Deputies in Ontario County will ride behind school buses Thursday as part of a statewide effort to stop drivers from illegally passing buses with red lights flashing.
The initiative, known as Operation Safe Stop, aims to protect students during one of the most dangerous parts of their school day—getting on and off the bus. Sheriff David Cirencione said, “Operation Safe Stop is a valuable initiative that maximizes our resources to ensure the safety of children in our community. It’s an important step toward keeping our kids safe on their way to and from school.”
The enforcement push focuses on drivers who ignore the extended stop arms and flashing red lights on school buses. Such violations are not only illegal but can lead to serious injury or death for children. During the Thursday operation, Ontario County deputies will shadow local school buses on both morning and afternoon routes. Their presence is meant to deter reckless behavior and allow for immediate enforcement of traffic laws related to school bus safety.
Officials hope the visibility of the effort, combined with public education, will remind drivers of the risks and responsibilities when sharing the road with school buses.
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