BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Highway Patrol is launching an initiative to increase safety for people who ride school buses.

The "Trooper on a Bus" program is aimed at boosting the enforcement of traffic laws on local bus routes and increasing public awareness about the dangers created by motorists who don't stop for buses when children are getting on or off.

Troopers will ride on buses to observe other motorists. If a trooper spots a traffic violation, he or she will radio the information to a trooper in a nearby squad car to make a traffic stop.

The first Trooper on a Bus effort is taking place near Alexander on Wednesday.