DRIVERS could face new $300 fines under a new law involving school busses.
It targets a common manoeuvre that drivers make all the time, but 360-degree cameras would catch them in the act.
DRIVERS could face new $300 fines under a new law involving school busses[/caption]
Drivers in the town of Middleton, Connecticut, see school, busses everyday, but a new law is threatening $300 fines for one specific move.
When a bus stops, the warnings lights flash red and the stop arm is put out while kids board or leave.
From September, Middletown Police have been given the green light to fine drivers who overtake a school bus while it is stopped.
The police has entered into a five year contract with BusPatrol, which will equip busses with cameras that can detect rule violators.
Chief Joseph Bartorilla said: “We all know how dangerous it is when a driver passes a stopped school bus while its red lights are flashing and stop arm is deployed.
“This isn’t just illegal, it puts the lives of children at serious risk.
“Unfortunately, despite ongoing public awareness efforts these violations continue.”
It is important to note that no points will be added to your driving licence if you’re caught overtaking.
The cameras operate with an automated ticket technology, which uses AI software to detect violations.
This is then transmitted to the police department where an officer reviews them.
COST CONCERNS
Despite the efficiency of the technology, there have been some concerns raised.
Board members of the Middletown township Dana Kane and Amy Strouse have expressed their concern over the $300 fine itself.
As a breakdown, $150 of it goes to BusPatrol, $100 goes to the Neshaminy School District; $25 goes to PennDOT and $25 goes to the police department.
The concerns raised suggest that $25 is not enough of a cut for the police to cover the cost of them watching the BusPatrol videos for several hours a week.
What is reckless driving?
Laws across the country are cracking down on careless drivers who endanger other people on the road. Here are some behaviors that are considered reckless driving:
- Speeding
- Street racing
- Aggressive driving/road rage
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence
- Using a phone while driving
- Running red lights
- Inattentive driving
- Improperly changing lanes
- Not signaling
- Carrying too many passengers
- Weaving in and out of traffic
Bortilla has alsos aid he is doubtful that a $25 is enough, but he stands by the effect of the cameras.
He continued: “Probably not in full. The benefit is that it’s a good deterrent.”
BUSPATROL ELSEWHERE
Bus Patrol is used in other areas, namely in Bensalem, Warrington and Falls.
The amount of drivers being caught out is astonishing.
Each year, Bensalem has about 5,000 school bus stop-arm violations, Warrington reports 400 monthly, and Falls gets between 200 and 300 a month.
It is thought that most of the violations happen on multi-lane highways without physical barriers dividing the lanes.
Again, despite the cost issue, officials have come out in support of Bus Patrol.
Board Chairman Mike Ksiazek said: “I just don’t want to be in a scenario where we don’t do this and some kid gets hit by a car.”
From September, Middletown Police have been given the green light to fine drivers who overtake a school bus while it is stopped[/caption]
