Gloucester County Public Schools partnered with the county Sheriff’s Office to install license plate cameras on school buses to detect drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
“At Gloucester County Public Schools, the safety of our children is a top priority. Earlier this month, the National Association of State Director of Pupil Transportation (NASDPTS) announced the rate of school bus illegal passing is at an ‘epidemic level,’ with motorists illegally passing stopped school buses an estimated 41.8 million times a year. Over time, this safety initiative seeks to curb dangerous driving behavior around school buses,” the district said in a October 19 letter to parents.
The technology is provided by BusPatrol, and doesn’t cost the district or tax payer money; fines from citations pay BusPatrol. The technology platform uses artificial intelligence and includes cameras, recording and storage devices, and GPS and LTE connections. Newport News Public Schools and Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools already use the program.
“Stop–arm cameras identify illegal passersby license plate number. Tickets are issued to a vehicle’s registered owner unless the automobile is proven stolen during the time of the offense. If someone other than the vehicle’s owner was driving at the time, the owner can request a transfer of liability,” a Gloucester FAQ states.
First-time violations cost $250.
“Data from other safety programs demonstrates that 98 percent of first–time offenders do not receive a second ticket, and 95 percent of drivers do not contest their ticket after seeing video evidence of their violation,” the FAQ states.
According to a BusPatrol press release, drivers headed in either direction must stop for stopped buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs or whenever the bus is loading or unloading passengers and remain stopped until the bus moves and everyone is clear. Drivers do not have to stop if the bus is on the other side of a median, but they should be prepared for students to cross into their lane.
BusPatrol Founder Jean Souliere said in the release, “Every day, thousands of motorists illegally pass stopped school buses and endanger the safety of children. Our program is proven to reduce illegal passings by up to 30 percent. We are proud to join forces with Gloucester County Public Schools to help make roads safer for students.
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “School Bus” Mackenzie Ryder.
