TOWSON, Md. — In a new initiative aimed at enhancing student safety, the Baltimore County Police Department has partnered with Baltimore County Public Schools and AngelTrax to implement an automated school bus camera enforcement program. The program, announced on Monday, involves the installation of cameras on nearly 1,000 school buses that transport students across the county.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the significant issue of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses. According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, drivers across the United States illegally pass stopped school buses an estimated 43.5 million times each school year. The new camera enforcement program is expected to significantly reduce such violations, ensuring safer journeys for the approximately 80,000 students who rely on school buses in Baltimore County.
“Keeping our students safe is a priority for all of us in Baltimore County — and we are excited for the opportunity to use new data and technology to ensure that children can travel to and from school in safety,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski in a statement. He emphasized the importance of the partnership between local police, the public school system, and AngelTrax in making roadways safer for all residents.
Under the School Bus Camera Safety Program, cameras will be mounted on all school buses. Motorists who illegally pass a bus with activated flashing red lights will face a $250 fine. Each violation captured by the cameras will first be verified by AngelTrax, then reviewed and approved by a Baltimore County Police Department employee before a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. No points will be added to the driver’s record as a result of these citations.
“The safety of our children is a responsibility we all share,” said Baltimore County Police Chief Robert O. McCullough. “Through the use of this technology, the Baltimore County Police Department aims to deter dangerous driving habits and further enhance the safety of our students and communities.”