Local school districts and law enforcement agencies participated in the statewide “Operation Safe Stop” initiative Thursday. P-J photo by Jordan W. Patterson

Not passing stopped school buses may seem like a no-brainer, but for schools and law enforcement a dedicated day to remind people is necessary.

Local school districts participated in the statewide initiative “Operation Safe Stop” to raise awareness about motorists passing stopped school buses while the red lights are flashing.

The Jamestown, Ellicott and Lakewood-Busti police departments all participated. Jamestown police officers followed Jamestown Public Schools buses while Ellicott and Lakewood-Busti police officers followed buses from the Southwestern Central School District.

Police officers from all three departments agreed Operation Safe Stop serves as a reminder to motorists of the risk, dangers and potential legal ramifications.

“We have to remember that when the kids are out getting off the bus they need to get home safely,” said Erik Johanson, an officer with the Jamestown Police Department.

Johanson and Officer Nate Narraway praised the safety initiative shortly before embarking on the afternoon bus run at Ring Elementary School. Sgt. Jeff Spencer with the Lakewood-Busti Police and Patrolman Marty McQuillan with the Ellicott Town Police handled the Southwestern morning bus run.

Motorists who pass stopped school buses could face fines from $250 to $1,000. First violations typically invoke the lesser fine while three violations in three years could warrant the maximum penalty. Driver’s licenses can be revoked for a minimum of six months if convicted for three violations in three years. Drivers can expect five points on their license for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus.

“Keeping our children safe on the road, whether they are traveling in a personal vehicle or getting on or off a school bus, is one of our highest priorities,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, in a statement.

Many buses have now incorporated cameras on the stop arms to record the violations and the license plates of motorists.

John Spacht, SWCS transportation supervisor, said his buses stopped with red lights flashing are passed every day. With the four-lane roadway on Fairmount Avenue, Spacht said the community may not know that they have to stop when those lights are flashing no matter the lane a motorist is traveling in.

For Maureen Donahue, SWCS superintendent, “Operation Safe Stop” has allowed school districts to raise awareness about the dangers of passing stopped school buses and the frequency it occurs.

“It only takes one (incident) and you’re not going to have somebody go home,” Spacht told The Post Journal.

In October, an vehicle almost hit two students about to cross the road in the Clymer Central School District during a morning bus route. A camera on the inside of the bus captured the events.

While the bus was stopped — with the stop arm and flashing lights engaged — two students were about to cross the road. However, the bus driver noticed a truck was approaching from behind that gave no indication it was going to stop. Instead, the truck passed the stopped bus in the opposite lane.

The Clymer bus driver began to press the bus horn to warn the two students, both of whom were about to step out in front of the vehicle.

The two students became aware of what was happening and backed away from the road. The truck was seen on video not slowing down and passing the stationary bus as the Clymer employee continued to sound the horn.

“(The Clymer incident is) a prime example,” Spacht said. “The bus driver did exactly what they should do.”

Spacht explained that students and bus drivers undergo safety training throughout the year to prepare for similar situations.

While maintaining that the school bus is still the safest method for transportation, he said vehicles unlawfully passing stopped buses, “happens all the time.”