The Ulster County Legislature has approved a local law creating a countywide program aimed at deterring motorists from illegally passing stopped school buses, officials announced.
The measure, proposed by County Executive Jen Metzger and sponsored by Legislator Debra Clinton, establishes the use of stop-arm safety cameras on school buses. School districts may choose to participate by entering into an intermunicipal agreement with the county.
Under the program, Ulster County will partner with BusPatrol to install camera systems on buses in participating districts and manage enforcement operations.
County officials cited data from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee estimating that roughly 50,000 vehicles illegally pass stopped school buses each day statewide, posing risks to children boarding and exiting buses.
“Illegal passings of stopped school buses occur on an almost routine basis, endangering the lives of children crossing the street to and from the bus,” Metzger said. “In partnership with school districts, the new program will combine public education and robust enforcement to greatly reduce illegal passings and ensure the safe delivery of our kids to school and back home again.”
Metzger previously supported state legislation authorizing school bus stop-arm camera programs during her tenure in the New York State Senate in 2019.
Clinton, who chairs the Legislature’s Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee, said the initiative is intended to improve driver accountability and reduce dangerous behavior.
“Protecting our children is a responsibility we all share,” she said. “Stop-arm cameras are a practical, proven way to increase driver awareness, improve accountability, and prevent the dangerous behavior of passing a stopped school bus.”
Everett Erichsen, commissioner of emergency services for Ulster County, described the program as a step toward safer conditions for children traveling to and from school.
“This program is a practical step to help reduce dangerous behavior around school buses and support safer conditions for our kids,” Erichsen said.
Legislature Chair Peter Criswell said the county is joining neighboring jurisdictions that have adopted similar enforcement measures.
“Stop-arm cameras are a proven way to reduce dangerous passing and save lives,” Criswell said. “Together, we’re sending a clear message: in Ulster County, student safety comes first.”
According to county officials, potential violations captured by the cameras will be reviewed first by BusPatrol. Evidence packages will then be forwarded to a technician within the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services with law enforcement experience, who will make final determinations on issuing violations.
During the first 30 days of the program, drivers who are recorded committing violations will receive warnings. After that period, fines will be issued, though no points will be added to drivers’ licenses.
Officials said the program will be funded without direct cost to the county. BusPatrol will cover equipment, installation, maintenance, and program management expenses. The county’s share of any revenue generated will be used to support administrative review and traffic safety education initiatives.
The county also plans to launch a public webpage through the Department of Emergency Services detailing how the program works, including enforcement procedures and how drivers can contest violations.
Data collected through the system will be used to identify areas with frequent violations and to inform potential traffic-calming or safety improvements, officials said.
Image: A school bus moves after dropping off students in the Queens borough of New York on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)