The Connetquot Central School District has launched an educational bus stop-arm safety initiative this school year. The program is being funded with a Suffolk County grant aimed at increasing student, family and community awareness of the importance of a school bus’s stop-arm camera. Over the next several months, the district will be unveiling various awareness initiatives as part of this informational campaign in the hopes that all drivers will exercise increased caution when approaching a stopped school bus.

For reference, when a school bus is stopped with lights flashing and the stop sign extended, all vehicles are required to stop. Using advanced technology, these stop signs are now equipped with advanced safety technology cameras that can identify illegal passers' license plates, and negligent drivers are issued a ticket if they illegally pass a stopped school bus. The ticket is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner(s).

As a kickoff to the campaign, several Connetquot vans used to transport supplies and materials throughout our district have been wrapped with the campaign logo “Stop on Red – Kids Ahead.” These decorated vans are only meant to serve as visual reminders and do not require drivers to make any special stops, as no students are transported in these vehicles. In addition, banner signs are being displayed outside each district building to further promote this important topic.

The district looks forward to continuing this initiative and helping to keep our students and communities safe.

Date Added: 3/18/2024