PHOENIX — Redflex Traffic Systems is expanding its student safety division with its acquisition of SmartBus Live, a safety camera program.

Officials said the SmartBus Live safety camera program has helped school districts and municipalities monitor and deter drivers who illegally pass school buses while the stop arm is deployed. It will now operate under Redflex’s safety camera program, REDFLEX Student Guardian.

“SmartBus brings in-depth experience in deploying safety technologies and executing programs that educate the public about risky driving behaviors,” Redflex Chief Executive Karen Finley said. “With our combined resources and talent, we will be able to provide school districts with the country’s preeminent automated enforcement solution for school bus safety.”

Former SmartBus Live Chief Executive Tom O’Connor will lead the new effort as president of Redflex Guardian, a wholly owned subsidiary of Redflex Traffic Systems Inc.

REDFLEX Student Guardian has been designed to curb dangerous driving behaviors and enforce traffic laws on school bus routes that pose a high safety risk for children as they load and exit the bus.

The safety camera system is installed on the front and rear driver’s side of a school bus. It monitors traffic while the bus’ stop arm is deployed, leaving the driver free to focus on students, officials said. Evidence of violations, including high-definition video and high-resolution images, is submitted to local law enforcement to determine whether a citation is warranted.

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• New bus camera captures crisp images