A Western New York State Senator wants to use cameras to catch motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.

Republican Catharine Young of Olean says the bill she's sponsored would allow automated cameras to be mounted on the stop arm of a bus. The cameras would record any car that passes when the arm is extended.

The Republican says just a month ago, a child in Monsey was hit by a motorist who passed a stopped school bus.  The injuries to that student were minor but the National Transportation Safety Administration reports about five children are killed every year by cars illegally passing stopped school buses.

If approved, evidence collected by cameras that districts choose to mount on their buses could be used by police agencies in prosecuting violators and issuing fines.

Democrat Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo of Endwell has shown her support for the legislation that would give schools at least an option for cameras but the devices would not be mandatory.

Others are taking a more cautious approach to the proposal saying more study should be done into the accuracy of the cameras when recording images as well as the costs of installation and how much of that districts would have to shoulder.

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