Over 300 tickets issued for illegally passing school buses in Somerset Co. last year, officials say

SOMERSET CO., Md. – More than 300 tickets were issued for illegally passing school buses this past school year in Somerset County.

We’re told during the 2023-2024 school year, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office issued a total of 326 citations for illegally passing a school bus. The majority of the incidents reportedly took place in February 2024, with 50 violations. Data shows that children were most at risk during the afternoon hours, with most violations taking place between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Somerset County Public Schools partnered with school bus safety camera solution BusPatrol in 2022, to add automated photo enforcement technology to the entire fleet of more than 40 buses.

“School Bus stops are dangerous. With each stop comes the potential for a child to get injured. One of the program’s main goals is to educate and prevent a tragedy from happening. Last year 326 citations were issued. Bus Patrol has been great with its technology and the evidence we’ve been able to use in court for those who wish to challenge a citation. When the School Bus lights are Flashing Red, STOP. Safety is the Priority,” said Somerset County Sheriff Ronald Howard.

Supervisor of Transportation and Operations for Somerset County Public Schools Mike Bartemy said, “The results are concerning, but not surprising, given the national epidemic that exists with illegal school bus passings. We are thankful for the partnership with BusPatrol as it provides the most advanced technology to better enforce state laws, hold violators accountable and enhance the safety of our school buses on the road.”