|
“This is a critical public safety measure to keep the most precious cargo, our children and students, safe,” said Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence), a retired Rhode Island State Police major and former North Providence Police chief. “This legislation provides a reasonable timeline for cities and towns to procure a necessary enforcement mechanism that will keep our children safe as they’re riding to and from school, particularly when they are boarding or exiting school buses.”
“This bill is necessary for student safety, driver safety, and monitor safety,” said Representative Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick), a retired officer with the Coventry Police Department. “I spoke to the school bus operations in one of the communities I represent, and they said the time frame for budgeting, allocation, and implementation was very thoughtful and reasonable.”
“Far too often, students, parents, and school bus workers are put at risk by motorists violating the law,” said Taibi, Secretary Treasurer at Teamsters Local 251. “Hopefully, this law will keep our children and communities safer by deterring dangerous behavior. Teamsters Local 251 is proud to support this effort.”
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students. This new law puts student safety front and center by ensuring every school bus in Rhode Island is equipped with outward-facing cameras to deter dangerous driving and protect children as they get on and off the bus,” said Smithfield Public Schools Superintendent Dawn Bartz. “Here in Smithfield, we’ve already enhanced safety with interior bus cameras, and this legislation builds on that with added protections. I am especially grateful to Governor McKee, our House and Senate leaders, and Senator David Tikoian, who is a strong advocate for our schools and is the sponsor of this legislation, for their leadership in protecting Rhode Island’s children.”
“Many of the young children who are waiting for their school bus are excited and enjoying the camaraderie of the other children. When they cross a street or walk onto a school bus from a sidewalk, their last thought is worrying about a distracted automobile driver who ignores the flashing red lights and creates a dangerous environment for school kids, as well as their parents. It is unfortunate, but a reality that these incidents occur,” said Smithfield Town Manager Robert Seltzer. “This new legislation will provide the technology to identify these offenders and penalize them for their carelessness. More importantly, it is an opportunity to educate these offenders about the dangers of such carelessness to hopefully teach them that such behavior is unacceptable.”
|
