By Chiann Nobrega SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – New York school districts now have the tool to hold drivers responsible for passing school buses.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signs new legislation that allows school districts to install stop-arm cameras on school buses to ensure student safety. The cameras are installed on the stop sign that extends outward when the bus is stopped and automatically film drivers who unlawfully pass.
Theresa Kuss, the director of transportation for the Syracuse city school district, says drivers who pass stopped buses put students at risk.
“It happens daily here unfortunately,” Kuss says.
The bill does not provide costs to install the cameras, manage the video monitoring system and ensure the privacy of people who are filmed. Kuss says she does not think the price will deter the Syracuse city school district from installing the devices because it is very important.
“We are in the process of going about it,” Kuss says. “There’s many vendors out there interested in helping us out.”
Violators of the law face a $250 ticket with increased amounts for repeat offenses. The law goes into effect September 5.
