Correction: The article originally included data the Virginia Beach school division says was provided by the vendor, they later determined to be incorrect. WAVY will provide updated data as soon as it is available.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – You should never pass a stopped school bus actively picking up students. Despite drivers knowing this, it keeps happening — a lot.
Soon, all Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) buses will be equipped with stop arm cameras powered by enhanced AI technology to catch these violators. Implementation begins Monday, March 10 and all buses will be equipped by the end of April.
They are using third-party vendor, BusPatrol America, LLC.
The cameras will detect when drivers fail to stop for buses loading or unloading students. That video evidence will be shared with Virginia Beach Police for review, which will decide whether or not to send a notice of violation to the registered vehicle owner. The fine is $250. It’s a civil penalty, so no points are added to the driver’s license.
“Student safety is our highest priority,” said VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson Jr. “The school bus is an extension of our school grounds, and we will do everything we can to protect our children—both inside and outside the classroom. This program is a huge step forward in ensuring students get to and from school without incident.”
This is part of an enhanced school bus safety enforcement program. The school district has already had some buses with stop-arm cameras.
Local parent Shelby Nadeau spoke with 10 On Your Side’s Deja Parker about the cameras.
“Some of the parents don’t really care that the kids are getting off the bus,” Nadeau said. “So, they just kind of go around, and the kids are kind of just standing, waiting on the side while the bus is still there, while cars are driving past. So, I think that’s a very safe option to make sure that none of the kids get hit when they’re getting off the bus.”
Nadeau said she believes the cameras will be a good addition to public safety.
“I definitely do, yeah, because I think that just the regular stop sign, a lot of people don’t take that into consideration and don’t really care about the, or know there’s a camera on the bus also,” Nadeau said. “A lot of people don’t really care about that.”
It’s the law in Virginia to always stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop sign is out.
- Two-lane highway: All vehicles must stop.
- Four-lane highway with a center turn lane: All vehicles must stop.
- Four-lane highway with a median or barrier: Only vehicles traveling behind the bus must stop. Traffic moving in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
“Failing to stop for a stopped school bus is a serious offense, and it happens far too often,” said James Lash, executive director of Transportation and Fleet Management Services. “With cameras now on every school bus, we are strengthening enforcement and sending a clear message: Drivers who recklessly pass stopped school buses will be held accountable.”
VBCPS has posted more information about the school bus safety program on its website, vbschools.com.
Earlier this week, Virginia Beach City Council also approved an ordinance to move forward with school zone photo speed enforcement. Click here for information.
