So, Do Stop-Arm Cameras Really Help Prevent Passing Violations?

StopArm

There has been an increasing push for the wide-spread adoption of stop-arm cameras to catch passing violators putting children’s lives at stake – which I have strongly supported. But, many are hesitant to invest in expanding their bus technology while asking, “do they work?”

Until recently details on how well stop-arm cameras worked to deter passing violations has been largely anecdotal. American Traffic Solutions (ATS) sought to get a scientific answer with their CrossingGuard school bus safety cameras by placing the cameras on bus routes with high rates of stop-arm violations identified.

Over the course of the school year, ATS saw stop-arm violations fall more than 15%, and specific areas have seen even larger drops. Cobb County, Georgia went from 1,300 violations in August 2013, which fell by 40% to 767 in April of 2014, as they show in their report.

Notably, ATS also found that less than 1% of drivers who receive a ticket for passing violations get a second citation. This shows that the cameras and associated fines with catching stop-arm violators are highly effective at preventing repeat offenders.

“Each year, millions of drivers ignore their local traffic laws and blatantly pass school buses with children nearby who are innocently expecting drivers to stop,” said ATS State and Local Government Solutions President Adam Tuton. “ATS is proud to work with so many school districts that recognize the safety benefits that come from installing cameras on the side of their school buses to assist police with the enforcement of traffic laws.”