Newport News Public Schools, the Newport News Police Department and the City of Newport News have launched a school bus safety program in partnership with BusPatrol. As part of the BusPatrol safety program, all 340 NNPS buses have been outfitted with cameras that provide a comprehensive view of vehicles around the school bus.
The stop-arm cameras are positioned to capture images of drivers and their vehicles if they pass a school bus when the stop sign and red lights are activated. The video will be reviewed by a Newport News police officer and a ticket may be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. Information related to the incident including video footage is also presented to the vehicle owner in an effort to ensure that the behavior is not repeated.
Passing a stopped school bus with its flashing lights activated and stop-arm extended is illegal in Virginia. Drivers must stop for a school bus approaching in any direction so that children can get on and off safely. Failing to do so will result in a minimum penalty of $250 for a first violation when captured by the BusPatrol program.
Newport News Public Schools’ bus fleet has been modernized with the safety technology at zero cost to the school district, the city and local taxpayers. The school bus safety program is entirely violator funded.
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