Cameras will catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses

Some Fairfax County Public School buses will soon have cameras installed on the stop-sign arms that activate when the buses stop to let children on and off.

The cameras will record drivers who fail to stop when the buses are loading or unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail.

The cameras will be installed on 50 school buses. FCPS has a fleet of over 1,600 buses.

When a bus comes to a complete stop and the stop-arm is deployed, the camera automatically detects vehicles that pass within the enforcement zone. The camera records a video of the vehicle and captures images of the vehicle, license plate, and the extended stop-arm.

“It’s illegal and incredibly dangerous for a vehicle to pass a stopped school bus,” states a description of the program. “When drivers ignore the law and pass a school bus, they risk the safety and lives of our children.” 

Children are at greatest risk for a school bus-related injury when they are boarding or leaving the bus, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A 2017 School Safety and Security Council white paper found 1,453 violations in Fairfax County in a single day.

A warning period will begin on April 9 to give motorists time to familiarize themselves with the regulations. Citations will be mailed beginning May 12.

The program is being administered as a partnership between Fairfax County and FCPS. It could be expanded if it is found to be effective.