looks like he followed the signs leaving JFK that led him to the Belt Parkway (which becomes the Southern State) instead of the signs for I-678 Van Wyck Expy, which would have taken him to I-495 LI Expy.
Honestly with a bus full of HS students, I am surprised nobody said anything to the driver....(not that it was their responsibility to do so). The driver probably wondered why other drivers were honking and flashing their lights at him.
