Duluth Public Schools Increasing Bus Safety with Cameras

DULUTH, Minn.– School buses are back on the road, and a network of cameras is watching over drivers who break the law.

All 30 Duluth school buses are equipped with surveillance cameras, ready to detect stop arm violation.

That violation comes with a 500-dollar fine, and a misdemeanor on a driver’s record.

Drivers could face a gross misdemeanor charge if they pass a stopped school bus on the right side, or drive past the extended stop arm while students are outside the bus.

“I think people knowing that there’s cameras out there that will catch you, that you will get this hefty fine, really makes people more aware. And if we can have just everyone, I mean, it’s a big yellow bus. You can’t miss a big yellow bus,” said Adelle Wellens Communications Officer, Duluth Public Schools.

While drivers are a main focus of school bus safety, the district wants families to keep the conversation going with their children, so they are also vigilant.

“Just talk to them about making sure they’re listening to the bus driver that if they’re going to cross the street, to cross in front of the bus, but also wait for the bus driver to give them the go ahead. Then just make sure that you know, kids are even with that still looking both ways before crossing the street. I mean, it’s as simple as that,” explained Wellens.

MNDOT awarded the Duluth school district a 70-thousand-dollar grant to purchase the cameras a few years back.