Pay Attention and Follow the Law Promoting Safety Through Education and Enforcement
The safest way to transport children to and from school is by school bus. In fact, students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA).
However, while buses are loading and unloading students, kids become vulnerable to injury. This is largely due to an increasingly high incidence of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses. According to the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT), it is estimated that 50,000 motorists pass stopped school buses with red lights flashing statewide each school day.
Taking Action
Efforts to Improve School Bus Safety
Operation Safe Stop
Operation Safe Stop is an education and enforcement program to create awareness about the dangers of passing stopped school buses. This year, Operation Safe Stop Education and Enforcement Day took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
School Bus Safety Week
Every October, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, along with state and local safety partners, participate in National School Bus Safety Week. The goal is to engage parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
Legislation, Tickets, and Fines
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is not involved with the drafting or enforcement of legislation. We do not collect fines or process appeals for violations of passing a stopped school bus. For any ticket-related issues or concerns, please contact the law enforcement agency responsible for issuing the ticket or if it is in regards to stop-arm cameras, contact your local municipality or school district.