WASHINGTON — A new program to stop drivers passing stopped school buses has been introduced in the District.
The Bowser administration announced the Stop-Arm Safety Program on Tuesday. Under it, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will install stop-arm safety cameras on 25 OSSE school buses to help curb dangerous driving behavior.
“We are committed to the safety of all our students, every day, particularly the thousands of students with disabilities who receive bus transportation to access their education,” said Acting DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “The Stop-Arm Safety Program aligns seamlessly with the District’s commitment to Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by promoting safe behaviors and implementing innovative safety measures, and helps ensure the safety of our most vulnerable students.”
Officials say the program's cameras will play a crucial role in enforcing the laws surrounding school bus stops, ensuring drivers prioritize the safety of students during their commute. When the stop-arm is deployed on a school bus, the bus’s camera automatically detects vehicles that pass a bus within the enforcement zone, records video of the vehicle, and captures images including the vehicle, its license plate, and the extended stop-arm. Violation videos and license plate images are reviewed by DDOT for verification before a warning or Notice of Infraction is issued.
Starting Monday, the program will initiate a 45-day warning period for motorists who illegally pass an OSSE school bus that is stopped with the stop-arm activated. During this period, DDOT will educate and inform the community on the importance of adhering to school bus safety regulations. Following the 45-day warning period, violators will face a $500 fine.
“The safety of our students remains one of our top priorities, and the Stop-Arm Safety Program is a valuable addition to our initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to providing a secure environment for all children, including those with unique needs,” said State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant.
For more information on DDOT’s Stop-Arm Safety Program, visit ate.ddot.dc.gov.
RELATED: New safety system to be installed on Northern Virginia school buses to catch careless drivers
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