As students head back to school, local schools and police are teaming up to remind drivers about the need to drive safely in school zones.

"Project S.O.S - Schools Open Safely," kicked off Tuesday morning. The annual project, now in its 23rd year, is a joint effort by police, schools and the community dedicated to keeping kids safe in school zones.

Lt. Curt Dailey of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department says police will be out in force all week making sure drivers obey all laws around school zones." School zones are in effect from 7 in the morning until 6 at night. You have to pay attention to stopped school busses. Whichever side of the road you are on you have to stop," he says.

Dailey says police will have extra patrols out this week making sure drivers slow down while driving in school zones and come to a complete stop at bus stops. "There's going to be zero tolerance. A stopped school bus flashing lights means stop. If you don't stop you're going to get an expensive ticket," he says.

For more information visit the Safety Council of NY.   www.safetycouncilny.org