In response to a tragic incident involving a school bus in Boston that claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy in April, discussions have intensified regarding ways to enhance the safety of school buses in the city.
One proposed solution is the installation of enforcement cameras designed to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
This approach has gained traction after a law, signed by Governor Maura Healey earlier this year, made such devices legal in Massachusetts.
As part of an ongoing initiative, the Boston City Council is exploring reader suggestions aimed at improving bus safety, including a recommendation from Yuen Kwan, a Waltham parent, who advocates for using automatic camera enforcement to deter reckless driving behavior.
Kwan emphasized, “I think automatic camera enforcement plus fining is the best option available to change drivers’ behavior.”
Waltham has already taken steps towards implementing these cameras, which will impose fines starting at $250 for violations.
State officials remain uncertain about how many municipalities will utilize the law, as data on community participation will not emerge until required annual reports are submitted.
The first step for localities is to officially ‘accept’ the law, which Boston’s City Council accomplished with a unanimous vote earlier this year.
Subsequently, in February, the council proposed an ordinance to operationalize the camera enforcement system; however, this measure has yet to be reviewed or discussed in committee meetings.
According to a spokesperson for Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, who chairs the government operations committee, “no hearing has been held or scheduled for the ordinance yet.”
If cameras are installed, the new law mandates the placement of warning signs on school buses to inform drivers of the enforcement measures.
Ultimately, these cameras aim not just to generate fines but to deter dangerous driving behaviors around school buses.
It is essential to note that the specific incident in Hyde Park might not have been impacted by such cameras, as the prevailing conditions at the time are unclear.
Nonetheless, incidents of drivers passing stopped buses are a prevalent concern in Boston, underscoring the need for proactive safety measures.
In the broader context, more than 500 child fatalities in the United States have been attributed to vehicles illegally passing school buses since 1970, highlighting the ongoing risks involved.
While there are considerations regarding the costs of installation and privacy issues, there are few substantial arguments against the implementation of school bus cameras.
Unlike common traffic violations such as speeding or running red lights, passing a stopped school bus is a clear and dangerous infraction that should be addressed.
The recent revelation of another serious accident involving a Boston school bus that struck an 8-year-old child emphasizes the urgency for enhanced safety protocols.
This incident serves as a reminder that systemic flaws exist within Boston’s school bus safety measures, warranting increased public discourse and scrutiny on the matter.
This coverage is part of the ongoing exploration of transportation safety in the region through the ‘Are we there yet?’ Globe Opinion newsletter, curated by Alan Wirzbicki, who can be contacted via email for further discussion.
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