Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus Launches School Bus Safety Initiative

Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking School Bus Safety Program in collaboration with school districts countywide and BusPatrol. This initiative aims to address the critical issue of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses, thereby endangering the lives of children.

The Orange County School Bus Safety Program, implemented in partnership with BusPatrol, will equip the entire school bus fleet across the county with cutting-edge safety technology. This includes state-of-the-art AI-powered cameras designed to detect license plates of vehicles that violate school bus traffic laws. The provision, installation, and maintenance of this advanced technology come at zero cost to the school districts and taxpayers, thanks to BusPatrol's violator-funded program.

"Ensuring the safety of our children on their way to and from school is a top priority for Orange County," said Neuhaus. "By partnering with BusPatrol and implementing this innovative School Bus Safety Program, the Orange County Emergency Services Department and I are taking proactive measures to protect our students and prevent tragic accidents caused by reckless motorists."

The program is set to launch in the Washingtonville School District following an extensive education and awareness campaign aimed at reminding motorists of school bus safety laws. As part of this campaign, prominent road signs will be strategically installed in areas identified as having high instances of stop-arm violations. In the thirty (30) days leading up to the program launch scheduled for June 8, motorists who fail to stop for a school bus with its stop-arm extended and red lights activated receive warning letters in the mail, without incurring any monetary penalty.

"We're proud to partner with Orange County on this critical safety initiative to protect students," said Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer at BusPatrol. "In other communities, automated school bus stop-arm enforcement has successfully reduced violations by more than 40%, and we look forward to changing driving behavior through education and enforcement here in Orange County."

Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislature, Katie Bonelli commented, "It is gratifying to see the proactive stance that County Executive Neuhaus and his team are taking regarding our children's safety, and County resident safety in general. This initiative will help make motorists aware of the dangers of passing a school bus and the consequences if they do."

"Motorists must understand that passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing is illegal," stated Rob Doss, Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services - Police Liaison. "Per state law, traffic approaching from any direction must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus, whether on a two-lane road, multi-lane highway, or divided highway. Orange County motorists must follow that law or pay the price."

After the thirty-day warning period, the consequences for violating school bus safety laws are significant, with a first-time stop-arm violation carrying a fine of $250. Subsequent violations within 18 months will incur an additional $25 penalty, up to a maximum of $300.

"County Executive Neuhaus and all of us in Orange County Emergency Management view the safety of County residents, especially our students, as a serious responsibility," added Pete Cirigliano, Commissioner of Emergency Services. "My Department was glad to collaborate with the County Executive's office, BusPatrol, and the school districts to launch this important initiative."

For more information about the Orange County School Bus Safety Program and its mission to safeguard our children's journey to and from school, contact Rob Doss, Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services - Police Liaison, at [email protected].

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook. You can also watch the Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series.

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Photo caption: County Executive Neuhaus speaking at School Bus Safety press conference at Washingtonville High School, Monday, May 6, 2024.

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