SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Police departments across the state are cracking down on drivers speeding in school zones. As part of Operation Safe Stop, departments like North Syracuse are paying extra attention to school zones, looking out for people speeding, passing school buses and ignoring students at crosswalks.

Police said they enforce these laws all year round, but having a zero-tolerance day like this makes people realize the importance of being patient around school buses and in school zones.

"Leave earlier, take your time, if you're a minute late, you're a minute late. Would you rather kill a child or be a minute late to work? I mean, weigh the consequences here. Pay attention when you're driving. Like I said, the school buses are yellow and they're yellow for a reason," said Jeff Tripp, officer at North Syracuse Police Department.

Police said the fines for passing a school bus can range from $250 to $750. Fines for speeding in a school zone start at $90 and can get up to almost $300 depending on how fast you're going.