Skip to main content

Seattle Public Schools launches school bus safety initiative

Seattle Public Schools in the US has launched the Student Safety Stop Arm Camera Program initiative, in partnership with King County and American Traffic Solutions to deter drivers from illegally passing school buses that are loading and unloading students.
September 20, 2017 Read time: 1 min
Seattle Public Schools in the US has launched the Student Safety Stop Arm Camera Program initiative, in partnership with King County and 17 American Traffic Solutions to deter drivers from illegally passing school buses that are loading and unloading students.


Exterior cameras have been added to 120 of the 379 First Student buses that transport students each day. The cameras capture video of vehicles that appear to be illegally passing the bus when its stop paddle is fully extended. The King County Sheriff’s Office reviews the footage provided by the American Traffic Solutions cameras to confirm the traffic violation occurred.

The cameras began operating on 18 September. Drivers captured on video between then and 1 October will receive a warning letter to educate them about the new program; beginning on 2 October, the King County Sheriff’s Office will begin issuing US$419 citations to vehicle owners that have violated the state’s stop paddle safety law.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Leeds orders CCTV vehicle to reduce congestion and improve safety
    December 14, 2017
    Leeds City Council has received a new mobile enforcement vehicle from Videalert to target key areas where non-compliant drivers cause congestion or safety issues. It will also provide unattended enforcement to offences such as parking on city centre bus stops and school keep clears.
  • Annapolis begins using speed cameras in school zones
    March 1, 2013
    Police in Annapolis, Maryland, USA, are to begin using speed cameras around local schools on weekdays between six in the morning and eight at night. For the first thirty days, only warnings will be issued; after that motorists caught driving as twelve mph or more over the speed limit will get a US$40 citation in the mail. Initially, the cameras will only patrol two schools, but more will be added every two weeks, with the goal of all of them being patrolled by May. Not all of the designated areas will have
  • Real time GPS tracking on school buses drives efficiencies
    January 25, 2012
    Application of real time GPS tracking to school buses is driving operational efficiencies and allowing parents to follow their childern's movements, report Jason Barnes
  • Contract awards for ATS
    May 8, 2015
    The city of Annapolis, Maryland has awarded American Traffic Solutions (ATS) for the installation and operation of a red-light safety camera program with an initial term of five years along with provisions for future term extensions. In Texas, the Harris County Department of Education/Choice Partners has exercised its second of four one-year renewal options, ensuring that school districts in Texas that are members of Choice Partners may contract with ATS for school bus stop arm camera programs.