Every morning I wait at my bus stop, I am reminded of the close calls my classmates and I have experienced with reckless drivers who choose to ignore the extended stop arm on our school buses. I have heard too many stories, like that of a friend, who narrowly escaped a speeding car that didn't respect the stop sign, missing her by just inches. It’s terrifying to think that such negligence happens in our own Woodbridge, CT community. This isn’t just an abstract concept, it’s a frightening reality that we face as students every day.

While I’ve been fortunate enough not to experience many near misses myself, witnessing the speed and disregard with which some drivers pass a halted bus is unsettling. Each time a vehicle speeds by, it’s a roll of the dice with a student's safety on the line. This could affect someone I know or, potentially, me next time. This is why I am calling for the implementation of exterior stop-arm cameras on Amity Regional School District buses. This technology will provide a reliable deterrent against illegal passings, significantly enhancing our school commute safety.

Statistics show that stop-arm cameras in other districts have proven effective, drastically reducing illegal bus passings. According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, incidents decrease by as much as 30% when surveillance cameras are installed. These critical recordings not only act as a deterrent but also assist in holding offenders accountable, which can lead to a safer environment for everyone involved.

One of the most compelling reasons to support installing stop-arm cameras on Amity school buses is that it won’t cost the district or taxpayers a penny. Companies like BusPatrol install, maintain, and operate the entire system at no upfront or ongoing cost to schools. Why is this possible? Because the program uses a violator-funded cost‑recovery model: fines issued to drivers who illegally pass stopped buses pay for the equipment and its upkeep. Once the initial investment is recouped, districts can even receive a share of the ticket revenue. In Shelton, for instance, BusPatrol handled full funding through this model while capturing 581 violations in just one week, and the city didn’t spend a dime. In short, it’s a no-cost, high-impact solution that enhances student safety without drawing on school budgets.

Our district has an obligation to protect us as we travel to and from school. By investing in exterior stop-arm cameras, we can intervene before it's too late and prevent potential tragic outcomes. We need our community leaders to prioritize this safety measure, ensuring every child steps off the bus unharmed and at ease.

Join me in urging the Amity Regional School District and local officials in Woodbridge, CT to take immediate action by signing this petition. Our voices can make a difference in making our school buses safe zones, free from the threat of reckless drivers. Sign now to help protect our students' lives.