Data shows that an estimated 50,000 drivers throughout New York State illegally pass stopped school buses on a single school day. Reducing school bus stop-arm violations will significantly contribute to student and school bus safety in and around the Fairport Central School District. The automated camera system serves as a deterrent and education tool for motorists considering breaking the law and passing a stopped school bus. 
  
While enforcement and education are critical in helping to change behavior, current models and legal frameworks in most states require that police officers catch motorists passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing to issue a citation.But with thousands of school buses on the roads each day, conventional methods are not enough to effectively enforce the law to control these violations across the country. In addition, this program permits local law enforcement officers to focus their energies on other high-priority tasks. 
  
The School Bus Safety Program will provide data to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to make informed decisions on school bus safety. The stop-arm violation data can also be leveraged by local law enforcement to add a physical presence to school bus stops with higher rates of infractions. 

FCSD’s school bus fleet has been outfitted with cameras to enforce safety laws when they’re out on the road. When a school bus is stopped with its lights and stop-arm activated, the cameras capture incidents involving vehicles illegally passing the bus. 

Through cloud computing, data is sent to trained safety experts, who then review the footage and prepare evidence packages for MCSO. By coupling technology-based enforcement with education and public safety campaigns, motorists learn how to adjust their behavior around school buses and children.  

This school bus safety tool has been deployed across FCSD’s entire school bus fleet at no cost to taxpayers or the District. The violator-funded safety program handles the procurement, installation, management and maintenance of the safety technology.

Photo enforcement cameras identify illegal passers by 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.
  
In most states, a first-time stop-arm violation carries a fine of $250. In New York state, subsequent violations within an 18-month period are subject to a $25 increase in penalty, up to a maximum of $300. 
  
For more information about violation tickets and the technology behind stop-arm cameras, please visit Monroe County’s School Bus Safety Program website.

In the run-up to the program launch, the Fairport Central School District is executing a community education and awareness campaign. The program will be preceded by a 30-day warning period, during which BusPatrol will issue warning letters to drivers who fail to stop for school buses with no monetary penalty.

When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus:  

• on a two-lane road  
• on multi-lane highways  
• on divided highways  

 
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.   
  
Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading children. Stop your vehicle and wait until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the driver or police officer to proceed. Visit the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more about school bus safety protocols.

School buses are unlike other vehicles. They have bigger blind spots, take longer to stop and need more room to maneuver than a standard vehicle. Buses should be treated differently than you would treat an average-sized vehicle. Drivers need to know how to react to a school bus in operation.  
  
When you encounter a school bus: 

• Slow down. School buses make frequent stops, so be patient and drive at a reasonable speed. Remember, school buses are required by law to stop at railroad crossings in addition to picking up and dropping off students. 
• Be alert. Always be aware of children and parents waiting at a school bus stop or perhaps running to catch the bus before it departs. 
• Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.  
• Be extra careful to look around before moving your vehicle, as children may be walking in front of, behind or on the side of school buses. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks and behind parked cars.  

Families: You should discuss transportation conduct and safety rules with your children and share the safety tips below.  

• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives.  
• To ensure your children are visible at the bus stop, consider purchasing reflective clothing for them to wear.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb and wait away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus. 
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (ten feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the driver can see you and you can see the bus driver. 
• Use the handrails to avoid falling. Be careful that clothes with drawstrings and bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.  
• Never walk behind the bus.  
• After you get off the bus, walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.  
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.  
• Students can only embark or disembark at their designated stop.  
• If something does not look right at the bus stop, say something by calling 585-421-2025 or 911.

Important safety tips for children to learn and remember

• Check before you step.  
• I see the driver. The driver sees me.  
• Wait for the driver's signal to cross.  
• Look left, right and left again.  
• Use a backpack or book bag to avoid dropping things.  
• Horn means danger.