'If you can't stop, you shouldn't be driving' | School buses in Fairfax County will soon have cameras

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — If you see a school bus with its stop sign out, you are required to stop.

"It's something I've been working with the school system for literally 10 years, to get to this point to get these cameras installed," Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay.

He told WUSA9 he's heard from bus drivers across the county that they want to keep these kids safe but need help.

"We just see far to often people not paying attention on the roadways and passing these buses and our school bus drivers need help," said McKay.

He says the goal was to have the cameras up and running by the first day of school which was August 19. Unfortunately, he says the program was delayed because of some administrative issues.

"It was always the goal to get them up in the first half of this school year, so they'll be up this calendar year," said McKay.

Once they're up and running, if you don't stop for an extended school bus stop-arm, a picture will be snapped of your vehicle and sent to Fairfax County Police.

"That citation gets sent to a sworn Fairfax County Police officer and that officer has to look at it, verify that a violation or infraction occurred and then it gets sent to the registered owner," said Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis.

He told WUSA9 they've seen success in similar programs, like the speed cameras that have been installed in school zones.

"We know automated traffic enforcement, and not just here in Fairfax County but regionally, it does change driving behavior," he said.

"It's not done to just generate revenue. It changes bad driving behaviors," said Davis.

He and McKay told WUSA9, that's ultimately the goal.

"This is not meant to damage people's driving records, but it is meant to change driving behavior," said McKay.

If you're on a two lane road or even a road with multiple lanes and maybe a turning lane diving each side of the road, you still have to stop.

Unless there’s a median, like a barrier or unpaved area in between the lanes of traffic, all drivers must come to a stop at least 15 feet from the bus. 

For those who are concerned about having to pay a $250 fine, McKay says there's an easy way to avoid it: stop for school buses.

"If there's a 30,000 pound yellow machine with flashing red lights that say stop on our streets, if you can't stop, you shouldn't be driving," said McKay.

"These school buses carry our most precious cargo. It's only gonna take a couple of minutes to stop and the life you save is someone else's child," said Davis.