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In an announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled a new school bus stop-arm photo program meant to reduce the number of illegal passing.
According to Latimer, every vehicle in participating school districts' fleets will be equipped with cameras that will use AI to detect cars that pass stopped buses. The equipment will be provided by BusPatrol.
"New York State law is clear—motorists must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is deployed," Latimer said, adding, "This is a crucial measure to ensure the safety of our children. The technology, installation, and maintenance of these safety systems come at no cost to school districts or taxpayers, making it an essential and cost-effective way to protect our students."
For the first 30 days of the program, only warning violations with no fine will be mailed to the owners of vehicles seen illegally passing stopped school buses. This period will run until Monday, Nov. 18, when ticketing will begin.
Although AI will first detect each incident, law enforcement will review each alleged illegal passing before a violation notice is sent to the offending driver.
The following school districts will be part of the initiative:
- Lakeland Central School District;
- Mamaroneck Schools;
- Ossining Union Free School District
- Eastchester Union Free School District;
- Tarrytown Union Free School District;
- Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District;
- Katonah-Lewisboro School District;
- Greenburgh Central School District;
- Hendrick-Hudson Central School District;
- Croton Harmon Schools;
- Harrison Central School District.
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