Kids & Family
School Bus Stop-Arm Cameras Coming to Nassau County
The Legislature approved a program that will install cameras on school bus stop arms and fine drivers who do not obey the stopped bus law.
(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - The Legislature has cleared the way to launch a school bus stop-arm camera program in Nassau County - a cornerstone of ongoing efforts to better protect school children and families from reckless drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
On Monday, July 12, lawmakers voted unanimously to retain American Traffic Solutions (d/b/a Verra Mobility) to install the cameras on the buses of participating districts. These cameras will capture images of vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses when the stop arm is out and lights are flashing.
In previous action on Monday, June 28, lawmakers established the parameters of what the program will entail. For the first 60 days after a school district opts into the program, drivers will be issued warnings instead of fines with hopes of motivating drivers to follow the law and avoid penalties.
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After the end of the warning period, fines are $250 for a first offense; $275 for a second offense within 18 months of the first violation; and $300 for third and subsequent violations committed within 18 months from the first violation.
As the ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety committee, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton is particularly proud of the nearly two-year effort to bring cameras to Nassau, which was initiated by Legislature colleagues Siela A. Bynoe and Arnold W. Drucker during the fall of 2019.
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“Reckless drivers who pass stopped school buses have imperiled the safety of our children and our entire community for far too long,” Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton said. “By bringing this important public safety tool to Nassau County, we can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this will motivate drivers to think twice before they break the law.”
Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton is urging parents to submit formal requests to their school districts to opt into this potentially life-saving program. As always, please feel free to contact Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton’s office with questions or comments about this or any other topic at 516-571-6211 or dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov.
