ABOUT

 S.T.O.P  the Operator from Passing is a Massachusetts school bus safety initiative created to raise awareness for the alarming number of  illegal school bus passing violations that put  kids' lives in danger.

S.T.O.P was instrumental in bringing a data collection program to the state to provide live video evidence of drivers violating school bus safety laws while children were getting on and off the bus -many who were waiting to cross the street.   Cameras affixed to school buses in Peabody & Salem captured thousands of illegal passing violations.

 S.T.O.P. spearheaded a powerful movement to improve school bus safety, earning the support of local leaders, state lawmakers, the media, and influential safety advocates. 

 S.T.O.P's dedication and tireless advocacy resulted in the passing of an Emergency Preamble to the existing no passing law. H.4940  allows local police to use video evidence from school bus cameras to issue citations and ultimately help to change driver behavior. 

 S.T.O.P’s mission is to empower communities to make school bus stops safer by facilitating partnerships and providing programs and solutions to:

 raise awareness,  enforce the law,  educate students and advocate for their safety.

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THE ROAD TO 

SCHOOL BUS 

SAFETY

In about 2 years, I went from being a mom yelling at drivers blowing past stopped school buses to  having a significant role in passing legislation to hold them accountable.

I could never have done it alone!

Working alongside community leaders, local media, and influential safety advocates, S.T.O.P. ignited a larger push to pass the  Massachusetts school bus camera law to protect our school bus pedestrians. 

This experience positioned me as a knowledgeable resource for  illegal school bus passing and the stop-arm camera laws in Massachusetts. 

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who got involved!

~ Maria Scheri

Founder, S.T.O.P the Operator from Passing