Before the new school year begins, Rockland County and school officials are reminding drivers not to pass stopped school buses.
“Please pay attention to these stop signs and be careful,” said Marc Baiocco, superintendent of the Clarkstown School District, outside Clarkstown North High School in New City on Tuesday morning.
This is the first year that all Rockland public schools have joined the district’s program to install brake cameras on buses.
A district spokesperson told News 12 that 1,032 buses were equipped with the cameras and that the technology still needed to be installed in 190 more.
According to official figures, more than 17,000 tickets were issued last school year. The fines are split between the district and a company called BusPatrolwhich provides the technology to detect violations.
“I’ve heard that this is just a money-making scheme. No, it sends a clear message that the safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Ed Day, Rockland County Executive.
Private schools are also getting involved. News 12 reported that two private school students died earlier this year after being hit by buses.
“Many of our private schools are connected to the system and cameras are being installed on other private schools’ buses,” said Stephen Powers, Rockland County’s director of public policy.
New York State estimates 50,000 Drivers illegally overtake school buses every day.
