Northstar Bus Lines and American Student Transportation are working together to help reduce the number of Stop Arm Violations on the road. Recently both terminals were awarded a grant by The Office of Traffic Safety- Department of Public Safety to provide cameras on School Bus Stop Arms. This is a victory for the school bus industry. Read the official News Media Press Release below. 

More Than $3.7 Million for School Bus Stop Arm Cameras to Help Keep Students Safe

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Providing Second Round of Grants to Schools and Transportation Companies Statewide

ST. PAUL – To change dangerous driving behaviors and keep students safe, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) is awarding more than $3.7 million to 42 schools and transportation companies for stop arm camera systems. This is Phase 2 of a project that is a joint effort with the Minnesota State Patrol and its school bus safety work.

Stop Arm Camera Grant Project

• This second round of grant awards represents Phase 2 of a larger stop arm camera grant project. Here is the list of Phase 2 grantees. 

• DPS-OTS announced Phase 1 grant awards of more than $3.5 million to 32 schools and transportation companies in February 2022.

• Minnesota state legislators approved $14.7 million in total funding for this project for 2022 and 2023.

• The grants will reimburse schools and transportation companies for purchasing and installing stop arm camera systems and supporting software programs.

“Schoolkids shouldn’t have to worry when getting on and off the bus, and no parent should have to fear losing their child to a careless driver,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Bus drivers see the violations and near misses. They have a lot to pay attention to as drivers so the camera systems will be an additional, effective tool to help them and law enforcement find the violators. The cameras will help keep kids safe, hold selfish or inattentive drivers accountable, and change dangerous driving choices.”

Minnesota Drivers Are Endangering Students’ Lives

Law enforcement agencies work with schools and transportation companies to cite drivers failing to stop for school buses with flashing lights and stop arms extended. In the past five years, law enforcement cited 4,652 drivers for stop arm violations.

Stop Arm Violations Cited 2017 - 2021

• 2017 – 1,120 violations

• 2018 – 1,075 violations

• 2019 – 1,176 violations

• 2020 – 512 violations

• 2021 – 769 violations

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services conducted its illegal passing survey in Minnesota. For the one-day survey this year, school bus drivers observed 1,003 stop arm violations.

Follow the Law, Keep Children Safe

• State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the stop arm fully extended.

• Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.

• Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child.

Motorists

• Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.

• Motorists should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.

• The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.

Students

• When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.

• Wait for the bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.

• When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding.

School Bus Safety Resources

Minnesota State Patrol: School Bus Stop Arm Safety

Stop Arm 30 Second PSA

https://vimeo.com/mastcom/review/351049494/52fa3e484b

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

DPS comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Traffic Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. DPS-OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project.