Buffalo to start using stop arm tech to catch reckless drivers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — If you blow past a stopped school bus in Buffalo, there’s a good chance you’ll be slapped with a $250 fine.

The city has partnered with the company BusPatrol to discourage and catch reckless drivers, using artificial intelligence to help keep kids safe and hold dangerous drivers accountable. Starting next month, First Student school buses used by Buffalo Public Schools will have cameras attached to their stop arms.

When the arm comes out and the lights start flashing, eight cameras on the buses will start recording. If the technology behind the system clocks a driver illegally passing, a digital packet of video evidence is sent to BusPatrol. From there, it’s reviewed by humans and forwarded to police, who will determine if a fine is necessary.

“We have to leverage technology,” Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said. “And it’s not just even in this. It’s in other aspects of policing, whether it be cameras, license plate readers, other things that we do to help keep the public safe.”

News 4 was told no taxpayer dollars are going toward the program. BusPatrol absorbs the cost of installing the equipment and receives a cut of the traffic violation fines.

Beginning July 1, violators will only receive a warning in the mail until the city begins hitting people with true violations on Sept. 30.

Latest Local News

Man charged following motorcycle chase in Jamestown

St. Benedict parishioner pushes back against Buffalo Diocese closure recommendation

Crime Stoppers offering up to $7,500 for information on homicide of 3-year-old

Allegany County man arrested on murder charge after Woodhull shooting

‘Very playful, full of joy’: Family members remember the life of a 3-year-old killed in Buffalo shooting

Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.