An estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every school day. First Student joins a statewide effort to reduce that number and promote student safety during Operation Safe Stop on April 27.
Law enforcement officers from across New York State will be targeting and ticketing drivers who pass stopped school buses. First Student provided data on bus routes that have a high number of illegal passing complaints, allowing officers to focus their efforts.
“School buses are the safest way to get to and from school. However, students face an increasing danger when entering and exiting the bus,” said Faye Stevens, First Student region safety manager. “There is no excuse for passing a stopped school bus. When motorists disobey the law, they put students at risk. Working together on Operation Safe Stop, we hope to prevent injuries and save lives.”
The First Student locations participating in Operation Safe Stop include:
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In New York State, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. The lights mean the bus is picking up or dropping off students. Motorists traveling in either direction are required to stop for flashing red lights, even on divided and multi-lane highways and on school grounds.
Officers from nearly 100 participating police agencies ticketed more than 850 drivers in 2016 during Operation Safe Stop. Motorists who illegally pass a school bus can be fined up to $400 for a first-time offense.
Operation Safe Stop is supported by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Education Department, the student transportation industry and local law enforcement agencies.