Resources
Bus Patrol
Quakertown Community School District has launched a school bus safety program in partnership with Richland Township Police Department in line with PA Motor Vehicle Code § 3345.1.
All school buses in the district are now equipped with safety technology, including stop-arm enforcement cameras designed to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. This safety initiative seeks to curb dangerous motorist behavior around school buses and make the journey to and from school safer for all student riders.
How the Safety Program Works
The School Bus Safety Program combines education with enforcement to effectively change motorist behavior over time and create a culture of awareness and responsibility around school buses.
Before the first ticket is even issued, QCSD is running an extensive PSA campaign. This campaign will remind motorists of school bus stopping laws and teach children road safety tips for getting on and off the bus.
Modernizing School Buses
In addition to stop-arm enforcement cameras, the fleet is now fully equipped with additional features to improve safety for students and drivers.
This includes:
- 360° safety cameras inside and outside the bus
- GPS tracking
- Emergency response solutions
This technology is all included as part of the program at zero cost to the school districts and taxpayers.
What Happens If You Illegally Pass a Stopped School Bus
All school buses that transport QCSD students are equipped with safety technology, including stop-arm enforcement cameras. Cameras on the side of school buses help capture violation events and vehicle license plate numbers.
The violation is reviewed by law enforcement. Once approved, a notice of violation is sent to the registered vehicle owner by mail.
In Pennsylvania, a first-time stop-arm violation witnessed by a stop-arm enforcement carries a fine of $300 and no points.
In addition to the financial deterrent, violators learn about the potential dangers of their actions. Offenders can call the program's toll-free number ( 1-877-504-7080 ) and speak with a representative, who can review the video evidence and help them understand the dangers of illegal passing. Services are offered in both English and Spanish.
Data from other safety programs demonstrates that 98% of first-time offenders do not receive a second ticket, and 95% of drivers do not contest their ticket after seeing video evidence of their violation.
Public Service "Heroin Kills"
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is proud to offer its new “Heroin Kills” anti-opiate public service announcement videos. The videos are an extension of the DA’s anti-heroin initiative, which seeks to educate the public about the use and abuse of heroin and its tragic consequences, as well as to cut the supply of drugs and identify and prosecute dealers through anonymous tip lines and other means.
Central to both videos, one approximately a minute long, one approximately ten minutes long, is the courageous and wrenching account of “Maggie,” a suburban mother whose daughter, a former high school honor student, has fallen victim to heroin addiction. Eloquently and frankly, “Maggie” tells of the toll taken by the drug on her daughter, including a half-dozen failed attempts to kick the habit, and the daughter’s single-minded plundering of her parents’ possessions and finances in order to pay for the heroin she craves.
One minute video
Ten minute video
Need Help with Drug and Alcohol Issues?
Click HERE for information on where to find help in Bucks Count (PDF)
Bucks County Drug and Alcohol website
