State Superintendent June Atkinson will hold a press conference Thursday as part of the media push. 

 

Atkinson will be joined by Governor’s Highway Safety Program Assistant Director Mark Scaringelli, parent Dale Folwell and representatives of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to highlight the critical role motorists play in ensuring safety.

 

During an annual one-day stop arm violation count, over 3,000 motorists on average illegally pass a stopped school bus, according to the Department of Public Instruction. Since 1998-99, 13 students have lost their lives as a result; and in the last two school years alone, five students have been killed. 

 

Most school districts have at least two stop arm cameras installed on school buses. State law specifically authorizes the use of these cameras to be used by law enforcement and district attorneys to prosecute motorists who break the law.