Redflex Traffic Systems, the company that introduced photo-based traffic safety technologies to American roads 25 years ago, is now making school bus routes safer for children with its latest innovation, REDFLEX Student Guardian.
Every school day, thousands of motorists break state laws by driving around stopped school buses. Student Guardian provides students with an extra layer of protection as they enter and exit the bus, capturing images and video of potential violators who put children’s lives in danger.
The Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services conducted the first national survey assessing the frequency of this dangerous activity last year. It monitored stop-arm passing incidents on nearly 112,000 buses in 28 states. In just one day, bus drivers recorded more than 76,000 illegal passes. That represents more than 13 million illegal passes nationally in a typical 180-day school year.
“The threat of injury or death is very real for the 26 million students nationwide who rely on school bus transportation,” said Karen Finley, president and CEO of Redflex. “Student Guardian will serve as a constant reminder for drivers to stop behind every school bus and make sure those students are safe. I cannot think of a better use for our technologies than student safety.”
Two cities in Connecticut are among the first to take action against dangerous drivers on school bus routes. Pilot programs utilizing Student Guardian are underway, which will provide guidance to cities and school districts on which routes are the most dangerous in their communities.
“In today’s world we have embraced technology in almost every aspect of our lives, and I am pleased that we will pilot this high-tech program pertaining to bus safety,” said School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. from Southington, Conn.
Redflex’s Student Guardian has been designed to curb dangerous driving behaviors and enforce traffic laws on school bus routes. 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 displayed, leaving the bus driver free to focus on students. Data supporting possible violations, including high-definition video and high-resolution images of license plates and drivers, is submitted to local law enforcement to determine whether a citation is warranted.
Student Guardian can be operated at no cost to taxpayers, and there is no upfront capital investment for cities and districts. The program is fully funded by violations.
“We know photo enforcement solutions make intersections safer nationwide by reducing red-light running and speeding violations. Independent studies have shown that time and time again. We’re excited that the same technology is now available to keep school children safe,” said Finley.
About Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc.
Redflex Traffic Systems, a leader in road safety technology, operates more than 2,000 photo enforcement systems in more than 250 cities throughout the United States and Canada.
