A new mission called "Operation Safe Stop" started Thursday to keep kids safe at the bus stop.

Surveys conducted by New York state have found that motorists illegally pass stopped school buses 50,000 times each school day - putting children at risk as they step on and off the bus.

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee announced the operation Thursday. It is an enforcement and education campaign designed to stop drivers from illegally passing stopped school buses.

To address this issue, counties, towns, and school districts across New York state are adopting automated enforcement technology through the BusPatrol program.

Joseph Lesnick, vice president of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, says this year is the first time that law enforcement has had physical enforcement efforts supported by enforcement technology.

Bus drivers say the numbers of cars passing school buses is still high, but that it has improved since the cameras have been installed on their vehicles.

"Right now, it's better because they stop with the cameras on the bus," says Marta Guatemala.

Law enforcement throughout the state are participating. Drivers who pass school buses that are stopped and flashing their red lights will be ticketed.

The fine for passing a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years as well as jail time.