By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

Safety has always been top priority for Palmer Bus Service and now all the large school buses used by Palmer Bus Service in the Minnewaska Area School District are equipped with cameras under the stop-arm of the bus.

Thanks to a state grant, Palmer Bus Service recently installed the cameras to provide photos and video of those who illegally pass stopped buses that are picking up or dropping off students.  It’s a tool to increase safety by catching those who violate the law.  

Lars Ossmo, the Palmer Bus Service Site Manager for Minnewaska Area Schools, said the cameras were installed last fall with complete knowledge of local law enforcement agencies. He said the cameras help local law enforcement cite drivers with violations, especially in the first few months the cameras were installed. 

When a school bus is stopped with its stop-signal arm extended and yellow or red lights are flashing, approaching vehicles must come to a full stop at least 20 feet away from the bus and are not allowed to move again until the signal arm is retracted and the lights are no longer flashing.

Because the cameras are activated whenever the vehicle engine is running and because they produce high-resolution images, local busses can now capture pictures and video of vehicles that violate the law.  Local law enforcement officers can use the evidence to ticket offending drivers.  

Ossmo explained that inappropriately passing a stopped bus can be dangerous.  He said drivers should prepare to stop when they see flashing yellow lights, an indication that the bus is coming to a stop.  Passing a bus with flashing red lights is  a violation and offenders can be ticketed.

“When a driver notifies me of a stop arm violation, I email a data file which includes when the amber lights activated, the bus came to a stop and when the red lights activated, along with high definition video to the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and they coordinate with the appropriate law enforcement agency,” Ossmo explained. “If a violation occurs and children are outside the bus, the bus driver, if possible, radios to Palmer Dispatch and we call 911 with a vehicle description and direction.”  

Drivers needed

Ossmo also said Palmer Bus Service is always looking for bus drivers.  “We offer paid training to obtain your Class B CDL.  It’s a great part-time job for retirees, farmers, or anyone else who wants to work a couple hours in the morning and a couple hours in the afternoon about 170 days a year.  Summers are off.

Stop for School Buses: It’s the Law!

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