The Minisink Valley Transportation Department has joined the BusPatrol AI-Enabled Stop-Arm School Bus Safety Program and effective this school year, every bus in the district’s fleet is now equipped with cameras to catch vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses.
These AI-powered cameras capture violations, including license plates, from multiple angles, and the footage is reviewed and processed by BusPatrol before being forwarded to law enforcement for potential citation issuance. The system’s intent is to reduce illegal passing incidents and improve student safety during boarding and deboarding.
Cameras were installed at no cost to the district or taxpayers, because the program is funded by the revenue collected from violators who illegally pass a stopped school bus.
The program is powered by software and processes overseen by experienced safety professionals who coordinate with police and local officials and school districts. When a school bus is stopped with its lights and stop-arm activated, cameras capture vehicles illegally passing that bus. Through cloud computing, data is sent to trained safety experts who then review the footage and prepare evidence packages for local law enforcement agencies.
In New York State, the violation fine is $250. Subsequent violations within an 18-month period are subject to a $25 increase in the penalty, up to a maximum of $300. Ignoring the payment of a fine could result in suspension of the violator's license.
"There’s one camera in the front windshield, one front facing on the rear door side and a mounted camera system that has three cameras on the side of the bus to catch ‘three’ still shots of passing drivers, and one in the rear of the bus,” said Transportation Director Dwayne Powers. “The moment a driver ‘runs’ the reds --- which qualifies as when doors open – the cameras catch that violation and the process to issue a violation fine to the driver begins. We believe this will cause drivers to really think before they attempt to go around a stopped school bus. We know this can save lives, too.”
An important note: Cameras are positioned to capture images of the vehicle, license plate and driver. Students faces are never part of the images.
The program’s primary goal is to reduce illegal passing incidents because they pose a significant safety risk to students during bus stops.
“We’ve had instances where drivers even pass buses on the shoulder,” said Assistant Director Shawna Swaine. “There’s been instances where I quickly pull kids back onto a bus. Drivers need to understand that a flashing red light on a bus means ‘stop.’ It doesn’t matter what side of the road you’re on. Everyone needs to stop so children can get on a bus, off a bus or cross the road to get on or off the bus.”
Small numbers of district buses are always on the road over the summer months. Already, violators have been caught.
“Stopping for a stopped school bus is a critical safety requirement and the law,” said Ms. Swaine “Children who are getting on or off a bus may not always be aware of approaching traffic. Stopping ensures they can cross the road safely without the risk of being hit by a vehicle. When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, those are obvious signs to a driver that children are entering or exiting the bus. All motorists are legally required to stop, regardless of the direction of approach, so students can safely get on and off the bus.”
According to BusPatrol, 90% of violators don’t receive a second ticket.
“We want to create better motorist awareness and responsibility around school buses and children,” added Mr. Powers. “We continue to say this time and time again: Safety is this Transportation Department’s first priority…always. This program will be helpful to our fleet drivers and we want motorists to know they will be caught and issued fines if they violate the law. We hope motorists' awareness of what we’re doing serves as a deterrent and educational tool and they realize they must stop for a bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm.”
To learn more, visit: https://buspatrol.com/
