Grand Rapids Public Schools announced the launch of a school bus stop-arm safety program aimed at improving student safety and reducing illegal passing of stopped school buses.

The district partnered with Dean Transportation and BusPatrol to deploy stop-arm safety technology across its bus fleet at no cost to the district. The program is focused on preventing illegal passings as students board and exit buses.

The initiative begins with a five-week warning period to educate drivers on Michigan’s school bus stop law. During this time, motorists who illegally pass a stopped bus will receive warning notices by mail without financial penalty. Full enforcement is scheduled to begin April 27.

Camera Technology Supports Enforcement and Safety

As part of the program, 135 school buses will be equipped with stop-arm cameras designed to capture violations when drivers fail to stop for buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. Recorded incidents will be reviewed by the Grand Rapids Police Department before citations are issued to registered vehicle owners.

“The safety and well-being of our scholars is our top priority,” said Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. “Adding stop-arm safety technology helps create safer conditions during one of the most vulnerable parts of the school day.”

“Drivers ignoring school bus stop signals continue to put children at risk,” said Patrick Dean, president and CEO of Dean Transportation. “We are partnering with Grand Rapids Public Schools to address this issue.”

“This program helps address a preventable safety risk,” said Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg of the Grand Rapids Police Department.

According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, more than 2,200 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses in Michigan on a single day, totaling more than 400,000 violations annually.

Under Michigan law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its stop signal is activated and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or signals are turned off.

The stop-arm cameras activate only when the stop arm and red lights are deployed and are used solely to capture and review potential violations. Footage is securely stored.

Interior cameras will also be added to buses to provide additional context during onboard incidents, a request raised by parents and the district’s Parent Transportation Advisory Council.

The camera systems are provided at no cost to the district, with a portion of citation revenue used to fund the program.