CARMEL- When children in Putnam County return to school in September there will be an extra set of eyes watching out as they cross the road to board the school bus. County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that the county has launched a new bus safety program with BusPatrol America to mount stop sign cameras on school buses to deter motorists from passing stopped school buses.
According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass school buses in New York every day. The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus carries a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, and up to 30 days in jail.
The agreement between the county and BusPatrol allows all six school districts in the county to mount stop arm cameras on their school buses. Video is captured of motorists passing stopped school buses and transmitted to law enforcement. The entire cost of the program is paid for by fines issued to violators.
“The safety of our kids’ is always going to be a priority. The opportunity to implement a program at no cost to taxpayers that protects students made this an obvious partnership to develop,” said Byrne. “We are taking proactive steps to protect our children and hold irresponsible drivers accountable for their actions.”
