GOVERNOR PATAKI PROCLAIMS "OPERATION SAFE STOP DAY"
Police Crack Down on Drivers Illegally Passing Stopped School Buses

Governor George E. Pataki has proclaimed Thursday, October 12, "Operation Safe Stop Day," prompting law enforcement patrols across New York State to target motorists who fail to stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing. For a fourth straight year, police officers will accompany school buses and ticket violators as part of a statewide patrol effort.

"The need to protect young children from aggressive drivers and preventable traffic injuries is especially urgent during the school year," Governor Pataki’s proclamation reads. "Motorists should prepare to stop whenever a school bus displays flashing yellow lights, and when the bus lights flash red, vehicles must come to a complete stop, even on school grounds or divided highways."

Each school day, 2.3 million children are transported to and from school on New York State streets and highways. On each of these days, it is estimated that up to 50,000 motorists illegally pass stopped school buses.

"We cannot allow thoughtless motorists to ignore traffic laws and endanger the lives of innocent children," said State Motor Vehicle Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Richard E. Jackson, Jr. "Operation Safe Stop serves as a reminder that the rules of the road save lives."

The Operation Safe Stop campaign features police officers accompanying school buses on their normal routes to remind drivers to stop for stopped school buses, and to cite those who fail to stop. During last year’s statewide patrol, 820 motorists were ticketed for passing stopped school buses and 1,086 other motor vehicle citations were issued.

This year, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) is distributing posters publicizing the importance of showing extra caution near school buses with the message, "When the lights flash red, kids ahead." GTSC also is distributing radio and television public service announcements carrying that traffic safety message, as well as information cards about the related penalties set forth in the state Vehicle and Traffic Law.

The fine for failure to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights is $250 to $400 for a first conviction. A second conviction within three years requires a fine of $600 to $750, plus possible imprisonment up to 30 days. Third or subsequent conviction fines are $750 to $850, and up to 180 days in jail.

Operation Safe Stop is a combined education and enforcement effort of GTSC, the state Departments of Education, Motor Vehicles, and Transportation, the Division of State Police, the Association of Chiefs of Police, the New York State Sheriffs Association, the New York State Association of Pupil Transportation, the New York State School Bus Contractors Association, AAA, the New York State Parent Teachers Association, the National Safety Council, the Utica National Insurance Group, local school districts, law enforcement agencies, and many town, city and village agencies.

GTSC, comprised of 14 agencies, coordinates programs and research efforts to improve highway safety.

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