Almost $1.4 million in grants is being handed out to help keep students safe as they get on and off school buses.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has announced the funding program in partnership with law enforcement agencies including the Minnesota State Patrol, police departments and sheriff’s offices statewide.
The initiative will see funding going to 19 schools and transportation companies for the cameras to catch drivers who ignore school bus stop signs.
In addition to enforcement, the project will also funds education and awareness efforts to encourage drivers to obey the law and stop for buses with flashing lights and stop arms extended.
“Drivers need to pay attention and not let impatience get the best of them near a school bus picking up or dropping off kids,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson.
“Driving distracted or thinking you can quickly drive around a bus could kill or seriously injure a child. What a horrific, easily preventable consequence. Drive smart and help keep our youngest Minnesotans safe.”
State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the stop arm fully extended. Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.
