Surveys conducted by the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) in partnership with the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee show that approximately 50,000 motorists illegally pass school buses statewide each school day.

NYS law says you must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear. You must always stop when the school bus displays flashing red lights, even on divided and multilane highways and on school grounds.

Operation Safe Stop is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and the arm is down. All traffic from both sides must stop at least 20 feet before a stopped bus on all roadways, including divided and multilane highways.Yellow lights mean the bus is going to stop — so slow down. Red lights mean students are getting on or off the bus — so stop.

The Clarkstown Police Department will be out in force and issuing tickets to drivers who illegally pass school buses this week as part of this awareness event.

Penalties per 1174a NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law

• 1st Offense: fine of $250 to $400, five license points and the possibility of 30 days in jail.

• 2nd Offense: fine of $600 to $750 fine and up to 180 days in jail

• 3rd Offense or more: fine from $750 to $1,000, a mandatory driver's license revocation, and up to 180 days in jail

“Our drivers report incidents of cars passing our stopped buses on a regular basis,” says CCSD’s Director of Transportation Russ Carrasquillo. “It is so dangerous and a threat to our students’ safety. We ask everyone to please drive safely and stop when you see the flashing lights.”