New technology in Monroe County detects cars who blow through stop signs for school buses

Rochester, New York — In order to dissuade drivers from racing past school buses that have their stop arm extended, Monroe County has partnered with a national bus safety organization.

A safety technology business called BusPatrol use artificial intelligence to identify when drivers disobey a school bus’ stop sign. The offending vehicle’s license plate is then captured by the camera.

Regardless of whether the bus is owned by the district or an independent contractor, all 23 of the county’s school districts will have the chance to outfit them with the technology. Through BusPatrol’s “violator-funded” program, the technology, setup, and maintenance are all completely free.

“Although the technology exists to make the journey to and from school safer, municipalities and school districts face enormous challenges addressing illegal passing of school buses,” their website reads. “These include the cost-effective procurement, deployment, and maintenance of safety technology.”

Starting next year, the program will go live. “98% of people who receive a ticket from a stop-arm safety program don’t receive a second,” Jean Souliere, CEO, and Founder of BusPatrol said in a statement. “We’re proud to partner with Monroe County on this important initiative to make roads safer for our kids.”

Numerous other areas in New York already have BusPatrol, including the City of Niagra Falls, Albany County, and Dutchess County.