Operation Safe Stop event provides reminders to drivers

Did you know?
Surveys show as many as 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day.
Passing motorists are the second leading cause of school transportation student fatalities.

The North Syracuse Central School District's Transportation Department recently held an "Operation Safe Stop" media event in conjunction with the Onondaga County Traffic Safety Advisory Board and numerous law enforcement agencies, This state-supported effort aims to remind drivers about driving safely around school buses.  

TIPS FOR SHARING THE ROAD WITH SCHOOL BUSES:

• Remember buses make frequent stops. Be prepared to stop for them.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing on the right or left.
• Watch for children who cross in front of the bus when the bus is stopped.
• Look for children at bus stops and those running to bus stops.
• By law school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings.

PENALTIES FOR ILLEGALLY PASSING STOPPED SCHOOL BUSES WITH ITS RED LIGHTS FLASHING ARE:

• First Conviction: $250 - $400/5 points/Up to 30 days imprisonment
• Second Conviction (within 3 Years): $600 - $750/5 points/Up to 180 days Imprisonment
• Third or subsequent Convictions (within 3 Years): $750 - $1,000/5 points/Up to 180 days Imprisonment