NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Newport News Public Schools and Newport News Police Department today announced
the launch of a school bus safety program in partnership with
BusPatrol.
As part of the BusPatrol safety program, all 340 NNPS buses have
been outfitted with cloud-connected stop-arm cameras, 4G LTE
connectivity and additional safety cameras providing a 360° view
for school transportation officials. Newport News Public Schools' bus fleet has
been modernized with safety technology at zero cost to the school
district, city or taxpayer. The school bus safety program is
entirely violator funded.
The program aims to improve school bus safety by reducing the
number of stop-arm violations and encouraging drivers to be aware
when school buses are on roads. Starting on Monday, March 15, 2021, automated enforcement
technology will be active and will help change driver behavior.
According to data from the National Association of State
Directors of Pupil Transportation (NASDPTS), drivers illegally pass
stopped school buses more than 17 million times a year in the US.
The BusPatrol safety program in Newport News is set to reduce the number of
illegal passings in the city to ensure children can get to and from
school safely.
The full launch announcement can be viewed here:
https://fb.watch/46gNCCsLmi
"Newport News Public Schools is
proud to partner with BusPatrol to help protect over 24,000
students who ride our school buses every day. This partnership will
encourage all drivers to be more cautious around school buses,"
said Superintendent of Schools Dr. George
Parker. "Student safety is our first priority."
"We are pleased to be able to work with Newport News Public Schools to help keep
children safe as they travel to and from school. No parent should
have to worry about his or her child's safety. With the technology
that BusPatrol is bringing to our city, our hope is to eliminate
stop-arm violations altogether. Your child's safety is our
priority," said Chief Steve
Drew.
"We each play an important part in making sure our young people
get to and from school safely," said Mayor McKinley Price. "I've heard from parents,
siblings, family members and concerned citizens about drivers not
stopping for our school buses. This initiative from BusPatrol will
help us hold drivers accountable and protect our city's most
valuable resource, our children."
Jean Souliere, CEO at BusPatrol,
said: "Newport News Public Schools
has taken a proactive step to prioritize student safety while buses
have been off roads. This means that when students board the bus to
school, they will be protected by some of the most advanced safety
technology out there."
He added: "The pandemic has forced many schools to rethink their
approach to health and safety. Our zero-cost solution means that
schools can upgrade their fleets and put safety first, without
having to spend thousands of dollars on new tech."
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.
Press contact: kate.spree@buspatrol.com
Related Images
buspatrol-stop-arm-camera.jpg
BusPatrol stop-arm camera
BusPatrol stop-arm camera / safety technology
Related Links
BusPatrol
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/school-district-in-virginia-launches-school-bus-safety-program-with-buspatrol-to-protect-students-at-bus-stops-301242858.html
SOURCE BusPatrol