Ball-Chatham Schools Install LED School Bus Stop Arm Extensions to Enhance Student Safety

Setting the Scene

Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District #5 continues putting student safety front and center by rolling out LED-illuminated stop-arm extensions on school buses. Developed by Springfield-based BusGates, these extensions attach below existing retractable stop signs and extend a striking 72 inches to improve visibility and deter dangerous passing behavior WAND-TVWICS.

Why LED School Bus Stop Arm Extensions Can Improve Safety Measures

Nationwide, illegal passing of stopped school buses is a serious issue. The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services estimates that a staggering 62,500 vehicles illegally passed stopped buses in a single day during the 2022–2023 school year WICS. Ball-Chatham’s enhancement is a direct response to this alarming trend, aiming to make school bus signals impossible to miss.

A Community-Driven Initiative

This safety upgrade stems from a collaborative effort led by Laura Calderon—Executive Director of the Illinois Public Transportation Association and former Ball-Chatham Board Vice President. Working together with Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon, the district secured the partnership with BusGates to bring this innovation to life WICS.

Rolling Out the Upgrades

Currently, seven buses in the district have been equipped with the new stop-arm extensions. The district plans to outfit its entire 48-bus fleet by the start of the 2025–2026 school year, ensuring every student ride becomes safer WICS.

Final Thoughts

By investing in LED-lit stop-arm extensions, Ball-Chatham is reinforcing the message that school bus safety is non‐negotiable. This relatively simple but effective technology could serve as a model for districts nationwide—saving lives one extension at a time.