ONONDAGA CO. -- More drivers are passing stop signs and disobeying crosswalk rules in Onondaga County.

The total number of tickets issued for passing stop signs and crosswalk violations increased by about 396 percent from August 2010 to August 2011.

This year, a total of 1,190 tickets were issued compared to the same time period last year when only 289 tickets were issued.

Onondaga County Sheriff's Office led the way issuing 787 tickets for drivers not stopping at stop signs. Almost every agency had a significant increase over the same time period last year.

A zero tolerance policy remains in effect for the violation of the month.

August is the six month of the county wide initiative. Each month, there have been drastic increases in the number of tickets issued.

This month, all law enforcement agencies will focus on speeders in school zones and drivers passing stopped school buses.

The penalties for these violations can be hefty. Speeding in a school zone can result in a fine of $90 to $1,200, not including the court surcharge, and anywhere from three to eleven points on your license. Passing a stopped school bus can result in a fine of $250 to $400 and/or 30 days in jail as well as five points on your license.

Make sure you are driving safely in school zones to keep kids safe as they head back to school.