School bus safety program
Newtown has partnered with BusPatrol to protect students on the way to and from school.
Our Goal
This School Bus Safety Program is designed to reduce reckless driving around school buses and create safer roads for everyone in our community. Data shows that over 90% of first-time violators do not commit a second offense – a strong indicator that the program has the potential to change driver behavior.
By working together, we can increase awareness and encourage responsible driving habits around the yellow school bus.
Why?
Illegal school bus passings are on the rise across the state, putting children at risk daily. A recent study by a Connecticut school district documented nearly 10,000 violations in just six months, underscoring the urgent need for action.
In early 2026, the Newtown Board of Education conducted a weeklong study tracking vehicles that illegally passed school buses, documenting 95 violations over 5 days. This data underscores a critical safety concern for our students.
Basics
To combat this issue, the Newtown Board of Education and the Newtown Police Department have collaborated with BusPatrol to implement a School Bus Safety Program.
- All 56 buses serving our district have been equipped with school bus infraction detection systems, effective October 19th, 2026. These cameras detect and capture vehicles that break the law by failing to stop for the school bus.
- The Newtown Police Department reviews this evidence. Once an authorized municipal employee or police officer determines a violation has occurred, BusPatrol mails a citation to the registered vehicle owner.