×

Our opinion: Bus cameras prove the problems

Just because someone has a driver’s license doesn’t mean they know every word of the state Vehicle and Traffic Law.

But one thing should be self-evident — when a school bus has its red lights flashing, stop your vehicle until the lights go off again.

But here we are, 10 to 12 times a month in little old Warren County, with vehicles passing school buses with red lights and signs activated. Drivers’ inability to follow one of the easiest — and most important — traffic laws on the books has made necessary the implementation of BusPatrol cameras to monitor conditions inside and outside the buses.

The cameras will be able to capture license plate numbers of vehicles that don’t stop for school buses as well as combining GPS equipment and artificial intelligence to determine if a school bus stopping law violation is taking place. When that camera determines there is a violation, it starts the cameras that are in position to record the license plate of the offending vehicle.

There’s a long list of rules and regulations that motorists are supposed to follow. Some of them change from time to time. So it’s understandable that people may have trouble keeping track of them all.

If police personally witness a school bus stopping law violation, the fine is $250 plus costs, a driver’s license suspension of up to 60 days, and five points on their license. The civil penalty is $300 for those charged through BusPatrol.

There is no taxpayer money involved in the BusPatrol cameras. The company only gets paid if Warren County residents break the law. What does that say about BusPatrol’s faith in drivers to follow a relatively simple section of the traffic law?

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today