Ky. school district checking prices on installation of stop-arm cameras on school buses
INEZ, Ky. (WCHS) — At various times this month, another school year will begin across our region.
In Martin County, Kentucky, the school year starts Wednesday, and about half of the county's students will ride the bus. The Kentucky General Assembly has given the green light to a measure aimed at making those bus rides safer.
Most school buses are already equipped with cameras inside and outside the vehicle. House Bill 7 now allows cameras to be installed on the stop arms of school buses.
"We have a couple of bad spots where cars will pass our buses with the stop signs out," Martin County Schools Superintendent Larry James said.
Now, the Kentucky General Assembly has given school districts the go-ahead to better catch school bus stop-sign violators. Districts can now install stop arm cameras on school buses. James said the district is currently checking prices before putting the project out for bid. He said the school board may have to come up with the funding.
"It will be our district. It's one of those unfunded mandates," James said.
James said anything that improves the safety of students who ride the bus is a worthwhile investment. The cameras will help identify drivers who fail to stop for flashing red bus stop signs. License plate numbers will then be provided to the sheriff's department.
"We don't have them right now, but they're recommended," James said. "It's coming. In a year or so, we'll have to have them. We'll be ahead of the curve."
"A lot of people go past the signs," Martin County school bus driver Amos Staton said. "It puts children in danger."
Staton said school bus drivers take their responsibility for student safety very seriously.
"I've had people pass the signs and go different ways than they're supposed to," he said. "It makes you mad. They don't pay attention. They really don't. You should look out for the kids. It makes you mad to think someone would take a chance on hurting one."
Officials say they hope to have the stop-arm cameras installed on school buses by the end of the school year.