Every day, students in Marlboro Township Public Schools (MTPS) rely on school buses to get them to and from school safely. However, too often, reckless drivers ignore the law and illegally pass stopped school buses, putting children in danger. Without clear video evidence, these violations often go unpunished, leaving students vulnerable and parents worried.

If we don’t take action, this dangerous problem will continue. Without cameras on all school buses, drivers who break the law will keep endangering students without consequences. But by installing cameras that automatically capture these violations, we can hold reckless drivers accountable, deter future offenses, and create a safer environment for every child who rides the bus.

Now is the time to act before another tragic accident occurs. Other districts have already implemented similar safety measures with success, and we must do the same before it’s too late. The safety of our children is non-negotiable—let’s protect them by requiring all MTPS school buses to be equipped with enforcement cameras. Sign this petition today and help make our roads safer for everyone!

Now.. your probably wondering:

How will this benefit the school back? After all this must cost a large sum of money. Well...

Revenue from Fines: Many school bus camera programs partner with local law enforcement to issue tickets to drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. A portion of these fines often goes back to the school district or municipality, helping offset the cost of installation and maintenance.

Potential State or Federal Grants: Some safety initiatives qualify for government funding, grants, or subsidies that could help cover the cost of the cameras or even generate additional resources for the district.

Reduced Liability Costs – By preventing accidents and injuries, the district may reduce potential legal costs related to student injuries caused by illegal passing. This could lower insurance claims or lawsuits against the district.

Long-Term Cost Savings -  While there is an initial investment, over time, the program may become self-sustaining through violation fines, reducing the need for additional funding from the school budget.

Increased Efficiency for Law Enforcement – With automated evidence collection, police won’t need to rely on manual reports from bus drivers, allowing them to focus on other safety concerns while still enforcing school bus laws effectively.

Not to mention, it will enhance student safety, create stronger legal enforcement, reduce bus driver stress, create a positive public image for Marlboro Township Public Schools (MTPS), and create parental and community trust.

Examples:

Idiot passes stopped school bus and almost hits a kid​

Staggering numbers of motorists ignore school bus warnings​

Georgia student has close call as truck nearly hits her at bus stop​

Patrol Urges Caution Around School Buses After Video Captures Near Miss​

School Bus Safety 2023​

Video shows two Austin, Texas students hit by cars near bus stops​

Idiot Passes Stopped School Bus, Almost Kills 2 Kids, Statesville, NC​

‘Disturbing new video’ in NJ cheerleader’s debilitating hit-run crash

 

Quick Facts:

• Over 17 million drivers illegally pass school buses every year in the U.S. (National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services).
• More than 95% of school bus drivers report seeing illegal passers daily (NASDPTS survey).
• School bus stop-arm cameras have reduced violations by up to 30% in some districts.
• Illegal passing incidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, especially for younger children crossing the road.
• New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.1) requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet from a school bus when its stop sign is extended.
• Several states already use bus camera enforcement, leading to more accountability and safer roads.
• Many drivers ignore school bus stop signs because they assume they won’t get caught—cameras change that.