A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ENFORCEMENT CAMERAS

WHEREAS, several states have already passed legislation aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities to children as they board or depart from school buses that are stopped with their lights flashing and stop sign extended.

WHEREAS, national statistics compiled since 1970 by the Kansas Department of Education show that nationally an average of 11 students have died each year for the past 41 years because motorists have failed to stop and yield to students entering or leaving school buses.

WHEREAS, children riding school buses are most vulnerable to be killed or injured when exiting or boarding the bus.

WHEREAS, in a single day, 76,600 vehicles in 28 states passed school buses illegally, while the buses were stopped, flashing their stop lights and displaying their stop signs, according to a 2011 survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).

WHEREAS, the NASDPTS estimates 13 million vehicles pass school buses illegally in a typical 180-day school year, putting children in serious danger.

WHEREAS, the National Association of Pupil Transportation finds the illegal passing of stopped school buses unnecessarily exposes our children to the risk of injury and death, and that it must be eliminated through standardized penalties, simpler enforcement and penalties, and great public education efforts.

WHEREAS, a NHTSA survey found 82% of drivers agree automated photo enforcement would be a “good idea” to identify vehicles that illegally pass school buses.

WHEREAS, school bus safety cameras enable bus drivers to focus on the road and on children to secure their safety rather than monitoring the actions of reckless drivers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supports the use of school bus safety cameras to help reduce the number of vehicles that pass school buses illegally.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference of Mayors pledges to provide information to Mayors and Legislators about the benefits of these lifesaving devices.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conference of Mayors support safe, efficient and innovative solutions to traffic law enforcement for the safety of all road users, especially children.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conference of Mayors encourages Mayors and other elected officials to consider all options when addressing the issue of vehicles that pass school buses illegally, including education and enforcement.