ALBANY — State Motor Vehicle Commissioner Raymond P. Martinez, Chair of Governor George Pataki's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), today urged motorists to exercise caution on the state's roadways as New York's children begin the school year.

"It's back-to-school time and thousands of school buses are back on the state's roadways, transporting our children to and from school," said Commissioner Martinez. "That means many students will be walking along the side of the roads while waiting for buses. It's up to each and every motorist to exercise caution and ensure that these students safely arrive to their destinations."

According to GTSC, 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.

"Governor Pataki has emphasized that the need to protect young children from aggressive drivers and preventable traffic injuries is especially urgent during the school year," Commissioner Martinez said. "We cannot allow thoughtless motorists to ignore traffic laws and place the lives of innocent children in danger."

The fine for failure to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights is $250 to $400 for a first conviction, plus up to 30 days in jail. 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.

In early October, to help combat the problem of motorists ignoring stopped school buses, New York will hold "Operation Safe Stop Day," prompting law enforcement patrols across the Empire State to target motorists who fail to stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing. For a sixth straight year, police officers will accompany school buses and ticket violators as part of a statewide patrol effort.