Miami-Dade County Public Schools is beefing up safety on their school buses, through a partnership with BusPatrol and local law enforcement. Starting May 8, school buses within the district will spot and ticket drivers who zip past when buses are stopped, using advanced stop-arm camera technology. This development came to light in a post on X by Miami-Dade County Public Schools and was further reported by WSVN.
Let’s keep our students safe. @MDCPS is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the @MiamiDadePD and @BusPatrol_ to enhance school bus safety in our community. All school buses will be equipped with safety technology, including stop-arm cameras to detect the license plates of… pic.twitter.com/ABVEJPc0S7
— Miami-Dade Schools (@MDCPS) April 9, 2024
In response to the rampant, risky driving practices around stopped school buses, all buses will now house cameras aimed at catching, and deterring those who disregard the bright red stop signs swung out on school buses. According to WSVN, an unsettling number of illegal passing incidents have been captured during the system's pilot, showcasing the need for such measures. The program kicks off with a 30-day period starting April 8, during which violators will only receive warnings. However, from May 8 onward, drivers can expect a $200 slap to the pocketbook for a second-time offense.
"There is nothing more important than the safety of our students," BusPatrol stated, emphasizing the initiative's role in marking a new chapter for child safety on Miami-Dade's roads, as reported by WSVN. The alarming frequency of stop-arm violations, estimated by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services to occur over 43.5 million times each school year in the U.S.
Luis Diaz, MDCPS Chief Operating Officer, expressed his take on the situation, saying, "This is about to take place and if you violate, unfortunately, you will receive a $200 fine." Diaz, as told to WSVN, saw this implementation as a significant stride forward in protecting children and believes compliance should be widespread among motorists. Moreover, the groundwork for the program stems from Senate Bill 766, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis last May, which not only recognizes the importance of enforcing school bus stop laws but also broaches the subject of revenue allocation drawn from issued fines. As the legislation stands, any amendments could potentially shift the timeline for active ticketing, yet May 8 remains the definitive target date for launch.
Public awareness is a key facet of the campaign, with the district aiming to ensure everyone knows the drill before "game day." Details about the program and its enforcement can be found at the school district's dedicated website, highlighting the commitment to #SafetyFirstMDCPS and emphasizing the cardinal rule for drivers – when you see a school bus extend that stop signal, you brake for the bus or break the bank.
