Illinois School District Installs Bus Cameras to Catch Illegal and Dangerous Drivers

One Illinois school district has installed cameras on its school buses to catch illegal and dangerous drivers in the act. Will more school districts in Illinois be following suit soon?

Illinois School Bus Safety Laws

At least once a week, I notice a driver not stopping for a school bus with its stop sign extended, and as the mom of two kids who ride the bus daily, it REALLY ticks me off!

Perhaps we need a refresher on when you need to stop for a school bus according to Illinois law?

READ MORE: The Truth About Flock Cameras in Rockford

Here is the simplest and most important thing drivers need to remember when it comes to school buses: If a bus has its lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop! 

Of course, there are a few exceptions which this handy graphic explains nicely:

The truth is, most Illinois drivers know what the school bus safety laws are, but too many ignore them or pretend they "forgot" what they are, and one Stateline area school district has had enough.

Winnebago School District Adds Cameras to School Buses

School bus drivers in every district across Illinois are told to report drivers they see breaking school bus safety laws, but capturing video proof themselves is not the safest or easiest thing to do.

This is why Winnebago School District #323 decided to install cameras on all 18 of their school buses, thanks to a grant that was awarded to the district by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

Catherine Welch, Winnebago School District’s Transportation Director told WIFR:

The driver trying to capture what they could as the vehicle’s going through, while they’re still trying to focus on the students that are getting on the bus and the surroundings. Now with this technology, it’s easier. They just call it in over the radio, tell me where they were at, the time and then I can look it up on the camera.

These school bus cameras will play a big part in helping law enforcement hold violators responsible, and don't forget, first-time offenders face a $300 fine and a 3-month license suspension. Don't mess around. When in doubt, just stop.