Operation Safe Stop is a statewide campaign to educate motorists about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus. This event takes place in October. Many elected officials, school district members, fire and ambulance staff, along with New York State Troopers and Monroe County Sheriffs come to support the efforts of improving the safety of our students. Did you know: 

Every school day in New York state, up to 50,000 motorists illegally pass school buses stopped with their red lights flashing. Each year throughout the state, students are struck by vehicles passing stopped school buses with flashing red lights. Many of those students are seriously injured; some are killed. The law states:

• It is illegal for motorists to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights located on top of the bus are flashing. Flashing red lights mean the bus is picking up or discharging students.

• Motorists going in both directions must always stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing, even on school grounds or on divided or multi-lane highways.

• Motorists must always stop when a school bus’ red lights are flashing, whether approaching the bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.

• A first-time penalty for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 fine, five points on your driver’s license, and/or 30 days in jail.

Please help do your part! Thank you!