Monroe County, NY
09/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2024 08:12
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello Reminds Motorists To Stop For School Buses; Violators Face Fines Under County’s School Bus Safety Program
September 4th, 2024
More than 4,700 tickets issued through School Bus Safety Program since its launch in 2023
As the new school year begins, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is issuing a critical reminder to all Monroe County motorists about the importance of stopping for school buses that are loading or unloading students. The Monroe County School Bus Safety Program, in partnership with technology provider BusPatrol, is operational on more than 575 buses across several school districts, actively monitoring for violations to ensure the safety of our children.
"Every day, thousands of children across Monroe County rely on school buses to get to and from school safely. Ensuring their safe journey is a responsibility we all share," said County Executive Bello. "The Monroe County School Bus Safety Program is in place to protect students and serve as a reminder to drivers of the importance of stopping for school buses. This isn't just about following the law-it's about doing what's right for our children and saving lives."
The Monroe County School Bus Safety Program, launched by County Executive Bello in 2023, equips school buses with stop-arm cameras to capture and enforce violations when motorists illegally pass stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing red lights. The program is now operational in the Hilton, Greece, East Irondequoit, Webster, and Monroe #1 BOCES school districts, with the technology set to come online soon in Spencerport and Pittsford. The program is funded through fines collected from violators, ensuring no cost to taxpayers or school districts.
Since its inception, the program has proven its necessity, with more than 4,700 tickets issued to drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses, putting children at risk.
"Passing a stopped school bus is not just illegal-it is dangerous and potentially deadly," continued Bello. "I urge every motorist to take this law seriously. The few seconds you might save by passing a stopped bus are not worth the risk to a child's life."
Under New York state Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm, whether approaching from the front or the rear, and regardless of the type of road. Violators caught by the BusPatrol cameras will face a $250 fine for a first offense, with escalating penalties for subsequent violations within 18 months.
All suburban school districts in the county are eligible to participate in the School Bus Safety Program. The Rochester City School District is not eligible, but has the option to initiate its own similar program with City Council approval.
For more information about the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program and the BusPatrol partnership, visit www.monroecounty.gov/school-bus-safety.