Operation Safe Stop is on April 21, 2016! Did you know that an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day! During “Safe Stop,” police officers are on board school buses and in marked and unmarked patrol units on selected bus routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints.

You may be thinking what exactly are the rules about school buses? Well here you go:

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

You must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.

You must always stop for flashing red lights, even on divided and multi-lane highways and on school grounds.

The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail.
Worse yet, the memory of hitting or killing a child may be one you carry for the rest of your life!

By Conviction Minimum Fine Maximum Fine Possible Imprisonment
First Conviction $250.00 $400.00 Up to 30 days
Second Conviction (within 3 years) $600.00 $750.00 Up to 180 days
Third or Subsequent Convictions (within 3 years) $750.00 $1,000.00 Up to 180 days

So obey the School bus! Yellow flashing lights mean slow down and RED means STOP children are getting off the bus!

Stay tuned to this blog spot for the data from Operation Safe Stop and as always, DRIVE SAFE!