Ada Exempted Village Schools buses are now equipped with cameras to monitor the behaviour of other drivers. In November, Transportation and Maintenance Supervisor  Tim Garmon reported that in the first 18 days, 9 citations were issued for drivers running the red flashing lights that indicate traffic must stop. On January 4 he told the Icon that these violations have been greatly reduced.

There are multiple cameras installed on the school buses, but the left side camera is the most helpful, according to Garmon. Footage is captured on a hard drive and bus drivers push a button to tag the recording when violations occur. Incidents are then forwarded to the Hardin or Hancock county sheriff’s offices for follow up.

Section 4511.75 of the Ohio Revised Code, Stopping for stopped school bus, stipulates that “The driver of a vehicle … upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child … shall stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.”

Violations can result in fines of up to $500.00.