After several serious near-accidents where motorists have ignored the flashing red lights of a school bus stopped to discharge or admit students, Martha’s Vineyard school transportation supervisor James Flynn and his drivers met with Sheriff Mike McCormack and the chiefs of police of the six Island towns on Tuesday, Oct. 5, to detail a significant increase in drivers flouting the rules around school buses.

Mr. Flynn explained to the chiefs that the newest school buses, purchased in the spring of 2009, are equipped with a continuous loop of film which captures inappropriate motorist actions, such as running the red lights of a school bus.

The chiefs requested copies of the incidents to be sent to their respective offices, and promised prompt review of the tapes and follow-up with motorists seen to disobey the state law regarding a stopped school bus.

Concerned drivers hope this increased vigilance and visibility of police will enhance school bus safety.

National School Bus Safety Week begins on Monday.