Raymond P. Martinez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), proclaimed today, Thursday, October 10th, "Operation Safe Stop Day" on behalf of Governor George E. Pataki, 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 sixth straight year, law enforcement agencies will accompany school buses and ticket violators as part of the statewide patrol effort.

In addition to the proclamation, Commissioner Martinez announced that the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) recently was granted $20,000 to assist the organization with its efforts to reduce the number of motorists passing stopped school buses.

"The need to protect young children from aggressive drivers and preventable traffic injuries is especially urgent during the school year," Governor George E. 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. In the last four years in New York State, motorists passing stopped school buses hit 35 students.

"We cannot allow thoughtless motorists to ignore traffic laws and endanger the lives of New York's school children," said Commissioner Martinez. "Operation Safe Stop serves as a reminder to all motorists that passing stopped school buses is a serious violation, punishable by fines and imprisonment."

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

New York State Police Superintendent James McMahon, said, "Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority for law enforcement. A visible police presence will help serve as a safety reminder and deterrent to motorists who fail to exercise good judgment when encountering a school bus."

Scott Goble, NYAPT President, said, "It is vitally important that the public understand how very dangerous it is to pass a stopped school bus. Children cross the street to get onto or get down from their school bus believing that they are safe from harm. We cannot keep that assurance of safety without cooperation and understanding from the men and women who share the roads with our school buses."

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, more than 800 motorists were ticketed for passing stopped school buses and another 1,000 other motor vehicle citations were issued.

Albany County Sheriff James Campbell, said, "Each year in Albany County, hundreds of motorists illegally pass stopped school buses. Law Enforcement has a 'Zero Tolerance' attitude towards those who ignore traffic laws, especially those who endanger our children."

Operation Safe Stop is a combined education and enforcement effort of GTSC, the state Departments of Education and Motor Vehicles, 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, local school districts, law enforcement agencies, and town, city and village agencies.

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