More than 73,000 citations were issued statewide last year to drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses, a dangerous violation that parents say they witness far too often during daily pickups and drop-offs.

Suffolk County officials are expected to announce their participation in Operation Safe Stop on Wednesday at Saxton Middle School in Patchogue. The statewide initiative focuses on improving school bus safety through a combination of public education and targeted law enforcement.

According to state officials, an estimated 50,000 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses each day across New York.

As part of the enforcement effort, police officers typically ride aboard school buses and patrol routes that have generated complaints about illegal passing. Officers then issue tickets to drivers who are caught violating the law.

The penalties can be steep. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $400, five points on a driver's license and up to 30 days in jail. Second and third offenses can carry fines of up to $1,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.

Many local residents support increased enforcement.

“I think it’s very important that they crack down. These are our children and our streets. We’re the responsible ones. It doesn’t matter how important it is to get to your destination, our children are the number one priority," said Colton Amari, Patchogue resident

Later Thursday, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County police officials are expected to address the issue in Patchogue and urge drivers to help keep students safe by obeying school bus laws.