South Callaway school district gets bus camera to catch violators failing to stop

The South Callaway School District is trying out a new camera to help catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses.

The district says this feature is because of several close calls last year. While the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office said there isn’t a major problem, even one close call is too many.

“If it happens one time in a school year, that’s one time too many,” Sheriff Clay Chism.

A stop arm violation is when drivers don’t stop for a school bus dropping off or picking up students from school.

The new camera is currently installed on one bus, near the stop sign signal. The district says the plan is to have them on all 14 buses but will first try out the one camera on heavy traffic roads, like Route O and Highway C.

The camera will be able to get information about the vehicle on their recording system and then the footage would be sent over to law enforcement that can issue a violation.

Donnie DeBrodie, the director of transportation for South Callaway School District said he just wants residents and drivers to be aware that school is around the corner, and to not forget the law.

“We are just asking that you support the bus drivers as they are out there on the roads, picking up and dropping off the students,” DeBrodie said.

The camera cost around $400, plus installation costs.

If you are found guilty of violating a stop arm violation, you could face a class A misdemeanor. The penalty could range from 1 year in jail or a $1,000 fine. If you keep repeating the crime, you could lose driving privileges for several months.