With school back in session, officials from across the Commonwealth urge drivers to exercise caution around school buses. Reckless driving around bus stops or parked buses can result in a hefty fine or worse, injury or death.
Lori Weaver Hawkins with AAA Blue Grass said in 2024, there were nearly 900 accidents leaving over 200 people injured and three dead. She warns drivers to heed signals from school buses to protect the children entering and exiting them.
“As soon as the amber lights start to flash, because those will be the first sign, that’s the signal drivers can expect that they’re going to need to stop. They should not proceed again until the bus is back in motion,” said Weaver Hawkins.
She added there are many things drivers should be doing to ensure the safety of young students on the road.
“Please pay attention to those traffic signs and those traffic signals and not put other pedestrians in more risk, as well as those crossing guards out there in some areas to help children cross. Please don’t put them in harm’s way. Don’t get distracted looking at your phone and blow right through a pedestrian crosswalk,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Weaver Hawkins said drivers may seek alternate routes away from school zones to completely avoid the risk of encountering school buses.