South Colonie is the first school district in the Capital Region to join forces with Albany County to participate in the School Bus Safety Program.
Beginning today, drivers that illegally pass stopped South Colonie school buses with their stop arms extended will now receive a citation in the mail through stop arm camera technology attached to the buses.
“We know how dangerous it can be for our students when drivers go around school buses when they are stopped and we are hoping that this step will encourage drivers on the road to be more considerate of their actions in regard to the children in our community,” said South Colonie Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “We are honored to be partners with Albany County and BusPatrol to lead the Capital District in implementing this technology. This will improve the safety of students and keep parents and guardians feeling more confident when sending their children to school each day.”
School bus transportation plays a critical role in the education of our nation’s students and is the direct link between a neighborhood and the classroom. More than 25 million children ride the yellow bus every school day.
“The camera technology which was installed on all South Colonie school buses at the beginning of the school year will officially go live today and citations will be issued,” said Dr.Perry
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus in New York State. According to the New York DMV, traffic approaching from either direction must stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. The fine for a first-time violation is $250.
More about this program led by Albany County Can be found here.