ST PAUL, Minn. — Buses from 42 Minnesota school districts and transportation companies will be equipped with camera systems to discourage dangerous driving behaviors, and identify those who engage in them.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced Tuesday that more than $3.7 million in grants will be awarded across the state in phase two of a joint project with the State Patrol. Those grants will reimburse schools and bus companies for purchasing and installing stop arm camera systems and the computer software to support them.
“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. "The cameras will help keep kids safe, hold selfish or inattentive drivers accountable, and change dangerous driving choices.”
Those receiving grants are from all across the state, from Bemidji and Littlefork-Big Falls to Marshall and Fillmore County.
Law enforcement has stepped up enforcement efforts by working with schools and bus companies to cite drivers that fail to stop for flashing lights and extended stop arms. Over the past five years 4,652 drivers have been cited for stop arm violations in Minnesota.
State law says violators will pay a fine of no less than $500.
DPS reminds drivers of the following:
- 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.
- Drivers should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in or near neighborhoods and school zones.
- Put distractions away and be aware of your surroundings.
Tuesday's announcement comes on top of $3.5 million in grants awarded in February in phase one of the project. State lawmakers have allotted a total of $14.7 million in total stop-arm camera funding for 2022-23.
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