Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud (center) and state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-3rd District, right) discuss a partnership with BusPatrol to outfit Dearborn Public School buses with cutting-edge safety technology to detect when motorists fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm deployed, Dec. 15.
DEARBORN — Mayor Abdullah Hammoud joined school district, city, and state officials Dec. 15 to announce a new school bus safety enforcement program to tackle the pervasive issue of illegal school bus passings and protect students.
Partnering with BusPatrol, Dearborn Public Schools’ fleet of more than 100 buses will be equipped with cutting-edge safety technology including stop-arm cameras powered by artificial intelligence to detect when motorists fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm deployed.
The evidence will be shared with the Police Department for review before a citation is sent to the registered vehicle owner. Dearborn is the first community in the state to incorporate this district-wide bus safety program.
“Our goal is simple: prevent dangerous driving and make our roads safer,” Hammoud said. “This program is about changing behavior and sending a clear message: In Dearborn, we stop for school buses — every time.”
The program will begin with a warning period and public awareness campaign starting Dec. 15, during which motorists will receive warning letters with no monetary penalty. Official ticketing will begin on Jan. 19, and drivers who fail to stop for a bus with its red lights flashing will face a $250 fine for a first offense, and $500 for any subsequent offenses within a 1-year period.
“We consider the school bus an extension of our school grounds, and it deserves the same level of care, oversight, and protection,” DPS Interim Supt, Lamis Srour said. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting students not only in the classroom but everywhere their school day takes them.”
As stated by Michigan state law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion, or the visual signals are no longer activated.
“Our families deserve to know their children are safe walking to and from buses,” Police Chief Issa Sahin said. “This program is about changing driver behavior and keeping our kids safer.”
The program comes at no cost to the city, district or residents, and will be funded through violations.
“This partnership with the city of Dearborn is a Michigan-first for student safety,” said Justin Meyers, BusPatrol president and chief innovation officer. “Illegally passing a stopped school bus endangers children. By collaborating with the city and Dearborn Public Schools, we ensure every Dearborn student gets home safely, changing driver behavior and making roads safer.”
According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, more than 2,200 motorists illegally pass stopped school buses each in Michigan – equivalent to more than 400,000 violations each year. Every one of those incidents puts children at risk.
The full announcement press conference can be viewed at the official City of Dearborn YouTube channel.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_cL9LOLLik