At a Tuesday afternoon news conference at District 186 headquarters a new piece of technology was unveiled that officials hope will further protect kids traveling to school or to home on the big yellow buses.

Bus Extension Arms, developed by a local company called BusGates, are brightly colored and LED-lit metallic arms which are attached to the already in place remote control stop signs currently in use. Developers say they extend the protective reach about 72″ and greatly increase visibility.

Springfield Chamber of Commerce CEO Mike Murphy was on hand for the ceremony, and he says school buses have used the same warning signs for over 50 years and motorists have just stopped seeing them.

School Superintendent, Jennifer Gill, says 20 buses will have the new tech, purchased through a $10,000 donation from Laborers Local 477.  She hopes eventually all school buses will have the new safety features.