Seattle Public Schools in the US has launched the Student Safety Stop Arm Camera Program initiative, in partnership with King County and 17 American Traffic Solutions to deter drivers from illegally passing school buses that are loading and unloading students.
Exterior cameras have been added to 120 of the 379 First Student buses that transport students each day. The cameras capture video of vehicles that appear to be illegally passing the bus when its stop paddle is fully extended. The King County Sheriff’s Office reviews the footage provided by the American Traffic Solutions cameras to confirm the traffic violation occurred.
The cameras began operating on 18 September. Drivers captured on video between then and 1 October will receive a warning letter to educate them about the new program; beginning on 2 October, the King County Sheriff’s Office will begin issuing US$419 citations to vehicle owners that have violated the state’s stop paddle safety law.
