Hello! My name is Crystal Caribbean Kruse. I am a resident of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. I am a certified New Jersey Substitute Teacher. I am deeply concerned about the safety of our children when it comes to school buses. It is alarming to see cars not stopping for school buses when they have their stop signs out and children are getting on or off. This reckless behavior puts our children at risk of being hit by a passing vehicle, and it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. I have personally witnessed vehicles zooming passed by school stopped school buses nearly risking a student's life. It has come to a point where I feel FRUSTRATED! When I witness a vehicle breaking this law, it makes me want to roll down my car window and start screaming - but me screaming is not appropriate and will not make a change to this issue. This is why I am taking action and starting a petition to implement MANDATORY installation of stop-arm cameras on New Jersey school buses. 

The safety of our children is PARAMOUNT. Yet, in New Jersey, there is currently no requirement for school buses to have external stop-arm cameras. My question is "WHY?" This lack of surveillance can lead to numerous safety issues including hit-and-runs and illegal passing incidents that put our children at risk. According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, in a single day count, OVER 95,000 vehicles illegally passed school buses nationwide (NASDPTS). By making it mandatory for all school buses in New Jersey to be equipped with stop-arm exterior cameras, we can provide an additional layer of security and accountability for our children's safety during their commute to and from school. 

Let's prioritize the well-being of our students by advocating for this crucial change. Please sign this petition today and help us protect our future generations.

Thank you!