Prairie Seeds, New Millennium Schools Receive Grants for Bus Stop Arm Cameras

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety awarded $3.7 million to 42 schools and transportation companies for bus stop arm camera systems.

New Millennium Academy in Brooklyn Center, Prairie Seeds Academy in Brooklyn Park and Golden Valley-based Lake Country Transportation are among the entities that will receive funds for cameras to help bus drivers catch violators.

Stop arm violations continue to be a problem with more than 1,000 violations observed across Minnesota during a one-day survey this year.

It is illegal for drivers to keep going when a bus stop arm is fully extended.

Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights or a stop arm.

“Schoolkids shouldn’t have to worry when getting on and off the bus, and no parent should have to fear losing their child to a careless driver,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director, in a press release. “Bus drivers see the violations and near misses. They have a lot to pay attention to as drivers so the camera systems will be an additional, effective tool to help them and law enforcement find the violators. The cameras will help keep kids safe, hold selfish or inattentive drivers accountable, and change dangerous driving choices.”

DPS gave $3.5 million in grants to 32 schools and transportation companies in February. This is the second round of grants. 

Brooklyn Center