More than 6,000 drivers were caught speeding past the flashing red signs of a stopped school bus in Rochester-area suburbs last year, according to Monroe County officials. Thousands more were cited within city limits.
Local leaders hoped the recent installation of stop-arm cameras — and the hefty fines that can follow ― would discourage drivers from illegally passing stopped school buses, whether by mistake or for their own convenience. Data shows the issue persists.
As a new school year approaches and school buses return to our neighborhoods, here's a reminder on how the program works.
Do I need to stop for a school bus?
New York law requires drivers to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm. The requirement applies to vehicles approaching
from either direction on all roads, including multi-lane roads and divided highways. Drivers should come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.
How do school bus stop-arm cameras work?
Monroe County and the City of Rochester have both partnered with the transportation company, BusPatrol, to equip local school buses with stop-arm cameras. The cameras are placed at multiple angles and capture timestamped video footage of drivers who illegally pass school buses.
The footage is first sorted by the company's artificial intelligence software and then sent to local public safety technicians for final review. Drivers caught by the cameras are mailed a $250 fine, with increased penalties for subsequent violations.
The fees collected are used to fund the program, meaning there is no direct cost to taxpayers or participating school districts.
Which Rochester-area districts have school bus stop-arm cameras?
So far, 10 Monroe County school districts have signed onto the county's School Bus Safety Program, including Brighton, East Irondequoit, Fairport, Greece, Hilton, Monroe 1 BOCES, Pittsford, Spencerport, Webster and West Irondequoit.
The City of Rochester and the Rochester Central School District run their own program.
How can I contest a stopped school bus violation?
Citations are mailed to the person and address tied to the vehicle's registration. The county's website says the citation will include a link to video evidence. If you believe you received a violation in error, you can contest the ticket by completing the form provided on the notice and requesting a court date.
You can also contact BusPatrol at 1-877-504-7080, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some drivers have reported trouble fighting what they say are inaccurate violations. We have asked for data on erroneous citations. If you have a case to share, please reach out at kcanne@gannett.com.
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on immigration, police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Do you have to stop for a school bus? Here's the law
