Abington Township’s agreement with Bus Patrol, a company that operates an AI-powered school bus safety program, was featured in a CBS News story about the program’s “staggering” results in the Philadelphia region.

According to their coverage, an incident involving a five-year-old was the impetus for law enforcement’s usage of video surveillance.

Abington’s program has captured several hundred violations since it began in February.

“We’re surprised at the amount of violations being sent to us. And legitimate violations, not close calls,” Abington’s Traffic Safety Officer Michael Coughlin told CBS. “People are starting to get the message that these cameras are out there.”

CBS’ video coverage is below:

The Hatboro-Horsham School District began the program on June 1. Upper Moreland schools first enrolled in the program in January 2023, and Cheltenham schools enrolled in September 2023.

Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and the stop-arm extended. The penalty for a first-time violation is $300. More information on the law as it pertains to these violations can be found here.

In related news, Bernice Adams, an Abington Township crossing guard for the past 20 years, is retiring.

“For the past 5 years, Bernice has been a familiar, friendly face at Roslyn Elementary School – keeping students safe at Susquehanna and Johnson Rd. Prior to that, she watched over the busy corner of Easton Rd and Keswick Ave, always with a wave, a smile, and a heart full of care,” the Abington Township Police Department said in a post. “Now, Bernice is off to enjoy her well-earned retirement with plans to travel and spend quality time with her husband. Thank you, Bernice, for keeping our community safe for two decades. You’ll be greatly missed.”

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Screengrab: CBS | Photo: ATPD