Sen. Young wants cameras on school buses to prosecute dangerous drivers

[hrmjustin]

The New York Association for Pupil Transportation voiced their support for legislation (S.5028) that would allow the installation and use of stop arm cameras on school buses.

The purpose of this legislation, sponsored by Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, is to identify and prosecute motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses, endangering students.

Young cited the example of Ellen Driscoll from Bethlehem Central School District, "Just last week, when she was driving, in one day she had her school bus passed while it was stopped seven times in just one day; that is truly alarming."

Some of the provisions in the bill include authorizing the installation of video recording devices on school buses, specifically on or near the stop arm which holds the flashing stop sign; authorizing the use of images collected by those video recording devices to be used to prosecute individuals who illegally pass stopped school buses; and establishing a minimum fine between $250 and $400 with no points for a first violation when the violation is based on camera-based evidence.

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-05-13-83761.113122-Sen-Young-wants-cameras-on-school-buses-to-prosecute-dangerous-drivers.html

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. Hmmm. I see. So, every school bus in the state is now going to be equipped w. cameras just to ....

... catch motorists who miss or ignore "flashing stop signs" on school buses.

I don't think I've EVER seen a flashing stop sign on a school bus. I've seen stop signs and I've seen flashing lights on the BUS but not "flashing stop signs".

Ummm... will I get into trouble if I ask who's getting the camera installation contract and how many millions of taxpayer dollars will go to them?

We ARE talking about the NYS legislature, after all.

[hrmjustin]

2. Are you implying that someone might make some money off this in the legislature?

They would never do a thing like that.