Cameras on school buses

Index-Journal, Greenwood, S.C.: It is very nearly here. It is likely greeted by some parents with much relief while teachers likely harbor mixed emotions.

Soon, yellow buses will take to the roads to pick up and deliver children.

A piece of legislation that quickly received Gov. Nikki Haley’s signature is relevant to the opening of school and the school year itself. It involves cameras and how they can be used to ticket those who violate the strict but safety-conscious laws surrounding school buses. And while some might see this as more Big Brother watching, we — and we trust most others — see it as sane and necessary.

Up until now, law enforcement had to witness someone passing a stopped school bus for a case to be prosecuted. Nowadays, buses are being equipped with cameras, and if a review of the images captured by camera can substantiate a bus driver’s claim of a violation, then a case can be prosecuted. As is often the case, the law about passing a stopped school bus was hard to prosecute.

Perhaps knowing there are cameras on buses will result in fewer violations to begin with, but if they capture offenders and those offenders can then be prosecuted, all the better.