The Miami-Dade County Police Department, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and Bus Patrol are collaborating on a new initiative aimed at improving student safety and curbing reckless driving around school buses. This month, they will roll out "South Florida's first and largest school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program."

During the initial 30-day warning and education phase, over 10,000 warning notices will be mailed to drivers who unlawfully pass stopped school buses. The purpose of this period is to raise awareness about the consequences of such actions before the program goes live on May 8. After that, offenders who continue to ignore school bus stop signs will be fined at least $200, which they will receive via mail.

The enforcement program will be applied across the entire fleet of 1,000 school buses in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Each bus will be fitted with stop-arm cameras to capture drivers who pass while the bus is stopped and its sign is extended. Additionally, interior cameras will monitor activity inside the buses, providing further protection for students and drivers.

Bus Patrol, a leader in school bus safety technology, will supply the technical infrastructure to support this program, while the Miami-Dade County Police Department will enforce the traffic rules. The school district will ensure that policies are followed and that buses operate according to new safety standards.

This initiative has been well received by parents and educators, who believe it will deter dangerous driving around buses and create a safer commuting environment for students. By prioritizing student safety through community education and enforcement, this program aims to establish a model for other regions to follow.